Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the edge of the Crater itself, this award-winning lodge is fit for a king and queen.
Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau - brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls - and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window of the lodge. In this place of dramatic contrasts, where Versailles meets Maasai, anything is possible and the natural luxury of the breathtakingly beautiful setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture.
SUITES
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
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.
AFRICAN DRUMMERS
Experiencing the rhythm of African music is one of the most unforgettable experiences. This
group of local drummers provides great entertainment to guests, whilst also sharing their unique culture. The traditional music of Tanzanian cultures is given its melodic drive by a marimba (also called a mbira), a type of instrument that is unique to Africa. Weather dependent and exclusivity cannot be guaranteed. Performance takes place on the lawn in front of lodge. Minimum one month’s notice required.
Additional costs apply
HADZABE BUSHMEN EXPERIENCE
A fascinating cultural highlight now being offered to guests visiting &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a full-day, off-the-beaten-track adventure with the Hadzabe people. These ancient hunter-gatherers inhabit the land near Lake Eyasi, and their traditional unchanged way of life and obvious harmony with the earth are spellbinding. Accompanied throughout by an &Beyond ranger, guests have the opportunity to engage with the bushmen and learn all about their time-honoured hunting techniques, survival skills, food preparation and cultural norms. A veritable step back in time, this is an undeniably authentic cultural journey into rural Tanzania that reveals the untold world of these charismatic people. This adventure must be pre-booked and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Additional costs apply
CELEBRATORY CHAMPAGNE TASTING
Perfect for celebrating a special occasion or even just to toast an incredible safari, this activity offers the opportunity to indulge in a decadent champagne tasting in &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s beautiful wine store. Sip on a delightful French champagne and compare it with a renowned South African Methode Cap Classique and sparkling wines. This activity also includes delicious finger snacks.
Additional costs apply
CRATER FLOOR BANQUET
After your scenic descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, enjoy a tasty hot lunch served in breathtaking surroundings at a private picnic spot on the Crater floor. Personalised butler service combines with breathtaking surroundings in the midst of the wildlife action.
Minimum 10 guests. Minimum one month’s notice required.
Weather dependant and subject to availability of picnic site. Excludes Crater fees.
Additional costs apply
CRATER VIEW WALK
This popular late afternoon walk along the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater allows guests to experience various natural habitats, including the acacia woodland, thick lush forests and open grasslands.
Highlights:
• Excellent birding route with sightings of golden winged sunbirds, African cytrill, white eyed slaty flycatcher and mountain buzzard;
• The only place in the area to see Schalow’s wheatear and mountain white-eye;
• A chance to see the Maasai and their cattle en route.
Maximum 6 guests. Cannot be pre-booked.
Additional costs apply
EMPAKAI CRATER HIKE
From the beautiful forests that surround the Empakaai Crater walls to impressive strangler figs and fantastic birdlife, this energetic full day hiking adventure promises guests an up close experience with nature.
Highlights:
• Explore the Empakaai Crater floor and the water’s edge;
• Birdwatcher’s paradise;
• Potential sightings of barred tailed trogon, grey headed negro finch, greater and lesser flamingo, steppe eagles and crowned eagles.
Maximum 6 guests. The walk into and out of the crater is on a steep grade and at a high altitude and therefore is suitable for relatively fit and agile individuals. Full day hiking adventure.
Additional costs apply
HONEYMOON ROSE PETAL DINNER
The ultimate romantic experience, your private dinner begins with a long soak in a hot bubble bath large enough for two, from where you can admire magnificent views of the Ngorongoro Crater. From there, a carpet of rose petals leads to an elegant table set up just for you in the privacy of your opulent suite. Attentive yet discrete, your personal butler serves up a delicious feast, prepared by the lodge’s professional chefs and accompanied by a bottle of the finest French champagne.
2 guests. Two weeks' notice required.
Additional costs apply
LAKE EYASI WALK
A panoramic half day walk through Maasai villages and open grazing land that allows guests to enjoy the culture and lifestyle of the Maasai. Along with authentic culture, this walk also offers spectacular views of Lake Eyasi.
Highlights:
• The inspiring Africa Foundation Mokilail School project can be visited en route;
• The walk can be tailored to finish at a viewing point overlooking Lake Eyasi - perfect for sundowners;
• A unique opportunity to interact with the Maasai.
Maximum 6 guests. Half day panoramic walking route.
Additional costs apply
MAASAI DELIGHT WITH PRE DINNER DRINKS
Be touched by the spirit of Africa whilst listening to the traditional singing and chanting of Maasai (20 Maasai warriors) whilst enjoying sundowner drinks or pre dinner drinks.
2 Weeks’ notice required.
Additional costs apply
OLDUVAI GORGE & SHIFTING SANDS TOUR
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.
Additional costs apply
PRIVATE DINNER IN THE WINE STORE
Beautifully romantic and exclusive, a private dinner in the lodge’s wine store is perfect for an evening spent with a loved one or as a more intimate activity to spend with friends and family. Tuck into a delectable menu in the beautiful surrounds of the &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s wine store. This dinner includes a small bottle of French champagne as well as a bottle of wine, of your choice, for your special evening.
Additional costs apply
PRIVATE SUNDOWNERS ON THE RIM
Enjoy sundowner cocktails and delicious snacks whilst treated to awe-inspiring views and 20 Maasai warriors entertaining guests. Minimum 6 guests. One month’s notice required. Weather dependent.
Additional costs apply
ROSE PETAL DINNER
The dining area is magically transformed into an elegant banquet fit for a king and queen. The long, chandelier-lit dining table, adorned with white linen, candles and bouquets of roses, is surrounded by a carpet of brightly coloured rose petals. This is the height of elegance and romance. At each guest’s place setting, a single rose sits on top of a beautifully presented menu card. A sumptuous meal, prepared by expert chefs, is then served by attentive butlers and includes a glass of French champagne.
Minimum 24 guests. Two weeks' notice required.
Additional costs apply
WINE STORE PARING DINNER
Exceptional for the epicurean, this Pairing Dinner activity will allow you to enjoy a private evening that includes a mouth-watering five course dinner menu in the &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s beautiful wine store. Each course will be accompanied with one of the lodge’s exclusive wines from the cellar.
Additional costs apply
NUMBER OF SUITES
30
MAXIMUM GUESTS
60
CHILDREN
Yes - travel to Tanzania is recommended for children 8 years or older Children 5 years and younger cannot participate in regular game drives; children aged 6 to 11 can participate in regular game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion
FAMILY ROOM
There is one family room with inter-leading suites
CHILDMINDING
Available at an additional charge
TRIPLES
4 (children 16 years and younger); triples are not possible at Tree Camp
TWIN BEDS
All convertible to double
LODGE POOL
No
BATH
Yes
INDOOR SHOWER
Yes
SEPARATE W.C
Yes
IN-ROOM SAFE
Yes
TELEPHONE
Yes; Kenyan and Tanzanian cellphone reception available in bar and some guest suites
HAIRDRYER
Yes
LAUNDRY INCLUDED
Yes
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
One room accessible with assistance
DISTANCE BETWEEN ROOMS
5 – 16m / 26 – 53ft
CHECK OUT
11h00
KOSHER FOOD
Not available
POWER
220v AC
INTERNET ACCESS
Yes, wifi in rooms and guest areas
PRIVATE 4X4 SAFARI VEHICLE
Depending on availability and at additional cost
CREDIT CARDS
Visa, MasterCard and Amex
IN-ROOM MASSAGE
Yes
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Gym in a basket
WEATHER
Summer is from October to March and winter is from April to September. It can be cold on the Crater rim from May to September and we suggest guests dress in layers for game drives, as temperatures heat up towards midday
RAINFALL
Rain occurs predominantly in November and from April to May. Annual rainfall is approximately 700mm / 27” on the Crater floor and 1 500mm / 59” on the Crater rim
TEMPERATURE
Temperatures range from a minimum of approximately 8˚C / 42˚F to a maximum of approximately 30˚C / 86˚F
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Game viewing is excellent year round
MALARIA
The lodge is situated in a malaria area and necessary precautions should be taken
AIRSTRIP
Ngorongoro Crater Airstrip is registered; coordinates are S03 12 31 and E035 28.13’
CAMP CLOSURE
Open year-round
CURRENCY
US dollar bills printed prior to 2006 are not accepted in Tanzania, as there was a large amount of illegal processing of dollar bills in East Africa during that time
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