Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is located inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just a few kilometers from Ngorongoro Airstrip and close to the exit point of the crater road. Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, an area often described as the “Garden of Eden,” the lodge offers guests incredible panoramic views across the spectacular crater floor.

Location of Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is situated on the south-eastern sector of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, providing clear and uninterrupted views of the crater. Guests can enjoy these remarkable views directly from the lodge, including from the balconies and panoramic areas.

The lodge is approximately 185 kilometers from Arusha, a journey of about four hours by road depending on road and weather conditions. It is also about 60 kilometers from Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Visitors combining the two destinations can therefore easily include a stay at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge as part of a northern Tanzania safari. Lake Manyara National Park

The lodge’s position on the crater rim is one of its major attractions. At an elevation of more than 2,200 meters, guests can experience the cool highland environment while looking directly into the Ngorongoro Crater. Recent accommodation information continues to describe Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge as one of the historic lodges located directly on the crater rim.

Accommodation at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is built in a traditional local African style, using natural materials such as stone and wood, together with large panoramic windows designed to make the most of the spectacular crater views.

The lodge has 80 spacious rooms, with the accommodation traditionally including three junior suites, one presidential suite and family rooms. The rooms are designed to provide guests with comfortable accommodation while maintaining the connection with the surrounding natural environment.

The rooms at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge have en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers, mini-bars, coffee or tea-making facilities and telephones. Existing accommodation information also describes the lodge’s rooms as having crater views, with family-friendly interconnecting rooms available.

The lodge’s large windows and elevated position make it possible for guests to enjoy views of the Ngorongoro Crater without leaving the property. The combination of accommodation, scenery and proximity to the crater makes Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge a convenient place to stay for travelers visiting Ngorongoro Crater.

History of Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge has a remarkable history and is one of the oldest accommodation properties on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. The lodge was established by the government of Tanzania to provide accommodation for guests visiting the Ngorongoro Crater and became one of the earliest lodges constructed on the crater rim.

The lodge is particularly distinctive because of its traditional African-inspired design and safari-themed décor. Some of its recognizable decorative features include rhino-shaped door handles, ornamental wall areas, glass-bead curtains and other locally inspired décor.

Its long history and location directly on the crater rim have made Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge an established part of the accommodation experience in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Current accommodation references continue to identify it as one of the historic lodges on the crater rim.

Activities Around Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

One of the main advantages of staying at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is its location for experiencing the wildlife and cultural attractions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Game Viewing and Game Drives

Game viewing/Game drives can be done both inside the Ngorongoro Crater and in other parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The wildlife found outside the crater includes zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, eland and many other species. When visitors descend into the crater, they have opportunities to see animals such as lions, elephants and black rhinos, together with buffalo, hippos, hyenas and other wildlife.

The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly well known for its high concentration of wildlife and is one of Tanzania’s most important places for viewing the African Big Five, including the endangered black rhinoceros. The lodge’s location on the crater rim also makes it practical for travelers planning an early start for a crater game drive.

Visiting Maasai Villages

A stay at this wonderful Lodge can also be combined with a visit to nearby Maasai communities within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Visitors can experience aspects of Maasai culture and see local handicrafts, including traditional beadwork made by Maasai women. In the evening, guests may also enjoy traditional entertainment, with Maasai warriors performing local songs and dances.

This cultural experience adds another dimension to a Ngorongoro safari because the conservation area is not only a wildlife destination but also a place where Maasai communities continue to live and practice traditional pastoral lifestyles.

Dining at the Lodge

Dining here includes buffet-style meals with a variety of dishes designed to cater to different guest preferences. Dietary requirements and sensitivities can also be communicated to the lodge when arranging a stay.

Guests can relax at the Rhino Bar, which offers a selection of local and international wines and drinks. The lodge’s elevated crater-rim location also makes dining and relaxing particularly memorable, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Credit card payments are accepted at the lodge, with most major credit cards supported, although travelers should always confirm the currently accepted payment methods with the lodge or their safari operator before arrival.

Why Stay at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge?

The main attraction of Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge is its exceptional location directly on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Rather than simply being accommodation near the destination, the lodge places visitors within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and provides direct views towards the crater.

For travelers planning a Ngorongoro Crater safari, the lodge combines:

A location on the Ngorongoro Crater rim
Panoramic views of the crater
Accommodation with crater-facing rooms
Easy access to crater game drives
Proximity to Ngorongoro Airstrip
Access to wildlife and cultural experiences
Traditional African-inspired architecture and décor
A long history as one of the area’s established crater-rim lodges

For these reasons, Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge remains an important accommodation option for travelers visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. Contact us to book or have it included in your safari package.