Ngorongoro Crater

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is a comfortable tented camp located on the northeast rim of the crater. Like most tented camps, it does not have a view of the crater and is somewhat hidden in a small forest surrounded by acacias and bushes. The 12 tents are very spacious and ensure a high feel-good factor after a long day on a game drive. In the main area, the lounge and dining area are combined in one large tent. Here you can either make yourself comfortable around the campfire or at the bar. As in most luxury accommodations, the house drinks are also included in the overnight price.

The brand new Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge is located on the former site of the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge, the first lodge ever at the Ngorongoro Crater rim. This puts the lodge in one of the best locations on the crater rim with incredible views. The original structure of the lodge has been retained, but the number of rooms has been reduced from 80 to 52 and every single area has been extensively renovated or renewed, with the exception of the outer walls. Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge offers 28 rooms and 24 spacious suites with crater views, accompanied by two restaurants, a barbeque area, an infinity pool with crater views and a spa. The renovation project was designed with special attention to the protection of the natural environment, including the native flora and fauna, energy efficiency and waste management. The lodge generates a significant portion of its own electricity, solar energy and potable water on site through various mediums; Solar panels that use traditional local fans instead of air conditioning, and a bottling plant that processes local water and avoids plastic and transportation. The lodge sets new standards in the luxury class and is one of the best stone built lodges in all of Tanzania.

Lion's Paw Camp is one of the newest accommodations on the Ngorongoro Crater rim and overlooks the crater. The property is located on the eastern rim of Ngorongoro Crater and boasts a short drive down into the crater floor. The 15 luxury suites are carefully positioned to offer privacy with spectacular views of the crater. In addition, they are comfortably equipped and finished with beautiful materials. The camp offers an authentic experience without sacrificing the warmth and comfort of home. The family suites are spacious and welcoming for large and small families and groups. The recently opened Lion's Paw Camp offers us a new crater view accommodation option in our crater rim accommodation selection and adds to our selection in this special place as the camp offers some elements which the older lodges,(visited and tested by ITST) some of which are quite large, do not have.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is located directly on the western edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and offers great views of the crater. The lodge got its inspiration for the rough stone architecture of the rooms and the main building from the so-called "cradle of mankind", the Olduvai Gorge. Embedded in rock walls and stone ceilings, a wooden walkway stretches through the grounds from the reception to the main building with a large panorama bar and an equally spectacular restaurant on the floor above. In the restaurant and bar area, which is comfortably decorated with lots of carvings, you can enjoy your meals with unforgettable views. An open fire burns in the heart of the lodge and various cave paintings on the stone walls of your room are reminiscent of prehistoric times. All 75 stone built rooms meander along the rim of the crater, which allows magnificent views of the "eighth wonder of the world" Ngorongoro Crater from your own balcony.

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (currently closed for renovation) is located on the north-east rim of Ngorongoro Crater, approximately 500 meters above the crater floor. At 2,375 meters, this is also the highest point on the entire rim of the crater. The lodge has the best sunset view in the west, which you can enjoy with a drink from the beautiful lodge terrace. The large crater in combination with the setting sun make this moment one of the highlights of your Tanzania trip. Upon arrival at the lodge you will be greeted with a welcome drink and fresh towels. Stairs lead down from the entrance hall to the lobby, from where you can marvel at the imposing crater through a large panoramic window pane. Of course, the outdoor area lives from the unique location of the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Almost all 97 stone built rooms are positioned in such a way that you have a view from your room down into the wide circle of the crater. A small glazed alcove with two rocking chairs provides a cozy corner in your room to enjoy the view of the crater. The rooms are very spacious, each with two queen-size beds, sufficient storage space for luggage and a bright bathroom. The style of the entire lodge includes typical African design with many carvings, sculptures and cone-shaped roofs on the guest rooms, restaurant and bar. After dinner you can end the day in the cozy bar of the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Since the lodge is currently undergoing extensive renovation, we do not expect it to reopen until mid-2024.

Entamanu Ngorongoro Camp is a luxury tented camp at Ngorongoro Crater with great views of the crater. What is special about this camp is its location, as it is the only accomodation on the north-western edge and therefore offers a view of the Serengeti in addition to the view of the crater floor. The total of only 9 tents offer every imaginable comfort and are very spacious. Of course you have a wonderful view of the Ngorongoro Crater on the veranda and can enjoy some great moments here after your game drive. As you are used to from NOMAD, the materials used, such as fabrics, furniture and tent accessories are of the highest quality without appearing overloaded or too pompous. The camp also has a communal tent consisting of a dining tent and a tastefully furnished lounge tent where you can play board games or have an aperitif in the evening.

The newest lodge at Ngorongoro Crater is located on the northern rim with direct views down into Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is a wonderful size with only 22 rooms, all with crater views. We expect this lodge to open in early 2024.

Rhino Lodge is located on the southern rim of Ngorongoro Crater and offers great value for money accommodation. Unlike, for example, Ngorongoro Lodge by Melia or Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, the Rhino Lodge does not offer a view into the crater, as it is not on the inner rim of the crater but only a few meters away. With 24 simply furnished stone built rooms, Rhino Lodge offers individual and natural accommodation in the middle of the green Ngorongoro Highlands. Morning and evening, it is not uncommon to see buffalo, zebra or waterbuck grazing from your private balcony. A marabu likes to get lost in the garden of the lodge, which of course can make for nice close-ups. Since it gets quite chilly at night at 2,300 meters, each room has a wood-burning stove that the staff will fire up for you - hot-water bottles will also be provided if required. The kitchen combines international dishes with local ingredients and serves dinner in the form of a large buffet.

Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is located on the northeast rim and due to its location does not have a crater view. The 10 tastefully furnished tents are quite small, but offer plenty of comfort, such as electricity, a hair dryer or a personal butler who takes care of your every need. The common area consists of a lounge and dining tent and is complemented by an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the campfire in the evening.