Ngorongoro Crater
There is probably no other place on earth with such a high concentration of wildlife as the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. Some 2000 feet below the rim of this imploded volcano, which is the largest un-flooded complete caldera in the world, lays a natural paradise.
It has the highest ever recorded density of lions, is the last refuge of the black rhino in Tanzania and has elephants with the largest tusks in East Africa. With the dramatic backdrop of the crater walls, this truly is a photographer’s dream.
With Planet Africa Safaris, you will have the chance to explore the entire crater with game drives on the crater floor, and hikes on the crater rim – an opportunity to witness this spectacular wildlife and scenery from all angles.
Olduvai GorgeOlduvai Gorge is famous for being one of the most important landmarks in discovering the origins of mankind. There have been some spectacular archaeological finds on this site, where the Leakey excavations took place.
As significant as this place is, as a destination it is only really suitable for true fanatics of archaeology. For the majority of tourists however, there is very little to see - just a very small museum (which does not contain any of the original fossils) and a dusty gorge that has no real distinguishing features for the layman.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE NGORONGORO AREA
Plantation Lodge is a tranquil little place, set in the midst of the coffee fields just outside the Ngorongoro Crater. This real gem is very well taken care of and is definitely one of the best lodges in the northern safari circuit.
The beautiful rooms are all individually decorated, set amongst lush gardens with a great pool. The hospitality is excellent, with delicious food and a very personal feel creating a relaxing ambience – One of Planet Africa’s favourite places.
Gibbs Farm Open since the 1950s, Gibbs Farm is a lovely colonial home that has been converted into an exquisite lodge situated just outside the Ngorongoro Crater. The beautiful gardens and surrounding farmland make for a very peaceful ambience and bird enthusiast will discover a wide variety of species here.
The vegetable and fruit grown near the lodge make for some delicious home cooking, and the rooms are extremely comfortable – a worthy inclusion in any itinerary.
Ngorongoro Farmhouse is a relatively new, professionally run establishment on expansive grounds just outside the Ngorongoro Crater. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the lodge boasts an enormous central dining area that is cleverly designed.
The kitchen produces great meals, and there is a lovely open-air deck with a central fireplace – perfect for stargazing with a nightcap in hand. Not as unique as other places but certainly accomplished in what it offers.
Kensington Camp Ngorongoro is located close to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. A far cry from traditional camping, Kensington offers high quality accommodation in large spacious tents.
The tents are very well appointed with decorative rugs and comfortable beds. Each one has a private bathroom with running water and flushing toilets. With only eight tents, this camp offers a highly exclusive experience in a prime location. A superb choice for discerning guests.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is unique in many ways. Its design was inspired by the mud-and-stick manyatta (homestead) of the Maasai, however, inside the rooms are lavishly decorated in decadent colonial style.
Complete with log fires, crystal chandeliers and sweeping views, this lodge makes for a remarkable setting. It is located on the edge of the famous World Heritage Site - the Ngorongoro Crater. Surrounding the lodge, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area spans 8,300 square kilometres, stretching from the Rift Valley to the Serengeti.
This highly exclusive lodge is without question an extremely special place, both architecturally and geographically. However, the experience of staying here comes at a real premium.
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is beautifully located mid range tented lodge just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. To get to the lodge you will make your way through local farmland and most likely there will be local children along the road waving at you. This relatively new lodge is not only spectacular for its views, but also atmosphere is what you wish it to be. For people who are a bit more budget conscious we book this lodge a lot, and always get good feedback.
