The focal point of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and the biggest intact volcanic crater in the world, Ngorongoro Crater is a well-liked destination on Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit. The crater is home to an incredible variety of species, including all five of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), in addition to being a breathtaking natural marvel.

There are many different types of lodging in Ngorongoro, most of which fit into one of two major geographic categories. Priority is given to a small number of lodges and campers located directly on the edge of the forested crater, but there is also a growing selection of options in the town of Karatu, which is located just outside the eastern limit of the NCA.

Though its equivalents surrounding Karatu are typically more reasonably priced, lodges on the crater rim have the greatest views and are more practical for morning wildlife drives. The top ten Ngorongoro safari hotels and camps are listed here, roughly arranged by proximity to the crater bottom.

Ngorongoro Crater Camp Sanctuary

This opulent Ngorongoro camp, which is located in an umbrella-thorn forest on the eastern rim of a crater, is perfect for safarikers who don’t want to hide behind brick and mortar at the end of the day. A roaring campfire and the availability of gas heaters and electric blankets in the roomy tents help to combat the cold weather. The site is ideal for early morning game drives and is located a few kilometers inside the eastern Lemala Gate.

Ngorongoro Lemala

Similar to Sanctuary Ngorongoro, Lemala is a private Ngorongoro camp located within Lemala Gate, surrounded by a forest straight out of a fairy tale. In addition to having two queen-size mattresses apiece, the nine tents here are incredibly large and equipped with 24-hour solar power and gas heaters. You’ll adore the dining tent, which has exquisite leather and wood furnishings that bring back memories of safaris.

Serena Safari Lodge in Ngorongoro

On Tanzania’s northern circuit, Serena Hotels manages six distinct resorts, all of which excel in terms of location, quality, and relative price. With its large, centrally heated rooms and unique location in a wooded valley with a view of the crater, the Ngorongoro Serena is no exception. When it comes to early morning wildlife drives, this lodging has a clear advantage because it is the closest to the main western descent road to the crater bottom.

Outside the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The view of the crater floor is the most remarkable aspect of the majority of lodges on the rim of Ngorongoro. At Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, this isn’t the case. It is true that the views from this well-located property, which was first established as a hunting lodge in the 1930s, are quite remarkable.

But what really sets it apart is the whimsical Maasai-meets-Versailles architecture and design, which combines baroque, classical, African, and colonial elements. Additionally, wildlife drives are led by some of Tanzania’s most experienced guides, and the crater is a constant visual presence throughout the lodge—at least when the highland mist permits.

Ngorongoro Entamanu

Some of Tanzania’s most secluded, opulent, and exclusive bush lodges are run by Nomad Tanzania. A prime example is Entamanu Ngorongoro, the sole lodging option located on the northern edge of the crater.

Built in 2023 and spanning two camps, these villas are the epitome of bush chic and provide breathtaking views of the crater rim. But what actually makes this camp unique and enables it to offer the closest thing to a really exclusive Ngorongoro safari experience is its remote location within a Maasai concession.

The Highlands

The Highlands doesn’t follow a formula. This upscale Ngorongoro lodge, which was constructed and is run by Asilia Africa, is situated in the northern NCA, approximately an hour’s drive from Ngorongoro Crater, on the rim of the picturesque Olmoti Crater. Eight stilted rooms with glass domes and canvas provide breathtaking views of Olmoti Crater’s wooded walls. The suites are well-insulated to counteract the cold highland weather.

The Manor in Ngorongoro, Elewana

The gabled facades and whitewashed exteriors of this majestic lodge that borders the NCA are striking and reminiscent of the Cape Dutch architectural style found in South Africa’s Winelands. The distinctive split-level cottages include king-size bedrooms, roaring fireplaces, and vintage baths, and the property boasts a commanding hilltop location on a coffee estate.

Gibb’s Farm

The most opulent lodge close to Karatu, Gibb’s Farm is situated on a century-old coffee farm and first welcomed visitors in the 1970s. The restored 1920s farmhouse serves delicious four-course meals made with organic produce produced on-site, and the 17 roomy guest cottages have a modern spin on colonial-style décor.

A Maasai elder provides traditional massages at the resort, and locally led cultural tours, forest hikes, and bird walks are among the services and activities that place a strong emphasis on community involvement.

The Ngorongoro Retreat

This contemporary boutique lodge, which is situated on expansive grounds that border the NCA’s woods, offers one of Ngorongoro’s greatest value deals in terms of both price and comfort. The spacious and well-furnished cottages come with a jogging trail, gym, jacuzzi, and swimming pool.

The Lodge at Plantation

The Northern safari circuit is increasingly dominated by chain-owned lodges, although there are still a few independently operated standouts. Among these, The Plantation Lodge is a favorite, run and operated since the 1990s by the same kind German couple.

This resort, which is located on the hills outside of Karatu, exudes excellence in every way, from the chic classic-contemporary décor to the swimming pool surrounded by expansive flower beds. Fresh produce grown on-site or purchased from nearby vendors is used to create the superb meals.