Crater’s Edge Lodge

Accommodations consist of just thirteen (13) luxury suites and one additional 2-bedroom family suite. The stand-alone suites are perched on stilts overlooking the flat-topped acacia forest that is often shrouded in mist. Each of the luxuriously appointed suites has a spacious lounge area with two oversized chairs, fireplace, and a free-standing tub. The tent itself is encircled by a private wooden veranda sporting comfortable seating with superb views. There is even a spotting scope on the balcony where you can try your luck spotting animals and birds in the surrounding forest.

Each tent is equipped with an ensuite bathroom complete with running water, dual washbasins, toilet, shower, and a hairdryer. 24-hour electricity is provided but WIFI is currently only accessible from the main lodge areas. There is also the sprawling main lodge area, which contains the library, outdoor and indoor dining room, wildlife viewing decks, and the lounge and bar, which features specialty cocktails in the form of a dawa. The word ‘dawa’ means medicine in Swahili and is a deliciously refreshing alcoholic drink of white spirits poured over honey or brown sugar, lime, and mint freshly picked from the lodge’s garden.

The Elite Eastern Descent

The tactical advantage of staying at Crater’s Edge cannot be overstated. Situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet, the lodge sits atop the most efficient access point to the caldera floor.

The First Vehicle at Dawn The access road leading from the lodge to the Crater floor is famously half as long as those serving the western lodges and twice as easy to traverse. For those who want to be the very first vehicle to emerge from the clouds and reach the “Garden of Eden” at sunrise, this is the premier choice. Within minutes of leaving the lodge, you are descending the 2,000-foot walls, maximizing every golden moment of morning light for wildlife viewing.

The Microcosm of the Eastern Floor Because of its eastern position, Crater’s Edge provides immediate entry to the Crater’s most iconic and diverse habitats:

• The Rumbe Hills: Located at the base of the eastern descent, these rolling hills are the undisputed kingdom of the Crater’s massive buffalo herds and a secret sanctuary for the elusive serval cat.
• The Central Plains: A short drive leads to the heart of the caldera, where lion prides, hyena clans, and cheetahs hunt among thousands of wildebeest and zebra.
• The Lerai Forest & Munge Swamps: To the west and north, guests can explore the yellow-fever acacia forests—home to the legendary “Big Tusker” elephants and leopards—and the lush swamps where the rare, prehistoric black rhino is frequently spotted.

5-Star Luxury on Stilts

Accommodations consist of thirteen individual luxury suites and one expansive 2-bedroom family suite. These stand-alone retreats are perched on stilts, floating above the forest floor and looking out over the flat-topped acacia canopy.

The Guest Experience:

• Sophisticated Sanctuaries: Each suite features a spacious lounge area with oversized chairs and a roaring fireplace to combat the chilly 7,500-foot highland nights.
• The Balcony Lookout: Every tent is encircled by a private wooden veranda featuring a professional spotting scope. Guests can try their luck spotting rhinos or elephants on the crater floor far below without ever leaving their suite.
• Lavish Bathing: En-suite bathrooms are a masterclass in luxury, featuring dual washbasins, walk-in showers, and a free-standing soaking tub designed for warming up after a crisp morning game drive.

Modern Essentials: Despite the remote location, 24-hour electricity is provided for all devices, while the suites maintain a serene, “off-the-grid” feel.

Swahili “Medicine” & Volcanic Flavors

Dining at Crater’s Edge is a sophisticated celebration of Tanzanian culture and international culinary art. The sprawling main lodge area features indoor and outdoor dining rooms, both designed to showcase the dramatic views of the caldera.

The evening begins with a signature tradition: the Dawa Cocktail. In Swahili, Dawa means “medicine,” and this refreshing tonic—crafted from white spirits poured over honey, brown sugar, lime, and mint freshly picked from the lodge’s garden—is the perfect restorative after a day in the wild.

The gourmet restaurant showcases dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients sourced from the rich, volcanic farmlands just outside the conservation area. Whether you are dining by a roaring indoor fireplace or enjoying an alfresco meal under a billion stars on the expansive viewing decks, the experience is designed to be as awe-inspiring as the landscape itself.

• 2024 Debut: Experience the latest in 5-star safari architecture and amenities.
• Inside the Gate: Elite positioning that bypasses morning park entrance queues.
• The Fast Track: The shortest and easiest descent road to the Crater floor.
• Spotting Scopes: Professional-grade optics on every private veranda for in-camp game viewing.
• Wellness & Warmth: In-room fireplaces and free-standing bathtubs in every suite.
• The Dawa Bar: Specialty Swahili cocktails and a library lounge with wildlife viewing decks.
• Proximity to the “Big Five”: Unrivaled access to the Rumbe Hills buffalo and central plain predators.
• Inclusive Amenities: Three gourmet meals daily, 24-hour power, and Wi-Fi accessible in the main lodge areas.