Monthly Rentals in Mto Wa Mbu

Everything’s amazing!

This private house in Karatu was perfect for us. It's a little out of the way which means it's quiet but it might be difficult to access without a good vehicle. Check in was easy and the staff was very friendly. There is a washing machine at the property across the street (also managed by the same people) and for a small fee there is a nice lady who will do your laundry. The kitchen is fully equipped (fridge and all) and we prepared full meals with no problems. I felt very secure- it's a gated property with a night watchman. No wifi but with a cheap local sim card (we went with Airtel) we were able to generate our own hotspot. We absolutely intend to stay here again next time we're in Karatu!

Gongali House is a charming retreat in Karatu, near the renowned Ngorongoro Crater. Our stay was memorable, thanks to Linda's warm hospitality and the serene ambiance. Linda and her staff ensured a relaxing stay, greeting us warmly and making everything comfortable. The private cottage, surrounded by lush greenery, with bird life aplenty, provided a peaceful atmosphere. Its beautiful architecture and convenient yet tranquil location added to the charm. While the house was well-equipped, the WiFi was unreliable, though Linda made efforts to address the issue. The property’s tranquility and beauty more than made up for it. Access to an extra fridge was also helpful for self-catering. A highlight was the delicious home-cooked meal by Christina, showcasing local flavors that enhanced our experience. Gongali House is an excellent choice for a peaceful retreat near Ngorongoro Crater. A tip: Follow Airbnb directions closely, as Google Maps on its own led us astray.

We have not just had a good stay with Baraja, we've had the best experience one can ask for when traveling. The tent is in a plot of land overlooking the Rift Valley from above and is as beautiful and tranquil as can be. The night sky is unlike any other that I've ever seen and Baraja and his family have made us feel like we were friends from a long time. They arranged everything for us: transfer from JRO to the lodge and back, a safari in the Ngorongoro crater, a local tour in the valley and Mto Wa Mbu village... All for a fair price and tailored to our needs. We had a chef just for ourselves (we were the only guests). He cooked us three meals a day of delicious, authentic, local, home-made food. At night we would all welcome neighbors and gather around the fire place, chatting and drinking coffee. The tent was very clean and spacious. I can't say the same for the tree house but they let us choose between them. If you go there, you need to be aware where you are and the limitations that come with that. Water and electricity are limited and you need to be ready to take a cold shower. They will provide you with buckets of warm water if you want to shower the "African" way. There was no wifi available when we went but that was fine with us since this was an experience that required to be present. Moreover, Baraja and his family are still recovering from the toll Covid-19 imposed on them. They had to abandon the place and go to Arusha where there were more opportunities. We are only their second guests after abandoning the place for two years. They are slowly recovering and turning the place to an outstanding lodge. Overall, the experience that Baraja and his family provided exceed our expectations. If you want an authentic experience that will help the local community this is it. We went to a more luxurious lodge elsewhere after our stay with him but we always wished we were back there and could stay longer with him. We will come back 100%! And not just one more time...