Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is known to be Africa’s Garden of Eden, as it boasts beautiful landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife. The crater is the world’s largest volcanic caldera that is inactive yet remains intact. The Maasai people gave the word ‘Ngorongoro,’ which means ‘gift of life’ in the local language.
The Ngorongoro crater is 64 kilometres wide and has an area of 264 square kilometres. UNESCO recognises the caldera as a world heritage site as well. It is located in the Eastern Great Rift Valley in Northern Tanzania.
The scenic Ngorongoro crater of Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is included in Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In 1959, the huge area became an established national park, which witnesses several tourists visiting today.
The crater is home to more than 25,000 wild animals and has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world. Aside from lions, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and more, one can also see the famous yet endangered black rhino in the area. There are more than 400 species of birds in the park, making it one of the top destinations for birders.
While visiting Ngorongoro Crater, there are endless things to see and do. The best way to enjoy your trip is to opt for hotels that have easy access to the conservation area.
From offering exclusive services to picturesque views, here are the best hotels situated around the Ngorongoro crater:
1. Ngorongoro Serena safari lodge
Seamlessly blending with the beauty of the Ngorongoro crater, the Ngorongoro Serena safari lodge provides unparalleled comfort. The lodge perches high above the plains, on the rugged rims of the crater, and indigenous vines cover it completely.
Sunset from Ngorongoro Serena safari lodge
The interiors boast torch-lit walls, stylized cave paintings, arched stone passages, and timbered decks. Regardless of your choice between the guest room and the Kimba suite, they promise you luxury, privacy, and modern amenities.
With a private balcony that opens up to the vast crater below, one can’t help but feel completely entwined with nature.
The activities for guests at the Serena Lodge include game drives, a trip to Olduvai Gorge, bush breakfasts, sundowners, nature walks, and more.
2. Pakulala safari camp
Providing a unique camping experience, the Pakulala Safari Camp is an exclusive accommodation. Perched above the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the safari camp is surrounded by the extensive beauty of the African landscapes.
Camping at Pakulala safari camp
The camp is made of 11 canvas tents, adorned in the classic yet elegant style of 19th-century safaris. This classic hotel is spacious and designed in a way that offers an authentic stay.
The tents come with private terraces that show off the most spectacular views of the crater. A campfire night in Pakulala tents under the open Tanzanian sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As it is situated right at the crater rim, you can easily hop on a safari, trek to the Empakai crater, or visit Lake Natron without crowds of tourists disturbing your vacation.
Equipped with privacy and sophisticated services, Pakulala makes sure to give you unforgettable glamping memories.
3. Andbeyond Ngorongoro crater lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge sits at the edge of the ancient caldera. This accommodation makes you believe you are on top of the world. Amidst the craters’ admirable beauty, the lodge makes sure to mesmerise you with its incredible architecture, which appears straight out of a fantasy.
The lavish interiors of Ngorongoro crater lodge
The interiors of the lodge include Victorian furnishings blended with teak panelling and have a subtle African touch to them. The natural luxury of the lodge offers not only dramatic scenery but also a comfortable experience.
The dwellings at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge include three camps and 30 suites. Styled with intimate and detailed decor, you’ll find colonial as well as Maasai features. Each room comes with a private dining area and a personal butler.
With a tinge of romance surrounding the lodge, the special safari honeymoon offer is exclusively provided to couples. However, those coming along with friends, families, or solo also have the opportunity to undertake treks, game drives, explore lion conservation, and enjoy lunch banquets.
4. Ngorongoro wildlife lodge
Situated 7,500 feet above the crater, this wildlife lodge is sure to provide panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and the caldera. The lodge is located a few kilometres from the Ngorongoro airstrip inside the conservation area.
The accommodation, using materials like stones and wood, is constructed in a local African style. Staying at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge allows you to absorb the spectacular sightings of the surrounding area and the crater.
Views of the crater from the Ngorongoro Wildlife lodge
Since this is the oldest and first-ever lodge constructed on the Ngorongoro crater rim, it holds a significant history. Up to this date, the wildlife accommodation has offered top-class services, amenities, and a pleasurable stay.
There are 80 suites, all overlooking the crater, along with family rooms, three junior suites, and one presidential suite.
Wildlife viewing and game drives are two of the most popular activities around the lodge. Furthermore, guests can also visit Maasai villages and enjoy the performances of Maasai warriors.
5. Neptune Ngorongoro luxury lodge
The Neptune Ngorongoro luxury lodge stands as one of the best luxury accommodations near the crater, positioned outside the Ngorongoro conservation area. The beautiful lodge, incredibly sophisticated, covers 50 acres of lush Tanzanian bush.
A cozy cabin of Neptune Ngorongoro luxury lodge
The property has 20 luxurious and private log cabins attached with modern amenities, including a fireplace, conference facilities, and a bar. The large personal terraces have the most magnificent and picturesque vistas in the conservation area.
Aside from safaris to the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, the lodge is famous for offering the best spa facilities. The invigorating and tranquil treatment in the middle of the African bush is a healing experience in itself.
Guests can also visit the lodge’s very own coffee plantations as well as the gorgeous gardens.
6. Ngorongoro Oldeani mountain lodge
The Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge sits atop a picturesque hill outside the conservation area. This lodge offers elevated positioning that allows one to witness Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara, while also providing the most spectacular views of Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge
The 5-star colonial lodge has 50 deluxe rooms and a Livingstone suite. All the rooms are furnished and decorated lavishly. There is a majestic stone house in the lodge that has all the grandeur, including the main lounge, boutique, fireplace, dining room, and more.
The serene lodge is perfect for a relaxing vacation. Guests staying at the lodge can enjoy activities and excursions such as safaris, nature walks, and sundowners.
Visiting the Ngorongoro Crater is a special experience. The best way to enhance it is by choosing a suitable hotel close to the area. Mark these luxurious hotels from our curated list, as they offer nothing but comfort in the middle of Tanzania’s wildlife.
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