Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is situated within the small town of Karatu, midway between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Locally-owned and staffed, it's a low-key garden lodge offering accommodation in spacious cottages, and serves as a good base for a tour of the region.
A blend of roughly cut stone and wood & terracotta flooring, Bougainvillea Safari Lodge has a decidedly rustic quality. The lodge has been sparely decorated, but fine touches, like the intricate lattice-like bamboo ceilings, lend it character. Avoiding an excess of decor - the buffalo skulls, tribal patterns and colonial paraphernalia that are employed at other lodges as if to remind you that you're in Africa - Bougainvillea's stylish villas would feel just as home in a Mediterranean setting as in Tanzania.
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is well positioned for day trips into Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Note that the lodge does not organise its own safari activities, making it best for those travelling with their own safari guide and vehicle, or those on self-drives.
Accommodation
Thirty-two cottages are set within the landscaped gardens, overlooking the pool area or the coffee plants.
The rooms are furnished with double or twin beds (with mosquito netting), fireplace, separate dressing and en-suite bathroom with shower (no bathtub). All open onto a verandah overlooking the gardens.
The rooms can be made up as triples with advance notice. Two of the cottages are inter-connecting, serving as family rooms.
Dining
A generous buffet breakfast starts the day. Lunch and dinner are set menus, though special dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
Lodge-owner Reggie Bayo, formerly a chef in the safari industry, oversees the kitchen at Bougainvillea, ensuring the menus are varied and creative!
Facilities
Swimming pool
Baby pool
Indoor and outdoor dining areas
Lounge and bar
Massage room
Wi-Fi (common areas only)
Child Policy
Children of all ages accommodated.
