Nestled on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is an enchanting getaway that conjures up images of a bygone era of exploration. Here, the charm of classic safari style blends with contemporary comforts, offering a unique vantage point over one of the world's most fascinating geological features. It's a place where the soundtrack of the African bush – the distant roar of a lion or the gentle call of an exotic bird – becomes your daily alarm clock!
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Positioned close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, Lemala Ngorongoro boasts an advantageous spot next to the quiet Lemala access road on the crater’s eastern side. This strategic location provides guests with a significant head start over other visitors, who typically descend via the busier Seneto access road on the western rim. Early morning drives commence as early as 6.15 am, allowing guests to reach the crater floor in just 10-15 minutes – a critical aspect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture the best light conditions. The camp’s proximity ensures guests can maximise their time observing Africa’s most active game during the early mornings and late afternoons, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience significantly.
Communal Areas
Lemala Ngorongoro’s communal areas exude a tranquil and serene atmosphere, nestled within a peaceful forest setting. While the camp does not offer direct views of the crater floor, the surrounding forest landscape provides a serene backdrop, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure. The ‘Out of Africa’ style is evident in the communal spaces, where guests can enjoy fine dining and socialising in an environment that harks back to the golden age of safari.
Rooms
The accommodation at Lemala Ngorongoro is a testament to the luxurious ‘glamping’ style, combining traditional safari elegance with modern comforts. The tents are tastefully decorated, offering a cosy and intimate setting. Each tent serves as a private retreat where guests can unwind in an ambiance that captures the spirit of a bygone era, all while being surrounded by the soothing sounds of the African wilderness.
Activities
Game drives from Lemala Ngorongoro are a highlight, given the camp’s exceptional location. The quick access to the crater floor allows for extensive and fulfilling wildlife encounters, where guests can spot a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat. The camp’s location within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area also increases the potential for wildlife sightings, even within the camp’s vicinity, offering an immersive safari experience. Besides game drives, guests can engage in cultural interactions with the local Maasai communities, enriching their understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
Full Board
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.
Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min
Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.