gallery of 11 photos

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

This property is without doubt the only luxurious accommodation on the rim of the Crater. We love the rooms, complete with crystal carafes of sherry, dried fruit and chocolates, and rose bath products. Your butler tends to your every need - whether it is starting a bubble bath for you - or stoking your fireplace.

For some, this is overboard luxury and feels out of place in Africa. For others there is nothing better!

 — Mango's view

At the eastern edge of the Serengeti, and nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera of the once-volcanic Ngorongoro shelters the most beautiful wildlife haven left on earth. Perched on the edge of the ancient crater rim, the architectural masterpiece of the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a magnificent return to the noble elegance of the traveling colonials. Inspired in design by the Maasai manyatta, three separate camps remember a bygone era. The lodge is composed of separate camps, each consisting of just 6 to 12 suites.

Each sumptuous suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and even draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your return from your safari and lavish picnic on the crater floor. Under the soaring banana thatch roof, suede, velvet, silk and taffeta establish the decadence of the bedroom while Zanzibari carving and chandeliers (handmade by the Maasai) float above a central stone clad bath. All of this however, remains subordinate to the magnificence of the verdant crater that pours through the window of every room. The three intimate camps at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge are totally private, ensuring ultimate guest exclusivity. The public areas at each of the camps have awe inspiring views of the crater below and beyond and include a central dining area, lounge and curio shop.

An outdoor dining and/or viewing deck has been suspended seemingly above the crater rim and captures the renowned breathtaking African sunsets over the crater. Each of the lounges has a wonderful selection of books and wildlife magazines. Activities include scheduled morning or afternoon game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater in closed game viewing vehicles. Additional activities available at an additional cost and subject to availability of vehicles include visits to Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands, or a Maasai village.

You head out at dawn for the crater floor and spend the entire day game viewing. You are sure to see huge herds of zebra, wildebeest and buffalo intermixed with the smaller gazelle and impala. All of these grazers ensure that the predators - lion, leopard and hyena are close behind. The lake in the center of the crater is home to thousands of pink flamingo. The forested area is quite popular with the ever hungry families of elephant.

Includes: All meals, drinks (except premiums), laundry & safari activities