Crater's Edge: Our full report

Nestled among the Acacia lahai trees on the north-eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Crater's Edge ...

... is a new luxury base for exploring one of Tanzania’s most iconic natural wonders.

Most of the 15 tented suites are overlooking the crater rim, with a couple set back slightly in the acacia woodland. All are a good size and internally have the same high quality throughout. While the rooms are located quite close to each other, they have been thoughtfully designed and maintain a good amount of privacy. Each ‘tent’ entrance is enclosed with boma-style wooden fencing.

Inside, the suites are very spacious; with a 360-degree gas fireplace, leather armchairs, walk-in wardrobe, free-standing copper bath tub and separate bathroom area with a power shower, twin basins and a standard flush toilet. Large glass sliding doors lead out to a private multi-level wooden viewing deck, complete with a telescope.

In the centre of the room is the king-sized bed – some rooms can be made a twin, and triples are available on request. Lots of little touches are provided, such as a Nespresso coffee machine, Dyson hairdryer, bathrobes and high-quality toiletries.

Two of the tents are joined to create a two-bedroom suite which is perfect for families or a group of friends travelling together.

Directly behind the reception area is the lounge and library, a cosy bar area and the dining room. There are gas fires here too which are welcome in the cooler months in the Ngorongoro highlands. Here you will also find a wooden veranda with two large fire pits where guests gather for a pre-dinner drink in the evening.

Activities for most guests will of course be focused around game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater itself, usually departing early in the morning to spend the day exploring the crater floor. This will be with either one of the knowledgeable in-house Crater's Edge guides or with your own private driver-guide booked through Expert Africa. The lodge is located just 1km from the descent road and so guests staying here can easily be one of the first vehicles down onto the crater floor. You may wish to take a packed breakfast and return for lunch, or perhaps have a very early breakfast at the lodge and take a packed lunch with you, returning in the late afternoon. To maximise your time on the crater floor you can also go for an all-day drive, taking both breakfast and lunch with you, as we did on our last visit here.

While games drives in the crater are the main reason to stay here, for those with a little more time guided walks can be arranged, as can longer hikes in the nieghbouring Olmoti Crater or Empakaai Crater.

Our view

Crater's Edge is an excellent luxury base for exploring Ngorongoro and we were impressed by the slick and friendly service. The property's close proximity to the descent road onto the crater floor, allows guests to enjoy exploring the crater before the crowds arrive.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights
Directions: You will either be driven to Crater's Edge in your own private 4WD, or you'll fly into Lake Manyara Airstrip, which is two hours’ drive away.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Food timings are flexible, and will depend on your activities for the day.

Breakfast may be served in the lodge, or taken packed for an early game drive in the crater. We enjoyed pancakes and fruit mid-game drive, but could have chosen bacon sandwiches with boiled eggs or yoghurt and museli. Full continental or cooked options are available if you're eating at the lodge.

Lunch again may be served in the dining room or taken as a picnic. We opted for a full day out so took a packed lunch with us, which consisted of pasta salad, a delicious beef baguette, fruit and a chocolate brownie. It was one of our favourite packed lunches of the trip.

Dinner is usually served from about 19:30 and is à la carte with two or three choices for each course. We started with a delicately seasoned pea and mint soup, followed by a generous serving of vegetable lasagne and rounded off with a beautifully presented chocolate fondant pudding.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Available on request until 23:00.
Drinks included: Drinks are included, except Champagne.

Children

Attitude towards children
Property’s age restrictions: Children over 5 years are welcome
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Please note that the property is not fenced, and dangerous big game walks freely through the camp. We therefore feel that it is more suitable for older children. Having said that, children above 5 years who do come here are made welcome and staff do their best to make their stay as enjoyable as possible.
Notes: Children must be kept under constant supervision.

Communications

Power supply notes: 24/7 electricity to the rooms
Communications: WiFi throughout the property and telephones in rooms
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Bathrooms are fully plumed with flush toilets.

Health & safety

Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Karatu about an hour's drive away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris (Masaai security) on duty; guests are accompanied after dark.
Fire safety

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Included in nightly rate.
Money: Electronic safes in rooms.
Accepted payment on location: Cash and credit cards are accepted for any additional payments.