The sheer eccentricity and extravagance of the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is frankly unlike anything you are likely to see again. It is for this reason that the Crater Lodge is a must-have experience for so many people – even for just a night!
Awarded: Silver
Location
The camp is perched directly on the rim of the crater overlooking the crater floor. This very special location offers an incredible vista across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where zebra and buffalo are regularly sighted.
Rooms
Crater Lodge contains 30 suites divided across three camps; 12 in the North and South camps, and six in Tree Camp. Tree Camp sits closest to the crater rim, however its woodland seclusion means the north and south camps guarantee better views. The three distinct sections prevent the camp from feeling oversized or impersonal.
Crater Lodge’s design is popularly described as ‘Maasai meets Versailles,’ owing to its luxurious, European interpretation of the traditional Masaai timber, stone and thatch construction. Rooms are furnished with rich Persian rugs, cushioned leather armchairs and a wood-burning stove, while the en-suite’s focal point is a freestanding bathtub overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater through floor-to-ceiling windows. All suites have a veranda and a private butler on call. A family suite (consisting of two interleading units) is available at each camp.
Communal Areas
Each camp has its own lounge and dining areas. The North and South camps are furnished to a high standard, with antiques, wood panelling and chandeliers, while Tree Camp is less ornate. At all camps, you can expect amazing food and wine as well as first-rate service. Breakfast and lunch are generous buffets, while dinner is a three- or even five-course meal. Additional amenities include a safari shop, gym equipment, and in-room massages.
Activities
Game drives to the Ngorongoro Crater floor are provided by great guides with shared vehicles.
Fully inclusive
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.
Explore Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area Properties
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Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
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The Highlands
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With its eye-catching design and breath-taking location on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, The Highlands will impress even the best-travelled guest.
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The Manor at Ngorongoro
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Tloma Lodge
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
