If the Serengeti is About Being In the Wild, Ngorongoro is About Viewing It From Above.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. It is a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife. And the best place to see it is from the rim which sits 600 meters above the crater floor.
At The Expat Tours, we recommend staying in a Luxury Safari Lodge here. Unlike the canvas tents of the plains, these are solid, fortress like structures designed to protect you from the high altitude chill while offering the most famous view in Africa.
1. The “Architecture of Fantasy”
The lodges here are unique. Because they are permanent structures, architects have let their imaginations run wild.
You might find Maasai inspired mud structures filled with crystal chandeliers or colonial style manors with heavy stone walls. It feels less like a hotel and more like a castle in the clouds.
At 2,300 meters or 7,500 feet above sea level, it gets cold at night! These lodges feature roaring log fireplaces in your room, heated blankets, and deep Victorian bathtubs. It is the ultimate cozy retreat after a day of game driving.
2. The Million Dollar View
You pay for the location. Staying on the rim means you have a panoramic view of the entire ecosystem.
The morning ritual is essential. Wake up early, wrap yourself in a blanket, and step out onto your private balcony. Watching the sun rise over the crater rim, burning off the mist to reveal the herds of buffalo and elephants on the floor below, is a spiritual experience.
3. First into the Crater
Logistics matter here. The descent road into the crater can get busy. By staying at a lodge right on the rim near the descent gate, you can be the first vehicle on the crater floor in the morning.
This is when the Black Rhinos are most active and the lighting is perfect for photography. You get an hour of magic before the day trippers from nearby towns arrive.
4. Safety & Comfort
For families or first time safari goers who might be nervous about sleeping in a tent, these lodges offer peace of mind.
You are in a secure building with solid walls and locked doors. Expect reliable WiFi, swimming pools which are often heated, and extensive wine cellars. It is a “soft” adventure that delivers high end luxury without compromising on the wildlife experience.
The 8th Wonder of the World
See the crater the way it was meant to be seen: from the top.
???? The “Crater Floor” Banquet Ready for the view? Rooms with a direct crater view are limited and sell out a year in advance. We secure these prime spots early. Book your Ngorongoro stay with us, and we will arrange a private picnic lunch on the crater floor. You will dine near the hippos at a safe distance in one of the designated picnic sites surrounded by the walls of the volcano.
