Ngorongoro Crater
The Highlands | The Manor | Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Entamanu Private
Overview
Once a gigantic volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is now the largest inactive, intact and unfilled caldera in the world. Some maintain that, before it erupted,
it would have been higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Today, long since having collapsed and eroded, it is an extensive highland area with the famous 600m (2 000ft) deep crater as its focal point.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site deserves a place on your map. There are few places on earth where such a diversity of landscapes exist inside a region the size of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The turbulence of fracturing, rifting, and volcanic activity, as well as on-going erosion have shaped a contrasting panorama of peaks, craters, valleys, plains and lakes.
The spectacular assemblage of wildlife within the Crater is one of the world’s wonders, and close encounters with wildlife in this Garden of Eden are always memorable. With one of the highest densities of lions and hyena in Africa, an estimated 25 000 large mammals are resident in this bowl of plenty, including the endangered black rhino and leopard.
Some of mankind’s earliest ancestors are known to have lived in the Ngorongoro area, where the rich fossil sites of Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli have earned this part of the continent the title of Cradle of Mankind. Today, over 60 000 predominantly Maasai pastoralists inhabit the area, tending their herds of cattle, sheep and goats
and living in peaceful coexistence with the wildlife.
The Highlands
The award-winning Highlands camp with its eight domed canvas and glass suites is situated on the edge of a forest that skirts Olmoti Volcano. It is the highest property in the area, affording sublime, panoramic vistas. Both sunrise and sunset are visible from camp.
On the northern flank of Olmoti Volcano, we might see buffalo, zebras, hartebeests, bushbucks, leopards and elephants (at certain times of the year), as well as nocturnal animals such as hyenas and porcupines.
Empakaai Crater is known for the thousands of flamingos that gather along the shores of its soda lake (a highly alkaline lake).
The Highlands has redefined the Ngorongoro Crater experience, offering an array of activities afforded by the camp’s exclusive location and a combination of comfort and contemporary style.
Luxury
Domed Tents
2 guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Insiders Review
The eight domed suites at The Highlands are made of canvas and glass and are surrounded by lush vegetation with views across the surrounding hills. There is one family tent with room for kids and one special honeymoon tent with a hot tub.
Each suite has a king-sized bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck that curves around the tent. En suite bathrooms have hot running water, showers, and flushing toilets. At night, wood-burning stoves keep guests’ cosy and warm.
Amenities
· Hair Dryer
· Laundry Service (Complimentary)
· Safe
· Wifi
*Family Suite available (4 Guests)
The Manor at Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is famed as being the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, and is a ‘must see’ on anyone’s itinerary. This extinct volcano - with its 18-kilometre wide crater floor - is home to an abundant and unique ecosystem that encompasses almost all of the wildlife that you would wish to see in Africa. This spectacular setting is a ‘once-in-a- lifetime’ opportunity to experience the rawness and beauty of Africa’s natural flora and fauna.
The Manor at Ngorongoro, located in the north west Tanzania and with its 9 luxurious cottages (18 Suites), family cottage, and magnificent main Manor House, is one of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.
Located adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro conservation area and within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate, The Manor is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch-style of architecture.
Luxury
The Manor Cottage Suites
2 guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Insiders Review
Each of 18 Manor Cottage Suites has its own private entrance and adjoining private sun terrace. A double open-fronted log-burning fireplace divides a room interior that mirrors the traditional Cape Dutch architecture.
The en suite bath and shower room possesses a Victorian-style claw-footed bath, as well as twin vanity basins and large ‘rainfall’ shower.
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Hairdryer
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Tea and coffee making facilities
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In-room electronic safe
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WiFi available in the main Manor house
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Laundry service available
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world. Between the natural riches of the Crater spread out at its feet and the incredible architecture, it’s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy.
Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephant wander the forests, male lion stalk the grasslands and flamingo crowd the soda lakes.
Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque châteaux that transports you into one of the most famous African landscapes. An eclectic blend of teak panelling, Victorian furnishings and whimsical African touches creates a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself.
Luxury
Tented Suites
2 guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Insiders Review
Three separate and intimate camps totalling just 30 suites are reminiscent of a bygone era. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures.
The bedroom, sitting room and en-suite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, while antiques, billowing raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements.
Ensuite bathrooms with a dramatic centrepiece of red roses feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. Personal butler discretely cater for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing luxurious bubble baths.
* 2 Bedroom Family Suite available (4 Guests)
Entamanu Private Ngorongoro Camp
Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the wild side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, a thoughtfully designed refuge in this elemental place, from which to explore the unique highland environment in which it sits.
Surrounded by the soaring peaks of dormant volcanic hills and the ebb and flow of Maasai pastoralist life, this is a place to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the main tourist trail at the Crater. Not only to visit the Crater, but to understand it as part of a wider environment.
Luxury
Private*
Safari Tents
2 guests | 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom
Private Suites
16 guests | 8 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms
*Individual Suites are available at Entamanu
Insiders Review
Entamanu Private has four rooms elevated on wooden platforms, with two family rooms made up of two full size rooms each with their own bathroom.
Each room is constructed using wood, glass and stretched canvas and has indoor heating and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, and flush loos. Every effort has been made to create comfort in this elemental place.
Experiences
Ngorongoro Crater game drives
A big highlight of any stay here, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations. The beauty of Entamanu Ngorongoro is that it sits within the Conservation area and only 30 minutes drive from the descent road into the Crater.
An early start is highly recommended to enjoy the Crater before the majority of visitors make it in from other camps. You will set off with your guide and a packed breakfast and return to camp in time for lunch. Or, head out in the afternoon and enjoy sundowners on the rim on your way back to camp.
Guided walks
Entamanu Ngorongoro offers guided walks along the rim of the Crater and in the surrounding highlands. You will head out with your guide and a member of the local Maasai community and learn all about medicinal plants, Maasai beliefs, as well as track any local wildlife that has wondered close to camp.
Walks are all about soaking up the view at a slower pace and learning to appreciate the little things and they come highly recommended.