Kutana Lodge on Sumawe Hill above Karatu
Boutique Lodge · Karatu Highlands

Where we meet.

A quiet lodge on Sumawe Hill above Karatu — seven private suites, garden-to-table dining and wide highland views, close to the Northern Tanzania safari.

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7 private suitesFull boardGarden-to-table20 min to Ngorongoro
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Karibu Kutana

A gathering place,
always has been.

Kutana grew from the Mahu family's highland farm and second home — a place where family, friends and neighbours came together. Today, that same feeling sits at the heart of the lodge.

“Kutana” means to meet.It is a simple idea, and it is how we hope a stay here feels: personal, unhurried and connected to the place around you.
7Private suites
4 + 3Family + Retreat
20 minNgorongoro Gate
Full boardBreakfast · lunch · dinner
PoolPool & terrace
Wi-FiThroughout the lodge
Kutana Lodge, garden and surrounding highlands
The setting

Above Karatu.
Close to the safari.

From the lodge, the land opens out across the highlands. Karatu is only five minutes away, while the main entrance to Ngorongoro Crater is around twenty minutes by road.

It is a place to return to after a long day out — quiet enough to slow down, close enough to keep the Northern Circuit within easy reach.

“A small lodge with a big sense of place.”
The main house

A house built
by hand.

Under a soaring thatched roof, hand-cut timber poles and dressed local stone come together to create the heart of Kutana. Reception, dining, the bar and open-air living all open towards the garden and the view.

Kutana Lodge main house and terrace
Stay at Kutana

Seven suites.
Two ways to stay.

All suites have private outdoor space, an ensuite indoor bathroom and a separate outdoor shower under the sky. Choose the extra room of a Family Suite or the quieter intimacy of a Retreat Suite.

Kutana Family Suite opening onto a private deck
4 Family Suites

Room to stay together.

Generous rooms with flexible sleeping arrangements, comfortably accommodating up to five depending on configuration.

Kutana Retreat Suite with king bed
3 Retreat Suites

A quieter space for two.

King or twin configuration; twins can be joined as a double.

In every suite

Comforts are simple, tactile and made for the highlands.

Private deck / verandahIndoor ensuite bathroomSeparate outdoor showerSolar hot waterMosquito netsCotton robesLocally milled soapsWi-Fi
Twin beds in a Kutana Family Suite
Family Suites

Four larger rooms, flexible for families and small groups.

Warm interior of a Kutana suite
Inside

Warm timber, handmade textiles and natural textures.

Handmade wooden desk and glass water bottle in a Kutana suite
The little things

Filtered water in glass, thoughtful details and locally made touches.

Aerial view of Kutana Lodge pool, gardens and suites
Pool & terrace

Where the hill
drops away.

At the edge of the terrace, the pool looks out towards the highlands. Loungers, hanging chairs and the nearby bar make it an easy place to spend an unplanned afternoon.

Dining

From the garden
to the table.

Much of what reaches your plate begins just outside the kitchen. Our working garden supplies vegetables, herbs and fruit; what we cannot grow is sourced close by from farms and markets around Karatu.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Menus change with the season and the garden, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.

GardenVegetables · herbs · fruit
LocalKaratu farms & markets
Full boardBreakfast · lunch · dinner
Kutana working kitchen garden beside the lodge
Kutana Lodge bar and drinks selection
The bar

Stay for
one more.

A relaxed bar for the hour after safari — with Tanzanian beer, wine and spirits, a short cocktail list and locally roasted Karatu highland coffee.

Beyond the lodge

Your days,
your way.

Use Kutana as a quiet highland base for Northern Tanzania, or make time to explore the place around you. There is no need for every day to look the same.

Ngorongoro

Spend a day exploring the crater and return to the hill in time to unwind.

Lake Manyara

Wildlife, landscapes and forested lake country within easy reach.

Karatu & villages

Coffee estates, village walks and cultural visits can bring you closer to local life.

At Kutana

Walk the garden with the chef or gardener, cycle through nearby highland farms, or simply stay by the pool.

Planning your safari: day trips and safari excursions are arranged through your tour operator or travel agent rather than directly by Kutana. We are happy to work with your agent to make your stay fit smoothly into the wider journey.
Find us

Close to the
Northern Circuit.

Kutana is on Sumawe Hill above Karatu, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. The town is close; the safari is closer than it feels.

Karatu town5 min
Ngorongoro · Loduare Gate20 min
Lake Manyara< 1 hr
Lake Eyasi1h45
Tarangire2h30
Serengeti · Naabi Gate via Ngorongoro4 hr
Lake Manyara Airstrip1h45
Kilimanjaro International Airport3h30
Good to know

Questions,
answered.

Everything you need before you come up the hill.

Where is Kutana Lodge?

Kutana is on Sumawe Hill above Karatu in Tanzania's Arusha Region, in the Northern Tanzania highlands.

How far is Kutana from Ngorongoro Crater?

The main Ngorongoro entrance at Loduare Gate is approximately 20 minutes from the lodge.

How many suites are there?

There are seven private suites: four Family Suites and three Retreat Suites.

Are children welcome?

Yes. Children of every age are welcome. Family Suites can accommodate up to five guests depending on the sleeping configuration.

What is included in the stay?

Full board is included: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes. Please let us know in advance so the kitchen can prepare appropriately.

Do all rooms have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge, including all suites.

Do you have a pool and spa?

Yes. Kutana has a pool and a quiet spa space for treatments. Spa treatments are available on request.

Can Retreat Suites be twin or double?

Yes. Retreat Suites can be configured with a king bed or twins, and the twin beds can be joined into a double.

Can Kutana arrange safari day trips?

Safari excursions and day trips are arranged through your tour operator or travel agent rather than directly by Kutana. We coordinate with your agent where needed.

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

What payment methods are accepted?

USD and Tanzanian Shillings are accepted. Payment can be made by bank transfer or cash; card payments are available on request.

Is the lodge open year-round?

Yes. Kutana is open throughout the year.

Come up to the hill.

Stay a little
longer.

Tell us when you are travelling, who you are travelling with and what you hope to see. We will help you understand the lodge and work with your agent on the wider journey.

Reservationsreservations@kutanalodge.comCall / WhatsApp+255 722 440 644WhatsApp us →LocationKutana Lodge · Sumawe Hill · Karatu, TanzaniaEnquire about your stay →