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Ngorongoro Crater

  • Destinations
  • Tanzania
  • Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro lodges

The most unforgettable in Africa

With vast, primal views of the crater below them, Ngorongoro lodges rank among the most unforgettable in Africa. A select few are set right on the rim itself, offering panoramic views at every turn plus first-onto-the-crater-floor game drives. Maasai dance displays and cultural tours are also part of the activity list.

Not all Ngorongoro lodges are on the crater rim however. Several are located an hour’s drive away in the town of Karatu, set in a hilly coffee-growing district. Here you’ll find shady plantation homes and boutique lodges offering activities like mountain biking and cultural tours as well as day safaris to the Ngorongoro Crater. The question is: do you stay on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim or Karatu?

Browse our selection of Ngorongoro lodges below – some of our choices are more suitable for honeymooners and discerning travellers; others for families or groups who want a more private accommodation experience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply contact us and we’ll help you select a suitable accommodation for your needs.

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Ngorongoro Crater Camp
In Short: Great all-round camp set on the crater rim
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
You’ll be among the first onto the crater floor when you stay at this well sited lodge. You’ll enjoy simple comfort at camp & in addition to excellent game drives you have the chance to visit a Maasai village for a cultural encounter.
FROM:
USD 465p/p sharing
The Highlands Ngorongoro
The Highlands Ngorongoro
In Short: Breathtaking setting & exquisite suites
Location: Near the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Lying on the slopes of an extinct volcano, The Highlands sets the bar high when it comes to accommodation away from the Ngorongoro Crater rim. A small, intimate camp, it offers game drives as well as hiking & cultural tours.
FROM:
USD 355p/p sharing
The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro
In Short: Luxurious cottages close to the crater
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Set on a coffee estate & surrounded by gorgeous gardens, this high-end lodge offers cottage accommodation plus a 3-suite family unit with lounge & TV room. Active travellers will love the long list of activities but there’s also a pool, sauna & movie room.
FROM:
USD 500p/p sharing
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
In Short: Ngorongoro’s deluxe lodge & unbeatable views
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
With an architectural style as eye-catching as the views, this unashamedly luxurious lodge occupies prime position on the rim of the crater. There’s a wide range of activities & amenities & honeymooners will feel as welcome as families with children.
FROM:
USD 1085p/p sharing
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The Crater

What to do at the Ngorongoro Crater

1. Spot the Big Five

Africa’s most sought-after sightings – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard & rhino – can be enjoyed with ease at the Ngorongoro Crater; indeed, it’s not unusual to see all five in a single game drive.

2. Search for Predators

Lions & leopards join a long cast of predators in the Ngorongoro Crater: cheetah & spotted hyena are also resident along with jackal, wild cats & many birds of prey.

3. Stay on the Rim

There are exclusive lodges on the rim of the crater: not only will you get truly spectacular views but you’ll also be among the first onto the crater floor for the morning game drive.

4. Bring the Family

Easy game viewing, a comfortable climate & family accommodation – the Ngorongoro welcomes families with children, providing special activities, meal times & even childminders.

5. Live on a Plantation

There’s a choice of accommodation located away from the Crater; our favourite ones are set on picturesque old-world coffee plantations, complete with spa & massage service. (Ngorongoro Crater Rim or Karatu)

6. Visit a Local Community

Maasai communities dot the Ngorongoro landscape & several lodges offer the chance to visit local villages, chat to locals & gain an insight into life on the savannah.

7. Crater View Walk

This popular late afternoon walk along the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater allows guests to experience various natural habitats, including the acacia woodland, thick lush forests and open grasslands.

8. Crater Floor Banquet

After your scenic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, enjoy a tasty hot lunch served in breathtaking surroundings at a private picnic spot on the Crater floor, in the midst of the wildlife action.

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Reviews

It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.