Best Six Lodges on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Best Six Lodges on the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

The Ngorongoro Crater is a wonder in itself. Everyone going on a safari to this enormous caldera never returns with the same mind but with an enriched memory. Imagine ticking the Big Five in a day, watching misty highlands in the background of the crater, or exploring the world’s highest concentration of wildlife. In addition to that, a Maasai village visit and an archaeological tour to the Olduvai Gorge or Laetoli are as awe-inspiring as your drive through the crater floor.

We know you may not want to leave the crater far for an overnight stay. If this is you, then you’re in the right bus. Today, we feature all six lodges found on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Before we delve deeper, it’s important to note that most of these properties are luxurious, which could lead to higher costs than you anticipate. But there are two affordable options (we’ll get to that).

Kirurumu Ngorongoro Camp.

If you’re looking for a cheaper yet intimate option, then Kirurumu Ngorongoro is the best. Here, you’ll enjoy privacy and spend your two-night stay in a more safari-style rather than wasting it in large hotels. The camp lies on the rim; hence, viewing the crater is a sure thing.

Kirurumu Ngorongoro is simple, with only ten tents promising ultimate luxury for everyone who chooses to stay in it. There’s an en suite bathroom for each tent and a communal dining area and campfire. This camp offers daily game drives down the crater floor to search for endangered rhinos, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, and more. You can visit a nearby Maasai village or walk around the camp. Rates are $950 per person.

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp.

Lemala Ngorongoro is located on the remote eastern side of the crater. However, the camp faces eastward into the conservation area rather than onto the crater itself. While the crowds are common in the crater, staying at Lemala Ngorongoro gives you an advantage. There’s a remote entry route into the crater from the lodge that’s not commonly used by many lodges on the rim or in Karatu.

The camp comprises just twelve tents, including one family tent. And there’s an en suite bathroom for each tent, a flush loo, and mega-sized beds. As for things to do, game driving tops the list. People go on the crater floor to watch the Big Five and a myriad of other animals alongside them. You can also go for a Maasai village tour or bush walk. Rates are $1,050 per person.

Entamanu Ngorongoro.

Nestled on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu is one of the finest properties run by Nomad Tanzania. This location alone offers you a glimpse of two famous wildlife sanctuaries: Ngorongoro Crater to the east and Serengeti National Park to the west. That’s the crater for sunrise and Serengeti for sunset.

Entamanu consists of seven cottages, including three two-bedroom cottages. Family tents are spacious enough to accommodate children as young as five years old. All rooms have en suite bathrooms, flush loos, and indoor heating. Experiences offered include game drives into the crater, bush walks on the rim, a Maasai village tour, and stargazing. Rates are $1,200 per person.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.

Still remember our promise? If so, then this is another affordable option on the crater. And like the first (Ngorongoro Explorer), Ngorongoro Serena is a large property with a total of 75 rooms, arranged in a series but each with magnificent views of the surroundings. There’s a dining area and a bar where you will enjoy delicious meals and cocktails.

Game drives down the crater often reward the views of the Big Five and other animals inside. You can opt for a drive to the Maasai village to learn new culture, language, and dances. Guided nature walks around the forests on the rim are a slow and perfect way to appreciate nature. Rates are $700 per person.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

If you want to be one of the privileged guests (and are ready to pay the price), Ngorongoro Crater Lodge awaits. &Beyond owns and runs it, and like they call it, “Maasai meets Versailles,” this lodge offers unparalleled luxury and comfort on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The lodge features three camps: North, South, and Tree. Guests will enjoy privacy and extraordinary amenities in this wonderful lodge. As for every destination, game viewing is central, and an optional trip to a nearby Maasai village is available. The crater is among the top destinations for the Big Five, and it has positioned itself as a destination with the world’s highest wildlife concentrations.

If you’re opting for a Maasai village tour, there are local Maasai guides who will be in charge. You’ll learn many things, from dances to local architecture. There are other outdoor activities, such as a bush breakfast, a candlelit dinner, or a guided walk into the forests surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater. The rates range anywhere between $2,000 per person.

Elewana Ngorongoro Explorer.

Remember our promise? This is one of the two affordable options. Previously known as Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, this lodge features a myriad of rooms, totalling around 70 rooms. It sits right on the rim, offering breathtaking views of the crater and the highlands.

The camp sits on the eastern side of the crater, far from other lodges. It has everything a large hotel in the middle of the bush would have. Families are welcome, even those with the youngest guests. There are two ways to get there—by flight and by driving. By flight, Manyara Airstrip is just 75 minutes away by car. You can also beat the road from Arusha for three and a half hours.

The main activity is to drive on the crater floor to view animals, including the Big Five. You can also embark on a Maasai village tour or walk with a lodge staff member around the property. Rates range anywhere from $650 per person.

There you have it! These are our favorite spots for anyone not willing to sacrifice the crater views. If you’re willing or these options don’t fit your safari style, we can match the best camps for you. Our expert travel advisors will give you insights to enjoy your Ngorongoro safari. Let’s start planning.