Where to Stay in Ngorongoro
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Where to Stay in Ngorongoro
As one of the highlights on many East African itineraries, the Ngorongoro Crater is exceptionally popular. When deciding which Ngorongoro Crater accommodation to book, it pays to be aware not only of the availability of accommodation but also accessibility to the crater itself as well as your budget.
The lodges set on the rim of the crater are exclusive and luxurious. Their views are perhaps among the most spectacular in the world, the service world-class and they make for a perfect Ngorongoro honeymoon. You’ll also be first in the queue to descend into the crater in the morning for your game drive.
However, although visitors who stay close to the crater in the nearby town of Karatu will travel for around an hour before reaching the caldera, the accommodation here is more affordable, smaller and more intimate. Moreover, many of the lodges and guest houses offer additional activities such as local walking tours and horse riding.
Browse our comprehensive list of Ngorongoro accommodation – there are lodges and manor houses, camps and hotels – to find something that best suits you or simply contact one of our Africa Safari Experts for advice on the ideal place to stay.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and nearby Crater Highlands and plantation region around the village of Karatu.
Inside Ngorongoro:
Ngorongoro Soap Lodge (Sopa Lodges)
This lodge is strategically placed on the rim of the World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater with amazing views to the crater floor, 1,000 feet below. Each room has a panoramic view as well and the lodge itself, being made of stone and wood, blends into the natural environment. This lodge allows for an early descent to the crater floor as the entrance road is very near.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Incredible views out over the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, 1000 feet below greet the visitor to this lodge, built totally from local stone and blending in to the natural landscape. Serena’s famous hospitality and service are in evidence and although it’s a larger property, it’s laid out in a manner that feels cosy and intimate. It’s too cold for a pool on the crater rim but there’s good Internet access here and a well stocked gift shop and lively evening entertainment. 
Rhino Lodge
This lodge works on a special arrangement with the local Maasai community. It’s a basic, no frills place offering good value on the crater rim. There are no views into the crater but the setting is good and there is easy access to the ‘down road’ for early descents. 
Outside Ngorongoro
Kudu Lodge(Karatu)
Kudu Lodge is our home and where we hope you’ll feel like you’re part of the family. We have a swimming pool, lush gardens and comfortable common areas where you can rest, read, watch the latest sports event or relax with friends. Our large dining room serves delicious meals in a friendly setting. We offer local hospitality, comfortable accommodation and pleasant surroundings.
Located in the heart of the northern Tanzania safari circuit, nearby are the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Lake Eyasi (for a cultural excursion). It’s also possible to do a day trip to Tarangire National Park.
Gibbs Farm(Karatu)
The “original” working farm stay in northern Tanzania, this lodge has undergone extensive renovation bringing it into the twenty-first century without sacrificing the feeling of bygone eras. Situated on a century old coffee plantation twenty-one impressively decorated cottages are “themed” to the farm such as ‘Wedding House’, ‘Coffee House’ etc.
The food is world-renowned and ingredients come from the ten-acre organic vegetable and herb gardens. Walks into the coffee and nearby Ngorongoro Forest are followed by relaxing in the farmhouse or on the lawn surrounded by long views and lush gardens.
Plantation Lodge (Karatu)
This is a lovely lodge set near the forest’s edge. Each room is creatively decorated and the gardens are cool and inviting. With only twenty one rooms, a stay here allows for an intimate experience. The common areas are also tastefully furnished with an African flair and there is ample choice between interior and exterior seating. The bar has a see through floor down to the wine cellar.
Ngorongoro Farm House(Karatu)
The Ngorongoro Farmhouse is minutes from the gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It has forty spacious rooms as well as a swimming pool. Dining is available indoors as well as on the deck or can be arranged on the veranda of the rooms. Views are out across wheat fields and onto nearby Oldeani Mountain. Internet service is available.
More about Tanzania Travel Guide:
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Discover the best day trips from Dar-es-salaam or other Tanzania’s Cities. If you’re here as a family, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tanzania with kids and find suitable accommodation such as Tanzania holiday apartments. Whether you’re looking for the best weekend breaks in Tanzania or planning a longer holiday in, you can be sure you’ll find all the information you need.