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 Crater Conservation Area, which covers more than 8 000 square kilometres (3 100 square miles) of pristine African wilderness.  This top-of-the-range lodge was originally built in 1934 as a private hunting lodge with a commanding view over the crater and was converted to a hotel shortly after independence in 1961, The property as bought by &Beyond (formerly CCAfrica) in 1995 and rebuilt from scratch with the stated aim of creating ‘the finest safari lodge in Africa’. Architecturally, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is literally fantastic. Each individual suite consists of two adjoining round structures, similar to African huts. The large interiors boast a décor as ostentatious as it is eclectic combining elements of baroque, classical, African, colonial and more; in a manner the management describes ‘Maasai meets Versailles’. The entire Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been designed in such a way that the crater is almost constantly in sight (even in the bathrooms) and the food and service and ambience are world class. Commended in Conde Nast Traveller’s magazine 1998.
The sumptuous colonial-style interiors combine silver, gold and ruby colours under banana-leaf ceilings and grass roofs. Crystal chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors reflecting carved Zanzibar wall paneling decorated with gold leaf. Huge bowls filled with long-stemmed red roses complement the Persian carpets and velvet bedspreads. Antiques, plump cushions, voluptuous raw silk curtains and tall, leather-backed chairs complete the picture. This opulent design blends with African art elements in unexpected harmony.

Wildlife highlights

The Ngorongoro Crater hosts a large population of ungulates and high numbers of predators, particularly lion. The only absentees from the usual East African large mammals are the giraffe, impala and female and young elephants.

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge consists of three adjacent, camps with 30 Maasai-inspired suites perched on stilts on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. From the outside, this unobtrusive lodge resembles a magical Maasai village. Set in classic crescents, each stone and thatch suite has spectacular views of the crater from large glass windows in the bathroom, lounge and bedroom, yet is almost invisible from the crater floor.
North and South Camp have 12 suites each, while intimate Tree Camp has six suites. All have an en suite bathroom and chandelier-lit bath-tub and shower. Each sumptuous suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler, who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your enjoyment.
Each of the exclusive Ngorongoro Crater Lodge camps operates independently. They each have a central living area and viewing decks overlooking the awesome crater. African nights are lit by the large fire bowls that flank the entrance to each of the living and dining areas. There is a communal safari shop and gallery. African artifacts and clothing are on sale at the gallery/Maasai Market.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge's Highlights
•    North and South Camp (12 suites)
•    Intimate Tree Camp (six suites)
•    Each with spectacular Crater views
•    Private viewing decks
•    Exclusive butler service
•    Spacious en suite bathrooms
•    Extraordinary guest areas
•    African gift shop and art gallery

Dining and bars

The domed dining room of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, offers Pan-African cuisine, dining is also offered on the exterior dining deck.

Conference and event facilities

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge does not offer specific conference facilities but will be happy to quote for small meetings and social gatherings. Tanzania lodge incentives can also be arranged within the Ngorongoro Crater or the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Weddings and honeymoons

This Tanzania lodge makes an ideal Tanzania wedding destination. The lodge also offers wedding and honeymoon packages.

Child-friendly facilities

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge welcomes children and will be pleased to supply additional beds.

What to see and do:

-    Sundowners on the rim of the crater, full English breakfast on the floor of the crater.
-    Picnic lunch by the hippo pools on the crater floor.
-    Early morning breakfast on the crater floor
-    Maasai dance and theatre nightly
-    Visits to Maasai villages and cattle markets
-    The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge works closely with the surrounding Maasai community and offers visits to Maasai Manyattas and handicraft centres. Traditional Maasai dance displays are held regularly. The Lodge is also within easy reach of Ol Duvai Gorge, the Paleolithic site and reputed ‘birthplace of mankind’.

Typical Tanzania safari experiences at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge include: morning or afternoon tours of the Ngorongoro Crater, safari game drives in especially adapted 4WD safari vehicles (with professionally trained Tanzania safari guides) around the crater rim, safari bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners; cocktails around the lodge safari campfire and guided safari walks around the crater rim, visits to view ancient rock art. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge also offers ornithological tours, cultural performances and visits to the local Maasai people of Tanzania.

Wildlife and cultural venues in the vicinity of the lodge and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include: Ol Duvai Gorge – world renowned paleolithic site; The Serengeti National Park; Lake Manyara National Park; The nearby Empaki volcanic crater; Tarangire National Park.