Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Tanzania) – Complete Guide
- Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers one of the most extraordinary safari stays in Africa , perched dramatically on the rim of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater.
- Often described as the “Versailles of the African bush,” the lodge combines breathtaking wildlife views with lavish design, personal butler service, and elegant suites inspired by traditional Maasai manyattas.
- From its privileged position high above the crater floor, guests enjoy panoramic views across one of the most wildlife-rich landscapes in Africa, home to lions, elephants, black rhino, buffalo and vast herds of plains game.
- Game drives into the crater reveal an ecosystem unlike anywhere else on Earth — a natural amphitheatre where over 25,000 animals roam across grasslands, forests and soda lakes.
Plan Your Safari With Trusted Africa Specialists
Planning a safari to the Ngorongoro Crater can be complex.
Luxury safari specialists can help arrange:
• flights and transfers
• park permits and conservation fees
• private guides and vehicles
• multi-destination Tanzania itineraries
👉 Plan Your Tanzania Safari Here
Key Facts About Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Location: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Setting: Crater rim overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater
Rooms: 30 luxury suites across three camps
Altitude: 2,400 metres (7,900 ft)
Best For: Luxury safaris, honeymoons, wildlife photography
Wildlife: Big Five safari destination
.
Why Stay At Ngorongoro Crater Lodge?
Few safari lodges match the dramatic setting of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Reasons travellers choose it include:
• breathtaking crater views
• exceptional luxury and service
• personal butler for every suite
• world-class wildlife viewing
• unique theatrical interior design
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Price Guide 2026
Important Update
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is currently closed for a major refurbishment.
Closure period:
16 January 2025 – 15 January 2027
Updated pricing will be released once the lodge reopens.
Before refurbishment, the lodge was among the most luxurious safari lodges in Tanzania, with nightly rates typically starting around $1,500 – $2,500 per person per night depending on season.
Not Included
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area park fees
• premium wines and champagne
• private safari vehicle upgrades
• spa treatments
• gratuities and personal expenses
• international flights
How To Get To Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The lodge is located in northern Tanzania within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Typical route: Fly to Lake Manyara Airstrip
Then transfer by vehicle:
2-hour scenic drive to the lodge.
Many safaris combine Ngorongoro with:
• Serengeti National Park
• Tarangire National Park
Accommodation At Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The lodge consists of three intimate camps:
North Camp – 12 suites
South Camp – 12 suites
Tree Camp – 6 suites
Each suite is designed as a luxury Maasai-inspired manyatta, featuring:
• chandeliers and antiques
• wood-panelled interiors
• fireplaces lit each evening
• private viewing decks
• panoramic crater views
• personal butler service
Bathrooms are particularly spectacular, with claw-foot bathtubs under chandeliers and large windows overlooking the crater landscape.
Wildlife and Activities
Big Five Game Drives
The crater floor offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
Common sightings include:
• lions
• elephants
• buffalo
• black rhino
• hyena
• zebra
• wildebeest
• hippo
The area also supports one of the highest lion densities in Africa.
The highlight of any stay is exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife areas.
Activities include:
• crater floor game drives
• birdwatching safaris
• guided nature walks
• cultural visits to Maasai communities
• hikes to nearby volcanic craters
• sundowners on the crater rim
Ngorongoro crater Lodge Highlights
Highlights include:
• dramatic location on the crater rim
• opulent suites with fireplaces and chandeliers
• personalised butler service
•exceptional Big Five safari experiences
• fine dining with superb wines
• panoramic sunset views across the crater
Lodge vs Other Ngorongoro Lodges
Compared with other lodges in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this property stands out for its dramatic design and high-end luxury.
Nearby alternatives include:
• The Highlands Ngorongoro
A unique, dome-shaped luxury camp offering a more contemporary and design-focused stay with access to quieter areas of the Ngorongoro highlands.
• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
A more affordable lodge built into the crater rim, known for its traditional style, wide crater views, and excellent location for game drives.
However, none match the opulence and iconic reputation of Crater Lodge.
Who Is This Lodge Perfect For?
This lodge is ideal for:
• honeymoon safaris
• luxury travellers
• photographers
• wildlife enthusiasts
• special celebrations
Families with children can stay in interconnecting family suites, although the lodge atmosphere is generally more suited to adults.
Facilities At Ngorongoro Lodge
Facilities include:
• gourmet restaurant and wine cellar
• luxury lounge areas with fireplaces
• in-room spa treatments
• curio and jewellery shop
• Wi-Fi throughout the lodge
• laundry service
• guided activities
Due to the cool high-altitude climate, the lodge does not have a swimming pool
Sample Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Safari Itinerary
Important Update
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is currently closed for a major refurbishment.