Occupying a spectacular spot right on the rim of the Crater, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most opulent lodges in Tanzania. It isn't to everyone's taste, yet for those looking for something exceptionally special, or simply decadent then it is perfect.
Based on traditional Maasai manyattas (homesteads) from the outside, and a grand stately home from the inside – this lodge is a modern take on two old fashioned themes. Grand antiques, vast guilt mirrors and African art compliment each other beautifully – resulting in a contemporary, smart and almost theatrical atmosphere.
The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, is actually three separate intimate lodges – North, South and Tree. Each has its own separate dining and lounge area, which helps to maintain a small and exclusive feel – even though the lodge has 30 rooms altogether.
North and South Lodge are set slightly higher up the hill – whilst Tree Lodge sits literally on the edge of the rim. The Tree Lodge has arguably the best views, however North and South have larger rooms.
Each of the three main lounge areas is divinely decorated with wood-paneled walls, large beaded chandeliers, raw silk curtains and inviting velveteen sofas. The roofs are brilliantly crafted from banana leaves, whilst Persian rugs adorn the floors and fresh roses are set out daily.
All the bedrooms continue with a similar theme – decorated with rich colours, chandeliers and wood-paneled walls. A fire place sits in the corner and is lit in the evenings by your personal butler. This makes the rooms incredibly cosy and a great place to relax at the end of a long day out on safari. (Read more about the bedrooms…)
However, it isn't just the aesthetics of the lodge that are spectacular – the food and the service is also top-class. When we last visited the lodge, we found the team there to be wonderfully attentive and the food was some of the best we have had in Tanzania. So far, it's always been the same on previous visits by the Expert Africa team!
During your stay at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge there are a variety of activities on offer. During one of your days here, head into the Crater with one of the excellent and knowledgeable lodge guides. The vehicles are closed-sided safari vehicles with pop-top roofs – designed for game viewing. Departure times for activities are very flexible around guests, though the lodge generally advises a 6.30am departure for a full day in the Crater.
Though games drives in the Crater are the main reason to stay here, they are certainly not the only activity on offer. Guests can also go out on interesting and beautiful walks around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This usually involves a short drive, where you will meet up with a park ranger. Together with your guide you will all set off for a gentle 2-3 hour walk.
The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a highly unique property, which to some might be over the top. However for those looking for spoiling treat – and somewhere completely unique – it would be absolutely perfect.
Ideal length of stay: Two nights in order to spend at least one day exploring the Crater floor – you could easily stay for 3 nights and have a day just to enjoy the lodge and its amazing view.
Central facilities: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is actually split into three different smaller lodges. The North Lodge has twelve rooms, as does the South, whereas the Tree Lodge has only six rooms. Each lodge has their own individual lounge and dining areas.
By dividing the rooms into different 'mini-lodges', the Crater Lodge maintains a small and intimate feel when you are staying there. When we last stayed there, we had no preference for any of the three: each is very similar in style and shares an excellent quality of service and high standards.
The Tree Lodge is the smallest of the three and is set down the hill - right on the edge of the Crater. The lounge and dining area sit at the bottom of a set a wooden stairs that drop down through a lush garden.
The open-plan lounge / dining area has burnt orange walls, dark wooden floors and comfortable soft furnishings. In the lounge half of this, velveteen sofas sit around a hand crafted table; this is a spot to flick through some of the many coffee table books, or enjoy a sherry from one of the crystal decanters that sits there. It feels smaller and cosier then the lounges in North and South lodges although, of course, it serves fewer guests.
This communal area has a very snug atmosphere, even though the front wall of it has floor-to-ceiling windows, with a stupendous, uninterrupted view across the Crater – and a terrace below that is a truly amazing place for breakfast!
North and South Lodge are further up the hill than the Tree Lodge, but still have spectacular views across the Crater. Though the Tree Lodge has arguably better views, the rooms and lounge areas here do feel quite a bit more spacious and open.
North and South Lodge are exact mirror images of each other. The lounge is reminiscent of a grand stately home, with large comfortable sofas, vast mirrors hanging above fire places, and crystal decanters on the coffee table. The dining area is adjacent to the lounge and is also an incredibly flamboyant room with deep wood paneled walls, high ceilings and raw silk curtains.
Throughout the lounge and dining area, the interior architecture has a modern twist - with curved ceilings and touches of gold. This mixed with antique furniture result in a baroque style – romantic and theatrical, yet still very grand.
The Shop at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is situated near to the lodge gate and stocks an array of high quality curios. There are simpler items such as toiletries and postcards on offer for a reasonable price. However beautiful jewelry, hand made leather belts and hand crafted carvings are hard to resist.
You will also find a computer and complementary internet available here.
Directions: To reach the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, most travellers will fly to Lake Manyara Airstrip, from where it is a two hour drive to the lodge. The lodge is then a 40-minute drive to the descent road that takes you down onto the Crater floor.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is absolutely exceptional and some of the best we have tasted in Tanzania.
Breakfast is a vast spread of fresh bread, cereals, fresh fruit, dried fruit and yogurt. This is all set out on a wide buffet table in the middle of the dining area where you can help yourself. You will then be offered a cooked breakfast - choose from a hearty English breakfast, eggs benedict, boiled eggs or perhaps smoked salmon and scrambled eggs if available.
You might chose to take a packed lunch with you into the Crater, which will include delicious sandwiches, fruit and perhaps a pastry or cake of some sort. These packed lunches are perfect to keep you going whist out on a busy day of safari.
If you are in the lodge for lunch – there is usually a buffet spread on offer which features refreshing food such as of crispy green salads, bean salads, as well as cold meats and tasty olive oil dressings.
Tea and biscuits is on offer in the late afternoon. Later, there is time to freshen up after your activity, before guests gather in the lounge area at around 7pm, for a glass of wine and a pre-dinner chat with the lodge managers and fellow guests.
At your leisure you can then move to your table, where you will be seated for dinner. Dinner is an impressive three-course affair with something like a light soup starter, a tasty meat dish which will undoubtedly be cooked to perfection for the main course, and then a rich and beautifully presented desert.
When we were last at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – dinner was accompanied by an entertaining performance from some of the team who sang a number of African classics, as well as some written specially for the guests of the lodge.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge will happily provide room service. They can also set up private lunches on your verandah on request – however it would be a bit to chilly to do this in the evenings for dinner.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Almost all drinks are included, except for some cellar wines, spirits and champagnes.
Special interests
Honeymoons: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a beautiful lodge set right on the rim of the Crater. The views create a spectacular backdrop for this romantic property. With excellent food and service, staying here is certainly right for a special occasion.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Tanzania
Wellbeing: With your own personal butler, crystal chandeliers, claw foot bath tubs and roses adorning most of the rooms – the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is an incredibly special lodge. For shear indulgence it would be hard to beat.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wellbeing in Tanzania
Children
Attitude towards children: The camp recommends that children should be over the age of eight to stay at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, though children of all ages are welcome.
Age restrictions: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge does not allow children under the age of eleven to stay in Tree Camp. However both North and South Camp welcome children of all ages, but advise that the lodge is best suited to mature children over the age of eight.
Activities: There are no special facilities or services on offer at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Generally recommended for children: The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a very smart safari lodge; some families with young children might not feel comfortable here. Dinner in the evenings tend to be quite formal, and so not ideal for younger children.
Notes: Big game wanders around the lodge constantly – especially buffalo – and so children need to be closely supervised at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is mobile phone reception at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and complementary internet access in the shop. You can also use your hotel room to call internationally for a substantial $10 per minute charge.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is an on-site doctor at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and a dispensary for the guests and staff.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are watchmen around the lodge for security and at night you will be escorted between your room and the main areas due to the wildlife.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the rooms and main areas – each member of staff has been trained how to use them in case of an emergency.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included – it is machine washed and beautifully ironed, and will be returned to you in by the next day.
Money: There are no facilities for currency exchange at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Accepted payment: You can settle your tab using US dollars and Tanzanian shillings cash, Amex, Visa or Mastercard. There is no charge for the use of credit cards.
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We want you to understand more about Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
& Beyond's page This lodge is owned by & Beyond - and this is their page on the camp; it's effectively the lodge's homepage.
