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Don't go without the 2nd Edition Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - writen by Annie - one of our consultants |
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area, The Crater and Where to Stay
Ngorongoro is a fascinating and unusual Conservation Area which includes the phenomena of the Ngorongoro Crater at its centre, and then extends through the Crater Highlands, in which local tribes are permitted to maintain their traditional lifestyles in as natural environment as possible. This extraordinary volcanic landscape is rich and fertile, with stunning craters and lakes, and the high altitude creates a malaria-free micro climate.
 Click here for Ngorongoro Lodge Reviews
The Ngorongoro Crater The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact caldera in an exceptional geographical position, forming a spectacular bowl of about 265 square kilometres with sides up to 600m deep, the stalking ground of around 20,000 to 30,000 wild animals at any one time. The crater floor consists of a number of ecological environments that include grassland, swamps, forests and Lake Makat, a central soda lake filled by the Munge river. All these various habitats attract various wildlife to drink, wallow, graze, hide or climb. Although animals are free to move in and out of this contained environment, the rich volcanic soil, lush forests and spring source lakes on the crater floor tend to incline both grazers and predators to remain here throughout the year.
Ngorongoro Crater: Wildlife Highlights Ngorongoro Crater is also presently one of the most likely areas in Tanzania to see the endangered Black Rhino, as a small population are thriving in this idyllic and protected environment one of the only areas where they continue to breed in the wild. The crater protects a microcosm of East African wildlife within its boundaries, said to be the most densely packed wildlife concentration in Africa. As such, Ngorongoro Crater has achieved world renown, and attracts a growing number of visitors each year. Even if time is limited this natural but accessibly small caldera ensures a rewarding safari. Unique and diverse, inside the famous Ngorongoro Crater a tardis-like effect takes place, as it is surprisingly small once inside! Most people find that one day is quite sufficient to enjoy the place. Its size compared to the vast expanse of the Serengeti means that you may see many other vehicles.
Ngorongoro Crater; Climate The Crater rim, over 2,200 metres high, touches swathes of clouds for most days of the year, with cool high altitude vapours that seem to bring a clean lightness to the air, and also a chill. These highlands wake up to a misty fog in most months, other than the high dry season during December and January.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodges We have included all the lodges below ordered by our ranking, and by price. Clicking on any of the links will bring up more information; our detailed view of the lodge, video, photos, key facts etc. However, since we have been to all these lodges ourselves, we would recommend a phone call or an email to help you to decide where to go.
Ranking
 - Outstanding
 - Very good
 - Good
 - Average
- Poor
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Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Yes it is expensive and yes it is somewhat bizarre…….but the service, food, rooms and views are genuinely out of this world. You are, after all, sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano looking down over an immense density of all of Africa's big game......5 paw rating, no question! |
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Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
The Ngorongoro Serena is a great lodge to use as a well priced base for safaris in the Crater. The views are utterly breathtaking and location on the Crater rim deserving of a good rating. However for those of us wanting to avoid the crowds and have an authentic safari the Serena is not the place to stay. |
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Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala only gets a 3 paw rating as it is too new a camp to deserve 4 paws. There is no doubt it is the best tented camp in the area, certainly more atmospheric than the Serena and Sopa, and does offer a much cheaper and real alternative to Crater Lodge. We hope to review the camp in a year and give it 4! |
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Gibbs Farm
Gibbs Farm has a great setting and a famous reputation but the camps new rates for its best rooms are really quite pricey…leaving the standard rooms at a good price but in need of an upgrade. We certainly prefer Plantation. However Gibbs remains a good lodge but one that has currently lost a bit of direction. |
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Plantation Lodge - Ngorongoro Highlands
The debate rages in our office as to the rating for this lodge. With only a handful of lodges around the crater, choices can be limited and Plantation offers superb value and atmosphere. The debate is whether to go for a reasonable hotel on the rim or a great hotel in the highlands. We have opted for the former. |
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
The Ngorongoro Sopa actually has the best views of any of the Crater's lodges and also has the quietest access route to the Crater floor. It is an old lodge that is too large for us to really like using. However we cannot deny that this lodge is good value and a great hotel to use for location and views alone. |
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