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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"Stunning hotel"
The staff were fantastic, incredible attention to detail. And a perfect hotel for a honeymoon - we got back from our safari to find a bath had been run for us surrounded by rose petals and with champagne on ice!
The food was second to none and the service outstanding. Would love to back to celebrate our wedding anniversary" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
Although most guests stay just two nights here, we would have preferred to stay for three nights and perhaps go on a walking safari and have some time to relax.
A splendid location which sadly we were not able to appreciate fully, even though we did manage three trips into the crater itself." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
The lodge was amazing - way over the top but a fantastic experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
"Ngorongoro Crater Lodge review"
The service was excellent, highly professional and friendly. Our driver/guide was the best we had on the trip.
Animal viewing in the crater was fair to good but the volume of traffic was often a distraction and occasionally annoying. At one lion sighting we counted 20 cars all maneuvering for position." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
"A unique experience"
The crater is a truly natural phenomenon that never ceases to take your breath away, however we found the amount of vehicles in the crater resembled a circus, but the animals appeared completely unperturbed." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Kenya
"Three brothers"
Cheby ensured we saw the sunrise over the crater and later provided a wonderful breakfast picnic at the hippo pond. After 8 hours of the rattling Masai Massage and a visit to a Masai village, we lunched and we returned to our room to find a steaming hot bath, surrounded by rose petals, fluffy towels and a chilled bottle of champagne - another opportunity to celebrate our birthdays and soak away the aches and pains of a long dusty day.
The evening drinks in the lounge were definitely the most sociable and friendly of all the three lodges we stayed in. Staff and guests sat together in a family style living room, chatting about the day, almost as if we had gone round to a friend's home for a dinner party. The roaring log fire was very welcome when we returned to our room. Excellent food." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in South Africa
"We were totally spoilt"
The food was excellent too and the staff couldn't have done more for us. Our driver was also fantastic as he managed to avoid the main crowds that I had been expecting, so we did manage to feel as if were more or less alone in the crater - apart from the obvious picnic areas. Particularly enjoyed seeing the rhinos here albeit from quite a distance.
Yes, it is expensive, but worth it for the experience, which I would love to repeat again one day" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
"Masai Meets Versailles!"
My friend and I were totally blown away by how beautiful they were. Also, the staff here was just so wonderful -- Nemis in particular made our stay just perfect. The lunch we had when we first arrived was unbelievable, as were the amenities and attention to detail by everyone there throughout our stay.
It was our favorite hotel of the trip, hands down." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
"The best lodge of our trip....superb!!!"
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
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.
