The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched on the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater at the eastern edge of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. It lies within the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, which covers more than 8 000 square kilometres (3 100 square miles) of pristine African wilderness.
This top-of-the-range lodge was originally built in 1934 as a private hunting lodge with a commanding view over the crater and was converted to a hotel shortly after independence in 1961, The property as bought by &Beyond (formerly CCAfrica) in 1995 and rebuilt from scratch with the stated aim of creating ‘the finest safari lodge in Africa'.
Architecturally, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is literally fantastic. Each individual suite consists of two adjoining round structures, similar to African huts. The large interiors boast a décor as ostentatious as it is eclectic combining elements of baroque, classical, African, colonial and more; in a manner the management describes ‘Maasai meets Versailles'.
The entire Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been designed in such a way that the crater is almost constantly in sight (even in the bathrooms) and the food and service and ambience are world class. Commended in Conde Nast Traveller's magazine 1998.
The sumptuous colonial-style interiors combine silver, gold and ruby colours under banana-leaf ceilings and grass roofs. Crystal chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors reflecting carved Zanzibar wall paneling decorated with gold leaf. Huge bowls filled with long-stemmed red roses complement the Persian carpets and velvet bedspreads. Antiques, plump cushions, voluptuous raw silk curtains and tall, leather-backed chairs complete the picture. This opulent design blends with African art elements in unexpected harmony.
The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
Often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world' the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife arenas. A World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is also one of the largest volcanic craters in the world (almost 20 kilometres wide, 610-760 metres deep and covering a total area of 264 square kilometres). Due to the high concentration of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, close-range viewing opportunities and striking scenery the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania's most visited sites (400,000 visitors in 2007). The Ngorongoro Crater is part of the larger Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
Tanzania luxury safari lodge: location
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at the eastern edge of the Serengeti. The Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is immediately adjacent to the Serengeti National Park, 180 km from Arusha. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is situated on the eastern rim of the Crater, 170 km from Arusha, approximately 4 hours drive and 40 minutes by air, with another 45 minutes transfer from the airstrip to the lodge.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) was established in 1959, most of it having previously belonged to the now contiguous Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Crater is only one of many natural attractions that are contained within the vast boundaries (8,300 sq km) of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These include both dormant and active volcanoes, soaring mountains, archaeological treasures, rolling plains, rivers, forests, lakes and shifting sand dunes whilst almost half of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is made up of vast tracts of open grassland, which swing in a vast arc stretching from the Serengeti in the northwest through the Gol Mountains to the Salei Plain in the northeast.
Olduvai Gorge
Close (20kms) to the centre of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is Olduvai Gorge, the ‘Cradle of Mankind', where the remains of our earliest ancestors, the hominids, were found.
Ngorongoro safari wildlife highlights
The Ngorongoro Crater hosts a large population of ungulates and high numbers of predators, particularly lion. The only absentees from the usual East African large mammals are the giraffe, impala and female and young elephants.
Tanzania luxury safari lodge: accommodation
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge consists of three adjacent, camps with 30 Maasai-inspired suites perched on stilts on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. From the outside, this unobtrusive lodge resembles a magical Maasai village. Set in classic crescents, each stone and thatch suite has spectacular views of the crater from large glass windows in the bathroom, lounge and bedroom, yet is almost invisible from the crater floor.
North and South Camp have 12 suites each, while intimate Tree Camp has six suites. All have an en suite bathroom and chandelier-lit bath-tub and shower. Each sumptuous suite is discreetly tended by a personal butler, who will bring you tea in bed, stoke your fireplace and draw your bath, scattering the water with rose petals, ready for your enjoyment.
Each of the exclusive Ngorongoro Crater Lodge camps operates independently. They each have a central living area and viewing decks overlooking the awesome crater. African nights are lit by the large fire bowls that flank the entrance to each of the living and dining areas. There is a communal safari shop and gallery. African artifacts and clothing are on sale at the gallery/Maasai Market.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge's Highlights
• North and South Camp (12 suites)
• Intimate Tree Camp (six suites)
• Each with spectacular Crater views
• Private viewing decks
• Exclusive butler service
• Spacious en suite bathrooms
• Extraordinary guest areas
• African gift shop and art gallery
Tanzania luxury safari lodge: dining and bars
The domed dining room of Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, offers Pan-African cuisine, dining is also offered on the exterior dining deck.
Conference and event facilities Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge does not offer specific conference facilities but will be happy to quote for small meetings and social gatherings. Tanzania lodge incentives can also be arranged within the Ngorongoro Crater or the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Weddings and honeymoons Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
This Tanzania lodge makes an ideal Tanzania wedding destination. The lodge also offers wedding and honeymoon packages.
Child-friendly facilities Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge welcomes children and will be pleased to supply additional beds.
What to see and do Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• Sundowners on the rim of the crater, full English breakfast on the floor of the crater.
• Picnic lunch by the hippo pools on the crater floor.
• Early morning breakfast on the crater floor
• Maasai dance and theatre nightly
• Visits to Maasai villages and cattle markets
The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge works closely with the surrounding Maasai community and offers visits to Maasai Manyattas and handicraft centres. Traditional Maasai dance displays are held regularly. The Lodge is also within easy reach of Ol Duvai Gorge, the Paleolithic site and reputed ‘birthplace of mankind'.
Safari lodge experiences in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Typical Tanzania safari experiences at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge include: morning or afternoon tours of the Ngorongoro Crater, safari game drives in especially adapted 4WD safari vehicles (with professionally trained Tanzania safari guides) around the crater rim, safari bush breakfasts, lunches and dinners; cocktails around the lodge safari campfire and guided safari walks around the crater rim, visits to view ancient rock art. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge also offers ornithological tours, cultural performances and visits to the local Maasai people of Tanzania.
Tanzania safari lodge experiences around the Ngorongoro Crater
Wildlife and cultural venues in the vicinity of the lodge and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include:
• Ol Duvai Gorge - world renowned paleolithic site
• The Serengeti National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• The nearby Empaki volcanic crater
• Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge • Tanzania Wildlife Safari Lodges
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