Best places to stay on a safari at the Ngorongoro Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s eighth wonder, is really one-of-a-kind and breathtaking. With an abundance of ‘Big 5’ animals and breathtaking landscape, it is a world-renowned wildlife viewing destination. Any Northern Tanzania itinerary should include a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Because of the Crater’s limited size and international notoriety, it is quite popular during the most of the year. As a result, we would not recommend staying more than two days in the area before flying to the Serengeti. The lodges and camps are not located in the Crater proper; rather, some are on the rim, while others are located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region includes the Crater and was established in 1959 as a multi-use area where animals may coexist with semi-nomadic Masai pastoralists. Walking and cultural experiences are permitted in this conservation area and the neighboring hills, but only driving is permitted within the Crater itself.

The hotel near the Ngorongoro Crater differs greatly, yet each has its own idiosyncrasies and exquisite amenities. There are lodges on the Crater Rim that offer amazing views of the crater, although the options are limited and typically priced higher. However, if you can pay the fees, the luxury of the lodges is well worth it.

If you’re willing to give up the lodge’s views, camp costs tend to drop down from the rim, with the pleasant and quaint Plantation Lodge in the Ngorongoro Highlands being a personal favorite.

There are various lodges located in the Ngorongoro Crater or further away in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to begin your safari. Below are some of our favorites:

Lion Paw Camp

Lion’s Paw offers all you may expect from a stay near the Ngorongoro Crater. It has everything, including excellent dining, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking vistas. Hotels near the Ngorongoro Crater might be large and soulless at times, but here you have all the conveniences of a large business while maintaining safari lodge-level intimacy. Plus, the views from camp are breathtaking.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Definitely one of the top ten hotels in the world. People travel to Tanzania solely to stay on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, which has breathtaking views. This is &Beyond’s flagship property, eccentric and distinct from other properties on a northern route. &Beyond refers to it as “Masaai meets Versaille,” and we think it’s a little over the top – but if you can afford it, stay here!

Entamanu Camp

Our View On the isolated North Western edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the camp is uniquely off the beaten track but right on the Crater rim, with amazing views down into the Ngorongoro Crater on one side (sunrise) and out over the Serengeti on the other (ideal for sundowners). This is the Wild Side of the Crater, where the exclusivity and views are unparalleled.

Kirurumu Ngorongoro.

Our View Kirurumu Ngorongoro is a magnificent tented camp located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with breathtaking views. It’s a fairly tiny camp in a real safari style, in stark contrast to the enormous, faceless chains that also line the rim. Great views, great guides, and a great value!

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Our View Lemala is nicely positioned (though don’t be deceived; the views are not into the Crater itself because the camp is on the other side of the rim, looking out into the Conservation area rather than into the Crater itself) and there is some game in the surrounding region. Overall, it is a high-quality offering that provides a refreshing breath of fresh air along the Ngorongoro rim, complete with real tents and rustic comfort.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Our View Given the scarcity of options on the crater rim, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is an ideal alternative; it provides easy access to the crater while being reasonably priced. As a huge hotel, it lacks the ambiance of a lodge in a world-renowned area. But why should it when you’re only there for a night or two and the focus is on the crater, not the lodge’s design and aesthetics?

This is a decent alternative for the rim, but if you want something with more charm and a lower price, consider Plantation Lodge in the highlands. If you want one of Africa’s most sought-after properties and have no budget constraints, choose the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Ngorongoro Sopa

With the greatest views of any of the lodges on the Crater Rim and a reasonable price, the Sopa is an excellent choice for location. Although it isn’t the most visually appealing lodge, it fulfills its purpose admirably.

It has its own access road to the crater floor and is located on the eastern side of the rim, which is far away from the other lodges. It is a fine value option for a one or two night stay, but if you are seeking for something with a bit more character and charm with the sacrifice of a crater view, then look into Plantation Lodge in the Ngorongoro highlands, or if you want extravagance then the Manor or the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.