Entamanu Ngorongoro

3°6’3.8"S 35°31’0.0"E

96% (27 reviews)

Full review Our view Geographics Food & drink Special interests Children Wildlife sightings Communications Sustainability Health & safety Activities Extras

Entamanu Ngorongoro: Our full report

Entamanu Ngorongoro is set in an isolated, scenic spot high on the crater rim.

The drive in, along relatively poor roads, can take up to an hour and a half, but there's very often the bonus of giraffe (a species that is absent from the crater itself) to be seen en route, and the final approach into a grove of massive acacia trees, drooping with hanging moss, is impressive.

When we last stayed at Entamanu in 2024, it was clear that the lodge had established itself as one of the top accommodation options on the crater ridge. Its sister properties include some of the best camps in Tanzania, including the excellent Lamai Serengeti, unique Greystoke, and remote Chada, and the same excellent standards are maintained at Entamanu.

The camp is discreetly nestled in a small forested area atop the crater rim and enjoys views both south towards the crater itself, and north-west towards the plains of the Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge and the Gol Mountains – boasting that it's the 'only place in the world where you can watch the sun rise over the crater, and set over the Serengeti'.

The whole camp has been architect-designed with curved roofs and the unusual inclusion of silvery mabati (corrugated iron) panelling in many areas, giving it a contemporary urban-rustic feel, reminiscent of stylish small ski lodge.

The main communal areas consist of a spacious lounge area and dining room with a deck facing out towards the crater. There's an eclectic mix of neutral-coloured seating, brightened with red and purple cushions. There are a number of striking rustic furniture pieces and ornaments; the camp has a very well thought-out, cohesive and stylish design throughout.

Running the length of the communal area is a large veranda with comfy seating, and a grassy area beyond where younger guests enjoy playing. There is also a protected olteti (fig tree), which is sacred to the Maasai, who occasionally conduct ceremonies here that guests are welcome to watch.

There are seven guest rooms at Entamanu – two of which are designed as family units, with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom – all tastefully designed and decorated in a light palette of creams, browns, greys and blues. The textured wool throws, woven rugs and sheepskins further add to the lovely relaxing feel of the cabins. Each room has a small writing desk, luggage stand and comfortable lounge chairs facing out over the views. Useful items such as insect repellent, an air horn, a two-way radio, and a multi-charging point can also be found. The large shaded dec at the front has a pair of canvas directors' chairs. The deck is a tranquil spot to take in the spectacular views of the crater. Each tent is well spaced from its neighbours.

The en-suite bathrooms at Entamanu are generously sized and have separate areas for the modern flush toilet and plumbed-in shower. The batrhoom also has dual wash basins and an open wardrobe and laundry bag.

The temperature – or, more specifically, the cold – is always an issue at camps and lodges on the crater rim. June–July are the coldest months, when daytime temperatures can be 6–12°C, whereas November–December typically experiences 17–21°C. In order to combat the cold at Entamanu, there are stylish and fast-acting gas heaters to warm the bedrooms and bathrooms, remote-controlled from the bed.

As well as the obvious game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater itself, activities at the camp can include guided drives and walks in the wider Ngorongoro area if requested, visiting places such as Olduvai and the Empakaai Crater. It is also possible to do game walks to a neighbouring Maasai village. Led by a Maasai guide and accompanied by a TANAPA (national parks') ranger, this walk can take a number of hours, during which time it will be possible to learn about the flora and slightly smaller fauna – although on our walk we were lucky enough to see 22 giraffe galloping across a valley! After spending some time in a genuine Maasai village (as opposed to one that has been commercialised by tourism), there will be the option to continue the game walk back to camp, or for a game vehicle to provide a lift. Note that guided walks are restricted to over 12s.

Access to Entamanu takes around an hour from the Lodoare Gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and an hour and a half to two hours from Lake Manyara Airstrip. It's a very scenic drive, and you may want to stop en route.

Our view

A stylish, relaxed camp with excellent service, Entamanu is an excellent choice on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. If you're looking for a quality camp, and you want to have views of the crater floor and beyond, we think this is a unique alternative to the larger properties.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights allows for a full day to explore the crater and also make the most of the activities on offer in this unique setting.
Directions: Entamanu is around 30–35 minutes' drive down a rather rutted track from the Seneto Descent road, or 2-2 and a half hours’ drive from Lake Manyara Airstrip (the roads are being continually upgraded but there is still some further improvement required).
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We’ve stayed multiple times at Entamanu, most recently in 2024. We found the food to be consistently fresh, tasty and imaginative. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice and the camp can be flexible with regard to children.

For breakfast, you can expect a selection of cereals, toast, yoghurt and fruit, with an English breakfast cooked to order. Our lunch was a tasty curry, avocado salad, beetroot salad and fruity rice. Dessert was fruit skewers drizzled in melted chocolate. Dinner is a set three-course menu, and on our recent stay we started with a creamy leak and potato soup and crusty bread. This was followed by lemon and herb roast chicken with a selection of vegetables and roast potatoes, and bread and butter pudding to finish. There are snacks and canapés available all day if you happen to get peckish!
Dining style: Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Drinks included: Included, with the exception of premium spirits and Champagne. Filtered water is available both in the tents and communal area.

Special interests

Cultural experiences: Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.; See ideas for Cultural experiences in Tanzania
Walking: Entamanu is well located for a variety of highland walks; to Olmoti or Empakaai Crater, or around the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Soak up the wonderful landscapes, whilst you walk with your guide who will tell you all about the local flora and fauna.; See ideas for Walking in Tanzania

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: Entamanu Ngorongoro accepts children who are 8 years old and above.
Special activities & services: Activities with a local Maasai: traditional fire making, bow and arrow making, spear throwing.
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: The Ngorogoro Crater is a fascinating area for older children who can sit through game drives without problem; they will appreciate its geography and wildlife. There is space for younger children to play under supervision and activities are on offer if a distraction is required. Note that there is dangerous wildlife on the crater rim – especially elephants and buffalo – so great care must be taken at all times around this unfenced camp.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Entamanu Ngorongoro

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Entamanu Ngorongoro have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Hippo

95% success

Black Rhino

85% success

Eland

69% success

Striped Hyena

33% success

Leopard

13% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes: Power is available 24 hours a day. It is possible to charge batteries in tents.
Communications: WiFi is available in the main areas and there is good mobile reception.
TV & radio: There are no TVs or radios in camp.
Water supply: Transported in
Water supply notes: Plumbed in showers and flushing toilets

Sustainability

Education and the wellbeing of local children

Entamanu Ngorongoro assists the people of a nearby Maasai boma, by helping them invest in sustainable livelihoods, as well as improving the education of the children in the community. Their primary goal is to refurbish and upgrade the conditions of the boma’s nursery centre, vital to the families who live there.

Through visiting the nursery centre, just a short walk away, visitors can even assist with the vital task of teaching children in the nursery things such as ABCs and counting. The nursery could especially benefit from the donation of toys for the children, such as colouring books, balls, and skipping ropes. Entamanu is also an active contributor to Tanzanian Children’s Fund, which provides a permanent home for 97 vulnerable children. There, local children and those from nearby areas are provided free access to education, healthcare, as well as financial support for their community. Guests at Entamanu Ngorongoro can visit the TCF where they can learn more about and support their various projects.

See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid kit in camp. The nearest doctor is in Karatu, approximately a 2 and a half hour drive away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are unarmed guards on site. Each tent is equipped with a walkie-talkie and air horn for emergencies.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are in all tents.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included. It is handwashed and line dried so can take a whole day – this is especially true in winter, between June and September. Note that underwear cannot be washed for cultural reasons and washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for this.
Money: There is one central safe in camp. Each room has a lockable pouch that can be stored in the safe or taken on game drives, at guests’ discretion.
Accepted payment on location: Entamanu accepts all major currencies, including US dollars, GB pound, Euros and Tanzanian shillings. Some credit cards are accepted, including Mastercard and Visa, but not America Express. There is a 7.5% for card transactions.