Reviews of Lemala Ngorongoro
Wildlife sightings and reviews
37 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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"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
The tents were very comfortable, with bucket showers on demand, and generally well equipped, although lacking a torch. It was quite cold at night, but we were comfortably warm in the tent with a gas heater and hot water bottles. The camp staff were friendly and helpful, although on occasions needed prompting, for example restocking the camp fire after dinner.
The camp's location enabled us to be one of the first people in the Crater, before the crowds arrived. The setting of the Crater floor is spectacular, and it was certainly worthwhile to spend one day there, but we have had better game viewing elsewhere. The vehicle density at sightings was uncomfortably large." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Disappointing stay in excellent location"
It is worth staying there for the location alone and early morning access to the crater. However, go with modest expectations." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
We’re heading out to Lemala Ngorongoro ourselves in November 2014, so we’ll be sure to thoroughly investigate the issues raised here.
"Innovation Manager"
"Lemala Ngorongoro camp"
Not the best of experiences but perhaps not the camp's fault.
Once again Expert Africa did not leave a section to mention that from Manyara airstrip we were met by a Tanzanian safari company, Asilia who provided us with a vehicle and driver, Harry, who drove us on a game drive around Manyara before taking us to Lemala. He (not Lemala) then took us around the Ngorongoro crater the next day. He was experienced and knowledgeable including in birdlife and was also witty and fun to be with. The whole Asilia experience was faultless and they sound like a thoroughly modern company who have excellent policies, ethics and train their staff well- they all loved the company" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda
"Fantastic camp"
"Lemala Ngorongoro - A Haven of Luxury"
Our fellow guests were a good mix of nationalities - Belgian, Australian, Scandinavian and English - and we chatted with them over campfire drinks and dinner in the evenings. The food was all delicious (we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner at the camp and also had both a packed breakfast and lunch during our stay).
I graded the location as "good" simply because there is no view from the camp other than trees. However, I would really recommend Lemala Ngorongoro to everybody - it really is 5 star service and luxury camping in a very secluded and intimate setting.
The game viewing in the crater is fantastic - so many and such a variety of animals that it reminded me of being in a supermarket, with an enormous range of produce! The downside was the number of other customers - at one stage we counted 33 other vehicles jamming up the road looking at some rhino....and according to our guide, February is quite a quiet time of the year for visiting the crater!!" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
"A grand day out"
Food - very good.
Umbrella- had to share umbrella with other tents. . Difficult in the rain.
Wine Slip. Amount overstated on first night but not as bad as Mnayara. Second night I had one lime cordial, my husband 2 white / 2 red glasses of wine. Not four reds as stated." See all these reviews: 18n in Tanzania
"Prime location at Lemala Ngorongoro"
Pre-dinner drinks around the fire - blankets provided. Entertaining fellow travellers to talk to makes a difference, but of course you can't pick them - its just pot luck! We had 2 friendly German couples travelling together and a delightful Indian family - parents lived in India, 2 daughters and one son-in-law lived in America and they all met up in Arusha for a special family holiday together. We asked the German group where they were going next...they knew which area they were going to, but had no idea which camp...just reckoned it would all be in their paperwork somewhere and presumably their driver knew!
Dinner the 2nd night came with a 'surprise' dessert!..a cake made for the 36th wedding anniversary of the parents in the Indian family group, so we were all serenaded by the staff around the table. This turned out to be the first of three of these impromptu celebrations! During dinner the gas heaters in the tents were turned on and hot water bottles put in the beds. The heaters were then turned off from outside the tents, shortly after we returned to them. Cosy!
It was a very early start the next morning .. on our way with Alfred by 6am for our trip down to the Crater.. a quick and easy access from the camp. Good bush breakfast and lunch provided by the camp.
We had pre-ordered our hot water for the shower ready for an early morning start the second day - it lasts for about 10 minutes as long as you don't run it too fast (there is just a lever to pull - a voice outside the tent tells you when the bucket has been filled up! ), so we managed a shower each from one bucketful. Alfred ready and waiting for us at 6am, after our Weetabix breakfast! .. next stop Sayari Mara camp." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
"I would not recommend this camp"
Ngorongoro is interesting geologically, but not at this time of the year. It was a dust bowl with too much traffic. It simply was not that enjoyable.
Overall, we were not impressed by Lemala Camps.
Lake Manyara could have been avoided all together. It was not worth the day trip to see. Bottom line, it was a rain forest and a hippo pool." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
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.
