Without doubt one of the top ten hotels in the world. Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and with views to die for; people come to Tanzania just to stay here. This is &Beyond’s flag ship property; quirky and something different from other properties on a northern itinerary. &Beyond call it ‘ Masaai meets Versaille’, we find it verging on over the top - but if you can afford it - you must stay here!
Our View
On the remote North Western edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the camp is uniquely off the beaten track but right on the Crater rim, with exceptional views down into the Ngorongoro Crater from one side (sunrise), and out over the Serengeti from the other (perfect for sundowners). This is the wild side of the Crater where the exclusivity and views are unsurpassed.
Our View
Kirurumu Ngorongoro is a stunning tented camp situated on rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, boasting sensational views. It is a very intimate camp in a true safari style, a far cry from the large, faceless chains that are also present on the rim. Great views, great guides and great value!
Our View
Lemala is well located (though do not be fooled, the views are not into the Crater itself as the camp lies on the other side of the rim looking out into the Conservation area as opposed to into the Crater itself) and does have some game in the surrounding area. Overall it is a quality product and a welcome breath of fresh air around the Ngorongoro rim with it's nice authentic tents, and overall rustic luxury.
Our View
Since there is not a wide variety of choice on the crater rim the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is an excellent option; good access into the crater whilst remaining quite affordable. Being a large hotel it doesn’t have all the charm you would expect of a lodge in a world famous location. But why should it when you are only here for only a night or two and the focus is the crater itself, not the lodge, its design and aesthetics. This is a good choice of lodge for the rim but if you are looking for something with a bit more charm and slightly less expensive, then look at somewhere like Plantation Lodge in the highlands. Or if you want one of Africa’s most sought after property and budget is no problem, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
With the best views of any of the lodges on the Crater rim and a good price too, the Sopa is great choice for location. Although it isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing lodge it serves a purpose and does it very well. It pretty much has its own access road to the crater floor and being on the eastern side of the rim it is far away from the other lodges. It is a good value options for a one or two night stay but if you are looking for something with a little more character and charm with the sacrifice of crater view, then look at Plantation Lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands, or if you want opulence then the Manor or the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
