&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

It would be hard to imagine a more spectacular location for a Ngorongoro safari lodge than perched on the very edge of the crater itself. This extinct volcano provides a unique place of refuge for endangered species, and &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a worthy tenant of this prestigious safari real estate.

It’s not just the precipitous views to the crater floor some 600m below that are striking to visitors to &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. This luxury Ngorongoro safari lodge is equally memorable for its unique architecture, which draws its inspiration from the manyatta style of the local Maasai herders, who still regard Ngorongoro Crater as their backyard.

The interiors of the lodge blend elements of Maasai construction with more familiar luxuries such as chandeliers and antiques. This pairing of seemingly disparate influences has worked so well that the lodge has acquired the soubriquet, ‘the Maasai Versailles’. The opulence of the decor is only a part of the reason this lodge is so renowned: it really is a matter of location, and no other lodge in Tanzania can compare.

Each of the 30 luxury suites (divided between three intimate, adjacent lodges) features floor-to-ceiling glass for unimpeded views down into the crater. Being so close to this ecological hotspot confers not just advantages in terms of vistas, but also access to the crater itself.

There’s a real ‘lost world’ feel to descending by vehicle into the crater, especially as it’s a noted location for encounters with prehistoric-seeming black rhino. Being able to take a picture of a rhino with the crater wall as a backdrop is a highlight for many visitors, while the prospect of the superb cuisine and impeccable service waiting back at the lodge only enhances the experience. There’s also the option of crater-floor banquets for the ultimate Ngorongoro experience.