Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Behold Africa's "Castle in the Sky." Perched on the edge of a mythical collapsed volcano, this palatial estate combines whimsical architecture with Versailles-like opulence, offering private butler service and breathtaking views of the "Garden of Eden."

Details

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is widely celebrated as the most luxurious lodge in Africa. A “fantasy turned reality,” it blends whimsical architecture and flamboyant décor to create a palatial atmosphere suspended in time. Despite its flamboyant, ruby-and-gold aesthetic, the lodge maintains a warm, heartfelt ambiance, where every trivial deed—from the drawing of your bath to the stoking of your fire—is executed with the signature “Crater Lodge flair.”

The estate is divided into three intimate camps: North, South, and the secluded Tree Camp. Each features its own elegant main lounge, library, and formal dining hall under a vaulted, banana-leaf ceiling. Here, crystal chandeliers and silver cutlery glint in the firelight, creating a grand, “Versailles-style” theater for your African journey.

The Edge of the World

The lodge is perched at an elevation of 7,000 feet on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, a dramatic amphitheater of life. Surrounded by mist-clad highlands, it provides an unparalleled vantage point over the 3,000-square-mile conservation area.

The Tactical Advantage:

The Dawn Experience: Descending through the clouds into the “Garden of Eden” at sunrise offers a spellbinding solitude and special beauty that defines the Ngorongoro experience.

Unique Ecosystem: The Crater is a natural refuge where concentration levels of big game are higher than anywhere else in the world.

Africa’s Garden of Eden

The Crater floor is a self-contained sanctuary teeming with the “Big Five” and rare species:

The Rare Black Rhino: This is the premier location in Tanzania to witness the rare black rhino grazing across the tawny grasslands.
Lerai Forest: A magical woodland of ancient trees draped in vines, home to leopards, ambling elephants, and banners of tropical ferns.
Predator Action: The confined area makes for high-intensity sightings; lions often seek shade in the shadows of vehicles, while hyenas and serval cats are frequent sights.
The Soda Lake: Witness thousands of pink flamingos reflecting in the still waters of the central lake—a fantastic sight for photographers.

Archaeological Heritage: The lodge serves as a base for visits to Olduvai Gorge, the famous “Cradle of Mankind,” and the bizarre Shifting Sands.

The Royal Rondavels

Each suite consists of a magnificent double rondavel, offering floor-to-ceiling glass windows with a permanent view of the Crater floor.

The Guest Experience:

Private Butler Service: A dedicated butler tends to your every need, from serving breakfast in bed to mixing cocktails and preparing your evening bath.
The Living Space: Features a cozy sitting area with a crackling fireplace, oversized leather chairs, and dozens of fresh red roses strewn throughout.
The Palatial Bathroom: One entire section of the rondavel is dedicated to the bathroom, featuring a glorious ceramic tub with a view, twin hand basins, and a separate bamboo shower.

Luxuriant Textures: Rooms are filled with raw silk, velvet, crystal, and intricately carved wood, with electric blankets and plush duvets to keep you warm in the highland chill.

Delectable Extravagance

Dining at Crater Lodge is a production of its own, blending Pan-African cuisine with white-glove service.

Bush Breakfasts: For early risers, the lodge prepares a grand safari breakfast served al fresco by the Ngoitokitok Springs on the Crater floor.
Formal Dining: Evening meals are held in a domed dining room with flickering candles and heavy silver. Private, romantic meals can also be served in front of your suite’s fireplace.

Inclusive Luxury: All beverages—including house wines, spirits, and beers—are included in your package, alongside full laundry services.

Butler-Led Service: Personalized attention that goes the extra mile, including stoking your fire 24/7.
Gift Shop & Art Gallery: A particularly fine collection of local art and safari treasures.
All-Inclusive Package: Your stay includes all drinks, laundry, and private game drives for a seamless experience.

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes