The Camp

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Number of Tents: 30

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is comprised of three intimate camps, each with magnificent views of the caldera below. The camps have their own domed dining areas and central lounges, which feature huge windows that take in the expansive vistas. The lodge’s architecture and design can best be described as “Versailles meets Maasai.” Every element has been chosen to delight the imagination and enhance the magnificent views. An eclectic blend of teak paneling, Victorian furnishings, and whimsical African touches creates an atmosphere of glamorous relaxation. Leather chairs recline in front of fireplaces and raw silk curtains screen private verandas. Steeped in romance, each handcrafted suite is adorned with antiques. The 30 rooms are perched on stilts with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs and feature en suite bathrooms with huge circular showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs, which offer tantalizing glimpses of the world’s most famous caldera below. Private butlers at each camp provide warm, personal service to each guest.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and shower
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Hair dryer
• Fireplace
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• In-room massage (extra cost)
• "Gym in a bag"
• Wi-Fi in rooms and main area
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard and American Express)
• No air conditioning (not needed), telephone or cellular coverage

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The celebrated Ngorongoro Crater Lodge lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where Masai herdsman and their cattle coexist peacefully with the remarkable variety of wildlife found in the area. The crater, a World Heritage Site, is without question one of Africa’s most impressive geological features. Its flat-bottomed floor is home to a striking microcosm of East African wildlife and habitats, with an estimated 30,000 animals living in a mere 100 square miles. It is one of the few places in Africa where visitors have a great chance of seeing the “Big Five” species in the course of a single nature drive. The primary activity at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, therefore, centers around the daily game drives into the magnificent crater, where the landscape is rich with spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon excursions offer different perspectives on the wildlife. Indulge in afternoon tea or a sundowner cocktail as the sun sets on your magnificent surroundings.

The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the Ngorongoro Crater. Seasonally, flamingos may be seen on the lake, and there is always a high concentration of antelopes and predators. Other typical sightings may include gazelles, warthog, ostrich and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

The staff and management of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge seek to minimize its impact on the land while supporting conservation initiatives and projects that promote the wellbeing of neighboring communities. For example, at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge 30,000 indigenous trees grown from seed have been planted to reforest the area. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge also provides logistical and research support to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and provides critical data on wildlife such as black rhino, elephant and lion. The lodge staff has also provided assistance in restoring damaged wetlands on the crater floor. Working closely with the Africa Foundation, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge rangers take groups of Maasai children on game drives in the crater in order to expose them to wonders of nature and help them gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment. The lodge also supports an innovative wellness program geared towards helping the members of local communities maintain healthy immune systems.

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