Reviews of Lemala Ngorongoro
Wildlife sightings and reviews
38 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lemala Ngorongoro and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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17% success
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92% success
92% success
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"Eden"
When I think of Lemala I think luxury, and the Ngorongoro site lives up to Lemala’s standards. The rooms have a rustic elegance to them and the gas heaters certainly help dispel the damp and cold as you snuggle for a comfortable sleep. We lost power in the morning but Lemala was ready with elegant candelabras and soft LEDs at breakfast.
As always the staff was attentive, helpful and kind. The food was expertly prepared and the presentation quite remarkable for a tented camp." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
9 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
8 sightings
Wildebeest
9 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
The proximity to the crater makes this location hard to beat." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Atmospheric safari camp at Ngorongoro"
The tents are well appointed, with reasonably plush interiors and plenty of blankets and hot water bottles for the chillier-than-expected temperatures. The staff were very friendly and wickedly generous with drinks - be careful with the gin and tonics! Communal dining can be hit and miss, but we were fortunate to have entertaining companions for both nights of our stay - basically it was a well-lubricated dinner party with excellent catering and wonderful new friends.
The camp is close to the Lemala gate, so a quick early morning getaway is easy to beat the crowds to the crater floor.
Highly recommended" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Black Rhino
3 sightings
Buffalo
6 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Excellent location"
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
1 sighting
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
"Manager"
"They treat you well"
But we were also very pleased by the courteous and helpful and efficient staff. We were greeted when we arrived and they all gathered to bid us farewell when we left. During our stay, their service was great, including the talking shower.
We needed packed breakfast at 6AM, and they cheerfully obliged.
Dinner was communal. and fixed course. The food was well prepared." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
The staff were very kind and helpful and the food was good." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
"A cosy stay at Lemala Ngorongoro"
The bucket showers (talking showers!) were great fun and arrived promptly when requested. The tent was very well equipped and cosy, with a heater for the cold evenings, hot water bottles and a flask of hot water for tea. The food was good but spicy - typical of local food. Wildlife visited the camp during the night, so the Masai guards escorted us after dark.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"A warm welcome on top of the cool crater"
In September, the temperature is already cool in the morning and at night. The presence of heating Inside the tent plus the hot water bottle they put Under our duvet kept us nicely warm. Not to forget to mention is the food which is great.
On the negative side, I requested vegetarian meal for the trip and the camp is not aware of it. However, the next day, they has already take note and presented my vegetarian option discreetly." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda
"Big five sighting at Lemala Ngorongoro"
We encountered a number of travellers whom excluded the Ngorongoro Crater from their itinerary, for fear of too many vehicles, mass tourism and dust. This was not our experience at this time of year, when the maximum number of vehicles around a lion kill was no more than five, and all drivers were courteous to other visitors and respectful to the animals. At times, we were on our own in parts of the beautiful crater expanse which was an amazing experience.
The game viewing was excellent, despite no off-roading being permitted. 25 lion, 11 black rhino, numerous huge tuckers, hunting hyena and prolific bird life were encountered in this extraordinary geographical setting and was certainly not to be missed. Our morning departure was met with a leopard emerging from the forest on the crater rim road to complete a Big Five sighting!
Again, Ayub, our highly experienced guide for the week was outstanding for his overall care and professionalism." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
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Other lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
