Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp: Our full report

Sanctuary Ngorongoro falls into a large portfolio of Sanctuary Retreats, which includes camps and lodges across Africa.

As one of the of the few camps located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the quick access to the decent road onto the crater floor makes this camp a great choice for this iconic destination.

A choice of grey and dark green canvas allows the camp to successfully blend in with its natural surroundings, under the large canopies of the flat top acacias. Each tent enjoys a forests view, with some looking into the crater

The main area consists of a comfortable lounge, with an assortment of sofas and coffee tables, as well as wildlife photographs printed onto large canvas. A small bar is located at the back of the lounge with a selection of house and premium drinks. On the same wooden platform, directly adjacent, a spacious dining tent with individual tables set up for private meals. In front of the main area, the wooden deck stretches forward to offer an additional seating area and a large fire pit for evening drinks.

The rooms are modest tents on raised platforms, tucked into the forest. Each tent has a small deck with a chair and also a small shaving basin and mirror. The interior décor offers a pop of colour with burnt orange bed spreads and throw pillows with a patterned beige and grey woven carpet.

The nights on the crater rim can be rather chilly, therefore each room is provided a small gas heater which is lit by the camp staff in the evenings, along with hot water bottles.

The back of the tent has an ensuite bathroom, divided by a linen curtain partition. A enclosed canvas shower is centrally situated, with a vanity basin on one side and an enclosed toilet on the other side. Amenities such as bathrobes and slippers are provided, as well as a safe for storing valuables. Every tent is provided a small gym bag containing a yoga mat.

Our view

While the choice of colour for the tents can seem rather dark under the forest canopy, we feel the camp offers an excellent location to fully experience the iconic Ngorongoro cloud forests. The camp is small and intimate offering an under-canvas experience, with the main advantage of the camp’s close proximity to the access road onto the crater floor, allowing guests to enjoy the crater floor before the crowds arrive.

Jessica Plumb

Country manager: Tanzania

Geographics

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

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Meals are usually buffet style, plated or prepared as individual family platters.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is available on request
Drinks included: Most house drinks are included. Premium sprirts and champagne are extra. Drinking water is provided throughout the camp

Children

Attitude towards children: Children ages 6 and older are welcome
Property’s age restrictions: 6 years and above
Special activities & services: There are no special activities for children.
Equipment: There is no special equipment for children.
Generally recommended for children: While the camp does have a slighty more intimate and adult atmosphere, we feel families would find this camp suitable to them. Due to the nature of the forest, parents should keep their children with them at all times
Notes: Parents should keep their children under constant supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: The camp relies on both solar and generator to power their inverters and the use of charging devices and hair dryers are permitted
Communications: Radios are provided in the rooms and there is wifi in both the main areas and the room.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Transported in
Water supply notes: All the tents have plumed in showers and flush loos. Hot water is provided by a hot water boilers.

Health & safety

Medical care: Closest medical facility is Fame Hospital in Karatu
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris available to escort guests during the night.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers provided in the main area and the rooms. Each room is fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included. Powdered soap is provided for ladies’ underwear
Money: Cash is accepted in all currencies. Currency exchange is possible, using the rate of the day.
Accepted payment on location: The camp can accept credit cards; Mastercard (2.5%), Visa (2.5%) and Amex (3%)