Reviews of Crater Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
27 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Crater Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Luxury on the edge of a caldera"
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
4 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Location, location, location."
We didn't realise we had a butler until half way through our stay. No bath and no fire on our first night, until requested. No attempt was made to enhance the communal areas at night.The outside fire pits were ready but not lit.
The views were amazing, but the accommodation is in serious need of refurbishment. The quality of the cooking was varied.
Game viewing was excellent and the trip to Empakai Crater was a highlight of the holiday." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
The lodge wished that these guests had brought their concerns to the management during their stay, as they say they would have done their utmost to improve their experience. But they are very thankful for our travellers' feedback and want to ensure that these unacceptable incidences do not occur again.
"On the Top !"
Some details were really unbelievable and never experienced before: having the breakfast table laid just for us and without being asked to on the very spot that we personally preferred was as uncomparable a treat as having a hot bath waiting for us when returning from the game drive ! In addition to the extravagancy it was the personal touch of the luxury that made our stay so outstanding.
Our guide showed the by now well known and appreciated "And Beyond" - guidance - quality.
The crater itself is a busy place: one group of lions, at least ten cars ! Anyway, this is a touristic hotspot (what we knew beforehand) and you can hardly visit Tansania without having been there !" See all these reviews: 21n in Tanzania
"Amazing views!!"
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
On arrival we had a late afternoon game drive and the following day we decided to make it a full day. Lunch was taken at one of the regular picnic spots close to a lake. Whilst Peter, our guide, was setting out the food we saw some nearby zebra suddenly make a dash for higher ground. It turned out that there was a female lion about 150 mtrs away, amongst some rocky ground, that had been stalking the zebras.. There was a large number of vehicles and people in the area for a picnic and nobody was bothered at all, most trying to get better photographs. Amazing. The biggest problem was a black kite trying to snatch your food.
Highlight of the day was a pack of lions taking a buffalo. Our vehicle was one of the first to witness the whole event from start to finish. By the end there were over sixty 4x4's lined up along the crater track!" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Kenya
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
We were allocated a butler whose job was to look after us and a few other rooms. Not many rooms were occupied and so there was no problem with service although we were not entirely comfortable with him. The room manageress and lodge manager and butler turned out to meet us when we arrived and to say goodbye when we left - clearly looking for tips (I don't mind tipping but don't like being pressured about it).
The thing that irked the most, was that we returned from an interesting safari to find a huge bath full of hot water. Unrequested. I am sure they think this is good service, but this is a real waste of water in a country that can ill-afford that, and a waste of energy to heat it. Then we found that it was still hot an hour later which meant that the bath itself was heated. If you did or did not use it, the water was wasted and it was not a small amount. Multiply this by all the rooms and it is hardly environmentally friendly. By all means ask first, but don't waste water for no reason.
The hotel did not re-use towels or make much attempt to save energy at all as far as we could tell.
The restaurant was in the main building, also quirky and heavily furnished. Food was good and dinner was served after pre-dinner drinks together with our guide for the next day.
The crater experience itself was very interesting and unlike a 'normal' safari in that the animals are somewhat captive in the crater. Given that this was the low season, there were more than enough vehicles at most wildlife sightings. It must be terrible in the high season. We did have a great day however and credit to our excellent guide for that. He really was very good.
Overall we would say that two nights here were plenty with one day on safari. For the hotel - sorry, not for us. Was it good - yes, very. Was it an eco hotel - a big no. Did we feel comfortable there - not really. Who is it aimed at - not entirely sure. Would we recommend it to others - we don't think so. All a bit of a contradiction so pretty hard to rate below" See all these reviews: 16n in Tanzania; 4n in Kenya
"Unique lodge on the crater rim"
Great game viewing, although a little frustrating (but understandable) that the roads are limited so it's not always possible to get close to all the animals. I would suggest that unless you are a really avid game watcher, 2/3 game drives is enough in the Crater as the area is much smaller than the wide expanse of a game park.
Extremely bumpy 1hr ride down to the lodge and very dusty - not an issue for us but other travellers may need to know this!
Cold at night and we did not think that the rooms were warm enough in the evening. They are large spaces and a fire in one corner is not quite sufficient. This might be an issue for more sensitive travellers going at this time of year." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Over-the top on the Rim"
Beautiful views down into the crater from your huge room with amazing soaker tub. Luxurious setting and accommodation. The staff and service were amazing. It is a more traditional feeling lodge (in a "Dr Seuss meets safari" kind of way).
Definately a unique experience!" See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
"Location Location"
It was absolutely beautiful and had magic in the ambiance...view... The food was almost great. Staff not as personal. I know park fee are more in the crater so that plays a part in the price." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
The staff were pleasant and attentive but the tipping culture felt too overt.
To balance our review I did receive a very special birthday cake and enjoyed listening to the choir which was a generous and thoughtful touch." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
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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
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
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.
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.
