Lion's Paw: Our full report

Lion’s Paw is located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with just a ten minute drive to the descent gate.

Lion’s Paw is part of the Karibu Camps and Lodge’s portfolio.

A winning feature of Lion's Paw is its spectacular views. Both the lounge, bar and dining room are raised on decks, offering ample seating area inside and outside to enjoy the panoramic views of the crater floor. Steps lead down from this area to a seating area and fire pit. The main areas have large windows, allowing for maximum natural light and views towards the crater.

For the warmer evenings, there are different levels of seating, with a large metal fireplace to enjoy the evenings. The interiors are locally designed, with soft colours and wooden furnishings. The dining room is a cosy space, with individual dining, with long tables at the far end for buffet-style meals.

The camp has a total of 15 rooms, 11 of which are standard and two-family rooms. The family rooms are spacious, with a adjoining lounge area. The rooms are a hybrid structure, of solid bathrooms, with the bedroom designed with reinforced canvas, for a traditional safari camp feel, on raised wooden platforms. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, a writing desk fitted with charging appliances and a landline telephone to call through to the reception and main areas.

The four poster beds are surrounded by mosquito nets, with an electric blanket for the cooler nights. Each room is fitted with a gas heater which is turned on by the housekeeping team during turn down service. A small sofa and coffee table occupy the rest of the room, before leading through a sliding door onto a small veranda with either a forest or crater view.

The bathrooms have properly plumbed showers and toilets, with amenities such as complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, bathrobes, and slippers.

Our view

The stunning views and advantageous location to the Crater floor access road are Lion's Paw stand out features. Couple this with a simple yet stylish setting, and a welcoming and friendly staff team, make this is a good property choice for exploring the Ngorongoro area.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 2 to 3 nights
Directions: 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Lake Manyara Airstrip
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The main style of dining is buffet, which features predominately local dishes. When we stayed, we had an option of bean, chicken and okra stew, steamed vegetable rice and fresh tomato salad. For dessert, there was a choice of fresh fruit. Breakfast was also a buffet, with fresh fruit, local donut (Mandazi), pancakes and hot foods such as; bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes and eggs to order.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room Service is available on request.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages welcome
Property’s age restrictions: No age restrictions
Equipment: Cots and high chairs are available on request in advance.
Generally recommended for children: 7 years and above
Notes: Parents should keep an eye on children around the camp. There is a lot of vegetation around the camp and it is unfenced

Communications

Power supply notes: There are charging stations in the room tents as well as in the main areas.
Communications: WiFi is available in the main areas and in the rooms as well as in room telephones to call other rooms, reception and main areas.
TV & radio: N/A
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Closest medical center is Fame Hospital in Karatu
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Night watchmen available to escort you to and from your rooms in the evenings.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each guest tent and in the main area and there’s a fire break around the camp

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Not included. All cloth items can be washed, with the exception of ladies' underwear. There is powdered soap provided in the bathroom for these items
Money: Each room as has a safe.
Accepted payment on location: For extras, the camp accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex, with a 4% surcharge. Cash is accepted in all currencies.