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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"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
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
We enjoyed the slightly simpler accommodation, which gives more of a feeling of being in the wilderness. The service was very friendly and helpful, but didn't quite have the smooth efficiency of some of the other lodges." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Lemala Luxury Camp Ngorongoro review"
Difficult - impossible to re charge everithing (baeries, mobile..)" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
"Excellent camp with helpful staff"
The staff were helpful, efficient, and welcoming" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
"Lemala the start of a tanzanian adventure"
On arrival at Lemala - what a welcome and our tents (such fun) Loved the hot water bottles and the warming stove on return from dinner. Food was tasteful and nothing was too much trouble. The situation of the camp was perfect for an early start into the crater which enabled us to appreciate the magnificance before the hordes arrived from further afield. On leaving the Ngorongoro, whilst our guide was signing out a baboon jumped into the safari vehicle, knocked a packet of tissues out of the way and stole a packet of ginger biscuits.
Cannot give enough praise." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
"Lemala - Great location for the crater"
Dinner was very nice atmosphere with an international feel. There were guests from the USA, Holland, Germany and Austria and everyone mixed really well. We discovered that the Dutch family were also staying at the same hotel in Zanzibar, so it was nice to make friends with them here. We thought the food was OK, however given our experience of the Nomad camp I would downgrade this to "average". Our Dutch friends, who stayed with a number of their other camps, told us they were served the same food each evening for the whole trip.
The location is excellent, there had been Buffalo in the camp during the night so the Masai "warrior" was very welcome. Something strange happened with our lunch though. I suspect we were given the wrong one as there was only enough food for three people in a party of five. Breakfast was also a bit slow given that we were trying to get into the crater early and avoid the crowds. The location is excellent for an early drive into the crater and the road down is a lot easier than the main track." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
"Cold nights at Lemala Camp"
The people were lovely, Francis is a good manager with high aspirations for the camp, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The shower water was delivered quickly and hot, which is just as well as showering has to be a brief experience when it is so cold in the shower tent. (The brochure says there are chemical toilets but we had a flush one)
Every effort had been made to make the tents attractive inside and the calor gas heaters and hot water bottles made us as comfortable as we could be but our over-riding memory is how cold it was. We had been warned but we thought it would be 'cold for Africa' rather than cold for people coming from a cold place, I don't think that you can over-emphasise this to let people know what to expect.
We didn't have time to take the opportunity to visit a local Masaai village which was a pity. We visited Lake Manyara on the way to Ngorongoro but it was the most disappointing part of our trip as it felt more like a UK safari park than a national park and was very crowded with people trying to spot wildlife." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
"Lemala Luxury Camp Ngorongoro review"
It was cold in the morning and evening but luckily we'd taken a few jumpers. Liked having the trunks to put all our stuff in as it kept the tent tidy.
Location was fantastic - we were in the crater very early in the morning before other vehicles." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
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.
