A World Heritage Site west of Arusha, Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is well worth a visit. Below are some of the best lodges in and around the area.

 

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge is over half a kilometre above the crater floor, facing westwards and offering guests magnificent sunsets. The lodge is themed around the traditionally circular African houses, manyatta (a grouping of mud-and-stick huts), with conical roofs decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions. The rooms are all centrally heated and offer queen-size beds, central heating and spacious showers as well as views of the crater beyond.

 

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is located inside the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. The 72 rooms are complete with modern amenities and each has a panoramic view. The rooms are spacious with private balconies and large bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy sundowners on the crater rim. The lodge is close to Olduvai Gorge Palaeolithic site.



Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge

Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge is close to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and offers vies of the Ngorongoro Mountains. Accommodation is either in twin rooms or double suites featuring inside and outside showers, slipper baths with views over the highlands and private verandas with viewing decks. There is also a presidential suite.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is situated on the edge of the crater. The design echoes that of the native Maasai manyatta huts. Each offers guests a central living area and viewing decks overlooking the crater. The huts or suites also feature brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls. Additional touches include banana-leaf ceilings and grass roofs. At night, large fire bowls flank the entrance to each of the living and dining areas.

Ngorongoro Wild Camp

This camp borders the Ngorongoro Crater National Park and is situated in the Karatu area, roughly 140km from Arusha. It is a mobile camp with 26 tents and a large dining tent. Each tent consists of two single beds with mosquito nets, an en-suite bathroom, a reading table and a veranda with chairs. The camp uses solar power for lighting and hot water. Meals are prepared for guests and bush lunches can be arranged.

 

Bougainvillea Safari Lodge

Located on the outskirts of Karatu town, Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge offers 24 cottages that comprise a king or twin beds, a fireplace, large bathroom with shower and a veranda. Triples are possible with prior notice and two of the cottages can be used as family suites with connecting rooms. There is a large common area housing reception, lounge, bar, gift shop and dining rooms. The swimming pool sits in the centre of the property surrounded by the cottages and gardens.  

 

Gibb’s Farm

Gibb’s Farm is near Karatu and roughly an hour’s drive from the crater. The farmhouse dates back to 1929 and the original guesthouse was built in 1972. Today, Gibb’s Farm offers 17 guest cottages, each comprising handcrafted furniture, two queen-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. There is also a common living area. The main farmhouse features a living room, two dining rooms, outside verandahs, a gazebo and gift boutique.