NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched on the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater at the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. It lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which covers more than 8 000 square kilometres of pristine African wilderness. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta (homestead), Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is without doubt one of the most architecturally spectacular safari lodges in Africa.
Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera of the once-volcanic Ngorongoro shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth, ringed with towering walls and sheltering forests, grasslands, fresh springs and a large soda lake. Nearby Olduvai Gorge – a famous early archaeological site – is situated to the west of the Crater in the eastern Serengeti Plains. In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, 42 000 Maasai live and herd their livestock in harmony with Africa’s wild animals. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three separate and intimate camps – North Camp (12 suites), South Camp (12 suites) and Tree Camp (6 suites) – each offering breathtaking views of the Crater below. Each suite has a private deck, fireplace, en suite bathroom and exclusive butler service.
Inspired in design by the Maasai mud-and-stick manyatta (homestead), three intimate camps comprise romantic suites perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater – a World Heritage site.
Each suite is reminiscent of a bygone era, with the stilted, handcrafted structures adorned in graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and en suite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Your personal butler will discreetly tend to your every need, bringing you tea in bed, stoking your fireplace and drawing your bath. Described as Maasai meets Versailles, each extraordinary camp operates independently with its own central living and dining areas and viewing decks. The domed dining room, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, makes every meal a special occasion. Delicious Pan-African cuisine may also be enjoyed on the outdoor dining deck.
Safari Activities
Expert guides will lead you on exciting game-drives into the Crater and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You may also enjoy visits to local Maasai manyattas, lavish picnics on the Crater floor, excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, as well as walks on the Crater rim.
Explore the roots of mankind on a half or full-day excursions to the famous archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge – a 60-minute game-drive from the Lodge. There is a fascinating museum at the Gorge, and the volcanic ash dune of Shifting Sands situated nearby is an absolute highlight.
Ngorongoro Massages (optional extra), to ensure your stay at Ngorongoro is as memorable and relaxing as possible, we offer a range of therapeutic treatments, from head and neck shoulder massages to aromatherapy sessions.
This Lodge is usually combined in a safari circuit with a few days in the Serengeti at one of its sister lodges, Kleins Camp or Grumeti River Camp and at Lake Manyara at the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.