Mid-Range Accommodation in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Mid-range accommodation in Ngorongoro Conservation Area is an important consideration when planning a Tanzania safari. After a day of exploring the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of the area, travelers need a comfortable and convenient place to relax, enjoy a meal and spend the night.
There are several accommodation facilities in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ranging from budget camps and lodges to mid-range and luxury properties. Your choice of accommodation can depend on your safari budget, preferred level of comfort, location and whether you want to stay on the crater rim or outside the conservation area in nearby Karatu.
This guide highlights mid-range accommodation in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and nearby Karatu, including properties that are commonly used as bases for visiting Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge
Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge is a comfortable tented accommodation facility located in the Karatu area, close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its location makes it a convenient base for travelers combining a visit to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with other destinations on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, including Lake Manyara National Park.
The lodge provides an intimate safari atmosphere, with its permanent tents set beneath a canopy of acacia and other indigenous trees. The current property information describes 10 large en-suite tents, while some older descriptions list 12 tents. The tents are connected by wooden walkways and include double, twin, triple and family accommodation options.
Each tent has a spacious private veranda where guests can relax and enjoy views of the surrounding forest. The tents are furnished with comfortable beds, crisp linen and warm blankets for the cool nights experienced in the Ngorongoro highlands. En-suite bathrooms have running showers and flush toilets, while some tents also have outdoor showers.
Facilities and services at Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge
Facilities and services include:
- Restaurant and dining room
- Bar and lounge
- Swimming pool
- Coffee and tea facilities
- Professional guide on site
- 24-hour security
- Standby generator
- Viewpoint banda
- Wi-Fi
- En-suite bathrooms
- Campfire and evening entertainment
The lodge’s dining and lounge areas have a rustic, home-style atmosphere, while the outdoor boma and campfire provide an opportunity to relax after a day on safari. The lodge also has a viewpoint banda and can arrange evening entertainment on selected occasions.
Hhando Coffee Lodge
Hhando Coffee Lodge is a boutique accommodation facility located in Karatu, outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the main Ngorongoro entrance gate. It is therefore a useful accommodation option for travelers visiting Ngorongoro Crater while also wanting to experience the coffee-growing surroundings of Karatu.
The lodge is set on approximately 15 acres of coffee farmland and provides a peaceful environment surrounded by greenery and forest. The property currently describes its accommodation as 10 cottages and 3 family bungalows, with fireplaces and en-suite bathrooms. Private verandas provide views of the surrounding environment and coffee farm.
The cottages and family bungalows are designed to provide a comfortable stay before or after a Ngorongoro Crater safari. The coffee-farm setting also gives visitors an opportunity to experience another side of the Karatu area away from the wildlife activities inside the crater.
Facilities and services at Hhando Coffee Lodge
Facilities and services include:
- Restaurant and dining area
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Fireplaces
- Private verandas
- Wi-Fi
- Coffee and tea facilities
- Laundry services
- Wake-up call service
- Room service
- Barbecue and bonfire
- Coffee-farm activities
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Cultural experiences
Hhando Coffee Lodge also offers coffee-farm experiences, nature walks and birding, making it possible to combine relaxation with activities around the property.
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge occupies a particularly distinctive location on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. It is historically significant as one of the oldest lodges in the conservation area and is described as the first lodge constructed on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Its position provides expansive views over the crater floor.
The lodge is built using natural stone and local wood, helping its architecture blend with the surrounding environment. At approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, the crater-rim location can be cool, particularly during the evening and early morning.
Accommodation is offered in approximately 80 guestrooms, including twin and double rooms, one Presidential Suite and three Junior Suites. Interconnecting rooms are also available for families. The rooms are en-suite and have features including central heating, while many descriptions highlight the panoramic crater views available from the accommodation.
The lodge’s location is its major attraction. Guests can enjoy views across the crater from the property, while the Rhino Lounge Bar and other public areas provide additional viewing opportunities.
Facilities and services at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Facilities and services include:
- Panoramic restaurant
- Rhino Lounge Bar
- Craft shop
- TV lounge
- Library
- Wi-Fi/internet facilities
- Laundry services
- Housekeeping
- Babysitting on request
- Telephone and communication facilities
- Currency exchange
- Medical assistance
- Major credit-card facilities
- Panoramic crater views
The lodge can also be used as a base for crater game drives and other experiences within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including cultural visits.
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge is a comfortable accommodation facility located near the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Its position makes it particularly convenient for travelers planning a crater game drive, while its surroundings provide views of the high montane forest and mountains.
The lodge is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,200 metres above sea level and a few hundred metres from the crater rim. Rather than looking directly into the crater from every room, the lodge is particularly known for views across the surrounding montane forest, with Mount Oldeani and Mount Makarot forming part of the landscape.
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge has 24 guest rooms, each with a private veranda overlooking the surrounding forest. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a shower, toilet and hand basin. Because of the high altitude and cool temperatures, the rooms are equipped with wood-burning stoves, while hot water bottles can also be provided.
The lodge provides a simple and comfortable safari atmosphere and is particularly suited to travelers who want convenient access to the crater without staying in one of the more expensive luxury properties.
Services and facilities at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Facilities and services include:
- Restaurant
- Bar
- En-suite guest rooms
- Private verandas
- Wood-burning stoves
- Hot water
- Craft shop
- Laundry service at an additional charge
- Traditional Maasai entertainment on selected evenings
The lodge can also provide a base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding conservation area.
Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge is another accommodation option in the wider Ngorongoro and Karatu area, although it should be noted that it is currently positioned as a luxury 5-star property rather than a conventional mid-range lodge. It is therefore better described as an alternative for travelers looking to upgrade their accommodation rather than as a strict mid-range option.
The lodge is situated on a picturesque hill with views towards Mount Oldeani, the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. The property occupies approximately 40 acres of gardens and natural vegetation and is located about 9 kilometres from the Ngorongoro gate.
Accommodation consists of approximately 50 rooms and suites, with the property offering deluxe rooms together with the Livingstone Suite. Rooms feature private verandas and modern amenities, while facilities include a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, bar and other guest facilities.
In-room amenities at Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Depending on the room category, amenities include:
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Safety deposit box
- Mosquito protection
- Mini-bar
- Lounge area
- Refrigerator
- Hairdryer
- Electrical outlets
- Fireplace
- Private veranda
- En-suite bathroom
- Indoor and outdoor showers
- Air conditioning
- Wi-Fi
Services and facilities at Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
Facilities include:
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Laundry services
- Private balconies and decks
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Swimming pool
- Spa and massage services
- Fitness centre
- Garden
- Boutique
- Billiards room
- Conference facilities
- Children’s activity facilities
The property’s combination of mountain scenery, crater-area access and extensive facilities makes it an option for travelers seeking a more upscale experience.
Choosing Mid-Range Accommodation for a Ngorongoro Safari
When choosing mid-range accommodation in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, location is one of the most important factors to consider.
Accommodation on or immediately near the crater rim offers the advantage of being close to the crater and can make an early-morning descent for a game drive more convenient. Properties in and around Karatu, on the other hand, can provide a wider choice of accommodation and a more relaxed setting, while still providing convenient access to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
For travelers combining several northern Tanzania safari destinations, Karatu-based accommodation can also work well for itineraries that include Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park.
It is also important to remember that accommodation classifications and facilities can change over time. Travelers should confirm the current room category, available facilities, location and rates when making a booking.
Plan Your Ngorongoro Safari
A safari to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a memorable experience, combining spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and the unique cultural landscape of northern Tanzania.
Whether you choose a tented lodge, a comfortable lodge near the crater rim or accommodation in Karatu, selecting the right place to stay can make your safari more comfortable and enjoyable.
For help planning accommodation and a complete Tanzania safari itinerary, send your safari inquiry to Focus East Africa Tours at www.focuseastafricatours.com and start planning your Ngorongoro safari experience.
