Where to stay at Ngorongoro
Where to stay at Ngorongoro ranges from budget to top luxury. There are no lodges inside the crater.
Tanzania is most famous for the Serengeti, for good reason. But the second you start descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, something shifts in the air. Your hair stands up on end. Prepare for your head to be on a swivel all day, from the first minute to the last, as wildlife interactions here will shuffle all around you.
There is no accommodation within the Ngorongoro Crater and so generally speaking there are two different options; either staying on the Crater rim or on the Rift Valley Escarpment.
The choice is whether to stay at a hotel on the Crater rim for the phenomenal view or a little way away from the Crater in nearby the Rift Valley Escarpment. These lodges tend to have incredible views and easy access to the crater, however, the prices reflect this. These lodges are much larger and also benefit from an exceptional view, however, their size means they’re lacking in the character you can find elsewhere. There are a handful of other lodges and camps in the hills of the Crater, which do not have the views but are still extremely convenient and are also more affordable, an example of this is the Rhino Lodge.
Alternatively, you could choose to stay on the nearby Rift Valley Escarpment in an area often referred to as Karatu. The lodges and camps here are all less than about 20km from the Crater and have a lot more character then the aforementioned lodges.
Either way, where you stay does not impact the quality of your Ngorongoro safari. The advantages of Karatu include the comparative lack of crowds, and better-value, smaller and more intimate lodges which offer a range of activities such as walking safaris, mountain biking and cultural visit to the Masai villages. Some of the lodges include,
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a unique property. Occupying a spectacular spot right on the rim of the Crater, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most opulent lodges in Tanzania. Combining architectural hints of traditional Maasai homesteads with interior styles borrowed from European stately homes, the present lodge was built in 1995. For some it is completely over the top and out of place; for others, it’s the height of luxury. The whole Maasai-meets-baronial-manor concept is extraordinary; the food, service, rooms, and general facilities are excellent; and the location is outstanding, with stunning views over what many regards as the world’s top wildlife area.
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Lemala is well located (though do not be fooled, the views are not into the Crater itself as the camp lies on the other side of the rim looking out into the Conservation area as opposed to into the Crater itself) and does have some game in the surrounding area. Overall it is a quality product and a welcome breath of fresh air around the Ngorongoro rim with its nice authentic tents, and overall rustic luxury.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a 75-room hotel, with large rooms, built-in 1996, with a truly marvelous location: it’s built into the western rim of Tanzania’s UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater. It’s usually used as a base for visits into the crater, and has views of the magnificent caldera from all of the bedrooms and most of the public areas. Its design lacks personality and it feels a bit dated. That said it has benefitted from a soft refurbishment and it is comfortable, functional, warm. It is also one of only a handful of lodges right on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater. So whilst its size means it won’t be everyone’s first choice, its location, and affordability will tempt many to stay here
Kirurumu Ngorongoro
Kirurumu Ngorongoro is a stunning tented camp situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, boasting sensational views. It is a very intimate camp in a true safari style, a far cry from the large, faceless chains that are also present on the rim. Great views, great guides and great value!
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
On the western side of the crater, the 75-room Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is slightly smaller than the Sopa Lodge, but of a similar standard. It has a fantastic location, and the rooms are simple but comfortable built from natural stone and wood. The Rhino Lounge Bar has a wide open-air terrace that offers a superb view of the Crater. Big field glasses are placed along with the balcony so that guests can have a closer look at the game grazing below. The Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is a good, affordable option from which to explore the local area.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is having 97 rooms facing the always magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a kilometer above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera. Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed the generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically the welcoming ambiance of both warmth and cosiness.
Entamanu Camp
On the remote Northwestern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the camp is uniquely off the beaten track but right on the Crater rim, with exceptional views down into the Ngorongoro Crater from one side (sunrise), and out over the Serengeti from the other (perfect for sundowners). This is the wild side of the Crater where the exclusivity and the views are unsurpassed.
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge.
Opened in 2007, Rhino Lodge is a relatively large lodge in a great location facing dense forest on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, close to the rim. It’s refreshingly simple with a relaxed atmosphere and is operated in conjunction with the governing body of the area’s Maasai, to ensure that they benefit from the lodge’s success. Almost all the staff come from the local village, and part of the lodge’s income goes directly to the Maasai community.
Rhino Lodge is a simple lodge with a clear purpose and approach. The lodge is mainly used by larger tour parties, and as such loses some character. It’s relatively spartan, but for the more adventurous traveler, it is an interesting and very economical place to stay with enviably close access to the Crater floor.
Crater Forest Tented Camp
Enjoy romantic sundowners or twilight dinners on your veranda with the astonishing landscape views of the dense forest. The lodge is located in northern Tanzania and set a 10 km scenic drive away from the main road leading from the bustling commercial center of Karatu to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Crater Forest Tented Camp offers 15 large tented rooms with mosquito nets under a thatch roof. Bathrooms are en-suite with showers, flush toilets, washbasins, soap, towels, and bottled water. All of the rooms are on platforms with magnificent views over the Ngorongoro Forest and complimentary coffee and tea are served on the veranda in the morning. For those chilly upland nights, guests can enjoy the warmth of an African-style firepot in the small lounge area. Wake up to the sounds of the awakening forest as a night full of nocturnal wildlife activities gives away to mistily rising sunlight.
Gibbs Farm
Located on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater lies Gibb’s Farm. Founded in the 1920s as a coffee plantation, we embrace traditional East African hospitality with our roots extending deep into the land and our heritage here. Each of our 17 cottages has a unique story to tell through art, furnishings, and history. Discover one that speaks to you. Perfectly suited for families and friends traveling together, our farmhouses each sleep up to 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children. Deutsches is located close to our main farmhouse and is ideal for families with younger children, while Bustani is set back on the farm and offers spectacular views. Find a stay to suit you.
An idyllic retreat while exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, as well as Lake Eyasi, on safari in Tanzania. Recline with a cup of freshly roasted coffee overlooking the Great Rift Valley in lush surroundings.
Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro – KaratuLodge. Ngorongoro Farm House is a 500-acre coffee farm nestles in a beautiful woodland area and located 4 km from the Lolduare entrance to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.48 cottage rooms and 3 suite rooms built in 3 intimate camps. The Lodge has eco-friendly electric power supplied by solar panels, with a generator as a back-up. Nearest airstrip: Lake Manyara Airstrip 40 min away. Activities: Guided walks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a guided walk around the coffee plantation followed by a coffee bean roasting demonstration. Visits to local villages and schools or swim in the pool. At any time guests may enjoy a relaxing massage.