Rhotia Valley Tented Camp is quietly tucked away on top of a hill, in authentic rural Africa and at the same time located in the very heart of the Northern Tanzanian safari circuit - Rhotia Valley has it all! It is the perfect base for the start of your safari. It is only half an hour's drive to the gate of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area or to the gate of Lake Manyara National Park. While you can drive to Lake Eyasi and Tarangire National Park in little more than one hour and to the Serengeti within half a day!

Situated on top of that hill - at 1700 m, well above malaria risk! -  the lodge offers breathtaking views of the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area forest, nearby villages and the terraced fields of the local farmers, within the background Lake Manyara. At night the twinkling lights of Karatu town can be seen in the distance, in the morning you can enjoy the sun rising over Mount Meru and with some luck even over Mount Kilimanjaro.

The lodge is built using indigenous hardwood and in a traditional African style. It is in complete harmony with its surroundings. Yet, its spacious set up, personal and friendly service and its finishing touches, such as cosy sofas around the fireplace and warm decorative details, provide a perfectly balanced luxury.

Rhotia Valley also has a children’s home. A percentage of the proceeds from the tented camp are used to maintain and run the children’s home.

Location
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is located halfway between the Rift Valley Escarpment and Ngorongoro Crater, three miles off the main road from Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater. These very 3 miles away from the trodden paths will bring you the unforgettable experience of finding yourself in the True Africa.

Accommodation
With only fifteen individual tents, Rhotia Valley has an intimate charm. Each of the comfortable tented houses has its own veranda and a bathroom with hot and cold running water, shower and flush toilet.

Public Areas
From dawn till dusk the big veranda all around the lodge offers you lots of "room with a view". The veranda bar is fully stocked and in the open dining area wonderful meals are served at your table. Of course any dietary wishes can be taken into account. Rhotia Valley's experienced chefs use the very best and only fresh products. Most of the vegetables and all herbs are grown in our own vegetable garden. You will be delighted by the delicious kitchen!  

Sunset makes your afternoon tea, your sundowners and romantic dinner on the wooden veranda even more special. Quite often baboons and waterbucks can be seen in the daytime. The sounds of the forest enhance your dreams. And the dawn chorus of the rich local birdlife complete the magic.

Activities
Relax: If you like to relax - a break from driving on bumpy African roads and away from the tourist bustle - why not consider a day or two at the lodge itself? Many guests plan an extra day at Rhotia Valley just to be there, to relax, read, and snooze on the lazy deckchairs... or to take a pleasant stroll to the river or through the local village. Don't be surprised to be invited by a farmer to drink a cup of tea with his family!
 
Guided cultural walk: Walking from the lodge to Rhotia village accompanied by a local guide is also a wonderful experience! The guide will give you an insight into local customs and traditions, family and farm life, and a chance to see Africa in a more relaxed and adjusted pace than hunting the Big Five.

Mountain Bike: The local area is perfect for mountain biking. Explore Tanzania on a bike and you will discover a new world. Experience the Tanzanian way of life, be greeted by enthusiastic children welcoming the ‘Mzungu’ (white man). Don't forget you have to climb up to the lodge again!

Forest walk with professional NCA rangers: Accompanied by professional Ngorongoro Conservation Area rangers you can take wonderful walks - from the Lodge you can walk straight into the Ngorongoro Forest! You can choose shorter walks, for instance a three hour walk following the river to the waterfalls in the bush or a full day's hike straight down from the Ngorongoro Crater Rim back to the lodge. Experience the thrill of the possibility to bump into an elephant or buffalo in their natural surroundings when following one of the many animal trails through the unspoilt  Ngorongoro Forest!

Visit the Children's Home: At the end of the day you are welcome to visit the Children's Home, on the hill adjacent to the lodge. The staff will be happy to show you the grounds and you can meet the wonderful children, join in their soccer match or maybe help them with their homework. Please know that with your stay at Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge, you contribute directly to the well-being of these children. Utilizing the profits from the Lodge they strive to guarantee these children a safe home, a happy youth with healthy food, clean water, adequate clothing and quality education.

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