Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched on the edge of the ancient crater rim and is a return to the noble elegance of the travelling colonials. Inspired in design by the Masai manyatta, the three separate camps of six to twelve suites are adorned with hand-crafted structures with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and magnificent four-poster beds hand-carved in Zanzibar.

Each sumptuous suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler.

Activities include game viewing drives into the crater and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, picnics and excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, walking on the crater rim and visits to local Maasai manyattas. Characteristic species to be sighted include elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo and hippo. Guest areas include viewing decks and a superb crafts gallery.

Suite(s)

Three separate and intimate camps totalling just 30 suites are reminiscent of a bygone era. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and ensuite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, while antiques, billowing raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements. Ensuite bathrooms with a dramatic centrepiece of red roses feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. Personal butler discretely cater for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing luxurious bubble baths.

Family Suite

Families, or groups, will love the family suite at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Two suites are conveniently interlinked via a closed walkway, which allows access between the suites, while maintaining complete privacy. The bedrooms, sitting rooms and ensuite bathrooms of the suites boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. The family suite can accommodate two adults and two children.

Game Drives (Included)

As andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is situated in the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, game drives take a significant amount of time to reach the crater’s floor and return to the lodge. This means that you will most likely be offered the choice of one morning or afternoon game drive per day. You will descend into the crater through a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, you may discover a large variety of grazing herbivores, as well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey. Depending on the time of year, you may see huge flocks of pink flamingo around the shores of the shallow Lake Magadi, while the surrounding swamp is inhabited by hippo. While the Ngorongoro Crater boasts an incredible abundance of wildlife, you will most likely also encounter a great number of other vehicles during the high season, especially at high interest sightings. On the other hand, the rainy season is much quieter, allowing for a far more private game drive. Safari vehicles are closed, with glass windows and a pop-up roof. Off-road driving is not permitted.

Olduvai Gorge & Shifting Sands Tour (Additional Cost)

Explore the breathtaking surrounds of the archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind, best known as home of the earliest remains of homo sapiens, discovered by Mary Leaky. Move on to crescent-shaped volcanic ash dunes knows as Shifting Sands, which slowly creep across the desert floor in response to prevailing winds.

Ngorongoro Crater General Information

Ngorongoro is on Tanzania’s ‘northern safari circuit’, and receives a good number of visitors who stay in lodges around the crater. Game viewing vehicles descend the steep crater wall every morning and spend the day on grass plains that are teeming with animals. However, the dark of night belongs to the animals, and all vehicles must leave the crater floor well before sunset.

Early man also flourished around here at Olduvai Gorge, not far from the Ngorongoro Crater. This is known because in 1960, Mary Leakey discovered a 1.75 million-year-old Homo habilis (nicknamed ‘The Handyman’ for his tool making skills), who represents man’s first step on the ladder of human evolution.

The Maasai are the current human inhabitants and are at liberty to live within the sprawling 2,500 square mile (6,480km²) conservation area around the crater. The Maasai never cultivate land as they consider it demeaning. Instead they graze cattle, which hold a god-like status in Maasai culture, and in return the cows provide almost everything necessary to live; meat, skin, milk, dung for the walls and floor of their huts