Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world. Where Maasai meets Versailles. It is themed in romance, on the rim of Ngorongoro’s ancient caldera. This lavish lodge is the best place to stay when visiting Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
The position is incredibly spectacular. With ever changing views as mists swirl over the massive wildlife cauldron below. At this lodge, guests can be forgiven for losing track of which century, or even continent, they are in. Everything has been chosen to excite the imagination and enhance the breathtaking vistas of natural beauty.
One of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, the list of species existing in the Ngorongoro Crater is enormous. One can find 50 different species of large mammals. These include lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, eland, impala, baboons, warthogs, and hyenas. Not to mention the massive amounts of grazing wildebeest and zebras. And in the shallow Crater Lake huge flocks of bright pink flamingos. Boasting such a diverse variety of animals in the relatively small space of this beautiful crater. With its lush green grasses and stunning blue water. It is what makes this such an incredible safari experience.
As the sun sets, listen to Maasai warriors chant while enjoying your favorite sun downer overlooking the game-rich Crater. This region is also rich in culture, history, and diversity.
Please note Ngorongoro Crater Lodge will be closed for a major refurbishment from 16th January 2025 to 15th January 2027
Skip to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Accommodation
Perched above swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and offering breathtaking views is one of the most spectacular lodges in Africa. Features lavish safari suites inspired in design by a Maasai homestead. Personal butlers serve each guest discreetly. Bringing tea to their bedsides, stoking fireplaces, and pouring bubble baths.
Steeped in romance; each of the 30 x stilted suites has graceful antiques, grand chandeliers, and elegant African treasures. They are all handcrafted with mud and thatch with banana leaf ceilings. The bedroom, sitting room, and en-suite bathrooms boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below.
The suites are divided into three camps. Namely; North Camp, South Camp, and Tree Lodge. Consequently providing an intimate and unique experience at each camp. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas. With private butlers who provide warm, personal service.
Wheelchair access
Two rooms are accessible with assistance, as all rooms have stairways. All main areas have stairs, however; North Camp has a small ramp to the main area
Family Safaris at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Activities
Highlights of your adventure at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge feature game drives, banquets on the Crater floor, hiking, wine tasting, and lion learning’s.
Game Drives
Game drives descend into the Ngorongoro Crater through a lush highland forest, with magnificent bird life to be spotted among the different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, you may discover a large variety of grazing herbivores. As well as the predators that are attracted by this abundant supply of prey. Depending on the time of year, you may see huge flocks of pink flamingos around the shores of the shallow Lake Magadi. While the surrounding swamp is inhabited by hippos. Safari vehicles are closed, with glass windows and a pop-up roof. Off-road driving is not permitted.
The crater has formed its own ecosystem due to its enclosed nature. It is one place where you can certainly tick all the boxes. Sublime scenery, and abundant wildlife. Plus its very own distinctive Lerai Forest comprised of yellow fever trees. And Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake. Roam to the east and you will find Gorigor Swamp and the Ngoitokitok Springs where happy pods of hippos can be found. The north of the Crater is where the bulk of the resident game resides thanks to the drier, open grasslands.
If you are after the ‘The Big Five’, it is all here waiting for you. Black rhino, Tusker elephants, lion, leopard, and hyena. Along with healthy herds of wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra. Other wildlife includes serval cats, cheetah, jackals, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, flamingo, and bat-eared foxes. As well as approximately 400 species of colorful birds.
Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater
Timing is everything so the below gives you an idea of the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater Lodge; based on your interests.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has exceptional game viewing all year round.
The best time to hike into Empakai Crater is June until October.
You can best see Mount Kilimanjaro from the Ngorongoro Crater in October.
Visit Ngorongoro from January to March to see newborn animals and interesting predator / prey interaction. While you will see flamingos on the lake from April to May.
June and July to witness wildflowers bloom on the Crater floor
The migratory birds usually visit in March and April and from September until October.
March to May and in November is another very special time to visit. This is when you will have the Crater almost all to yourself; as it is low season, and therefore less crowded.
How to Get to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
A number of airlines operate scheduled flights from Arusha to Lake Manyara Airstrip. The lodge will then collect guests from the airstrip and bring them to the lodge. The drive to the lodge takes approximately 1½ hours.
Family Suite Accommodation Rates at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Per Family Suite |
High Season: 11th January to 29th February 2024 | $8,645 |
Low Season: 1st March to 31st May 2024 | $5,110 |
High Season: 1st June to 31st October 2024 | $8,645 |
Low Season: 1st November to 20th December 2024 | $5,110 |
High Season: 21st December 2024 to 15 January 2025 | $8,645 |
Don’t forget Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is closed for a major refurbishment from 16th January 2025 to 15th January 2027. We will publish 2027 rates as soon as we have them.
Accommodation Special Offers at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Long Stay Rates
Stay more than 3 nights at any &Beyond lodges in Africa, for the same guests on a single itinerary and get discounts. Subject to the seasonal availability of the offer.
Fly Me around East Africa
Stay for 7 nights in 2024 or 6 nights in 2025 at &Beyond Tanzanian or Kenyan lodges and get great discounts! There’s a potential saving of up to USD 4,283 per itinerary, per 7 night stay
For your package rate, you have the choice of where (which lodge) and when (how long), using any combination of the nominated &BEYOND lodges and camps in Kenya and Tanzania.
Additional nights may be added with discounted rates
Extend your stay with 3 nights at &BEYOND Mnemba Island, and qualify for the Fly Me to Mnemba Island offer.
Entice your senses at the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater Lodge*, swirling in the mists of the Ngorongoro Crater. And explore the wildlife wonderland on the Crater floor. Follow the movements of the Great Migration as huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move in search of lush grazing at the mobile tented camps of Serengeti Under Canvas. Or, Klein’s Camp, Grumeti Serengeti Lodge, and Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Experience a safari adventure of a lifetime in the Masai Mara at Bateleur Camp.
*Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is closed from 16th January 2025 for extensive refurbishment. Therefore, 2025 Fly Me around East Africa cost is based on 6 nights.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge & Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge are closed annually in April.
Excludes &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and &Beyond Mnemba Island
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge & Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge are closed annually in April.
2024 Indicative Rates for Fly me around East Africa Offer | Per adult sharing | Per child sharing | Family Room |
11th January – 29th February 2024 | USD 10,430 | USD 6,090 | USD 36,990 |
1st March – 31st May 2024 | USD 8,825 | USD 5,205 | USD 31,295 |
1st June – 30th September 2024 | USD 15,265 | USD 8,465 | USD 53,935 |
1st – 31st October 2024* | USD 10,430 | USD 6,090 | USD 36,990 |
1st November – 20th December 2024 | USD 8,825 | USD 5,205 | USD 31,295 |
21st December 2024 – 10th January 2025 | USD 15,265 | USD 8,465 | USD 53,935 |
2025 Indicative Rates for Fly me around East Africa Offer | Per adult sharing | Per child sharing | Family Room |
11th January – 28th February 2025 | $ 8,720 | $ 5,105 | $ 30,410 |
1st March – 31st May 2025 | $ 7,610 | $ 4,480 | $ 26,885 |
1st June – 30th September 2025 | $ 13,775 | $ 7,700 | $ 48,610 |
1st – 31st October 2025* | $ 8,720 | $ 5,105 | $ 30,410 |
1st November – 20th December 2025 | $ 7,610 | $ 4,480 | $ 26,885 |
21st December 2025 – 10th January 2026 | $ 13,775 | $ 7,700 | $ 48,610 |
*October normally falls in high season so take advantage of this mid season rate on this Fly me around East Africa package.
The primary inclusions in this package deal:
Flights and transfers
All inter camp flights
1x Regional flight between Kenya & Tanzania
Road transfers between airstrips and lodges or camps
3 meals a day, soft drinks, tea and coffee, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, safari activities, refreshments on game drives and laundry
Emergency medical evacuation coverage
Please check with us for single supplement as this is dependent on whether there are other singles traveling at the same time. This is due to flight requirements.
A great example of using this offer is our Treasures of Tanzania Safari. It is a 9 day highlights of Tanzania tour.
Honeymoon Safari offer
One partner pays the full rate and the other partner pays 50% of the accommodation rate for the whole stay. The honeymoon offer is valid for stays of 2 or more nights; throughout the year.
Honeymooners can travel within 6 months of the date of marriage.
Crater Blessing Or Wedding
We can also arrange weddings, blessings / renewal of vows, and engagements at the lodge. However, a legal wedding does get extremely costly and takes quite a while to arrange. We suggest doing the legalities at home for ease. All are blessed with the powerful chant of the Maasai and the most incredible view of the Crater below.
Please note Kosher is not available. Halaal and other special dietary requests are available if requested well in advance.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania