andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | A Stunning Luxurious Lodge in Tanzania
Nestled above the dramatic massive volcanic caldera is the stunning luxury andBeyond Ngorongoro crater where spectacular views intersect with luxury in Tanzania’s best conservation area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area consists of the famous Ngorongoro Crater which is the largest unbroken caldera in the world covering a massive area of 260 square kilometers. The andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater lodge is situated right on the rim of the caldera making it the perfect base while on your Tanzania Safari as it offers breath taking views across the crater and is a great offset base for activities in the conservation area.
The striking beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater with its spectacular scenery and abundance of wildlife has led to it being declared as one of the natural wonders of the world. The other two sections of the conservation area encompass the Eastern crater highlands that comprise of volcanic mass and extensive craters while the other part of the conservation area consists of lower-lying plains in the Western side and is an extension of the Serengeti eco system.
Accommodation at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The safari lodges features 30 luxurious suites spread out across three camps offering much needed privacy and exclusivity. The suites at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater lodge are a perfect blend of warm interior décor and exquisite comfort. The unique beauty about the suites is the banana leaf ceiling which makes the room much more intimate with a nice touch of authentic African décor.
The room types at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater lodge vary and they include deluxe suites and family suites (the family suite is interlinked via a closed walk way and can accommodate two adults and two children – a third child can be arranged for upon request. The safari lodge accommodates a maximum of 60 people that are spread out across the three camps, each camp has its own sitting area, dining area and outdoor viewing deck.
The suites are intimately decorated with beautiful chandeliers, intrinsic antiques and they feature great amenities.
Each suite at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge consists of;
A large comfortable wooden bed with clean linen bed sheets, a cotton duvet, an electric blanket as it gets rather chilly around the crater and colorful throw pillows.
An En-suite bathroom with much needed bath essentials, a shower, flush toilet, clean towels, a bowl sink and a mirror on top of the sink.
Hot and cold running water available throughout the day.
A bathtub where if you look out you are treated to spectacular views of the crater landscape.
Fresh rose flowers that add to the overall beauty of the suite.
Bedside tables with beside lamps.
A reading desk and chair.
Tea and Coffee station.
A mini bar.
Hair dryer.
An In-room safe.
Telephone with voice mail.
Plug points for charging devices (220V AC with plug type G British – BS 1363).
A fire place for cold nights.
A private veranda with two chairs, a small table and a sofa.
An exercise kit with key workout items, walking sticks and umbrellas for rainy days.
A personal butler for each suite who caters to the room, lights the fire and makes sure your stay pleasant and relaxing.
Facilities and Services at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Wine Store – The lodge features a beautiful wine store for wine lovers and enthusiasts, the wine store is perfect as you will always find the perfect wine to go with your meal here. The wine cellar has an assortment of world class and premium wines that have been carefully selected by the andBeyond skilled wine team. The staff can always arrange a private dinner in the cozy wine store or a champagne tasting evening.
Dining Area – The crater lodge has three camps and each camp has a private dining area, the dining area offers a feeling of being in the midst of the wild while enjoying delicious fresh meals. The Chefs at the lodge are well-trained and dedicated to making great food, international and local cuisine options are available. The kitchen caters to all dietary needs of guests so if you are vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant or have any other requirements the kitchen caters to them.
Lounge and Reception area – The safari lodge has a spacious lounge and reception area situated at the lodge’s main area. The lounge features comfortable sofas with colorful throw pillows where one can sit and relax or even order a drink from the bar. The reception area has a reception desk with staff ready to attend to all your needs. The lounge is perfect with a feeling of being in the midst of a castle while perched on the crater rim.
On room Massage – andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater lodge has professional massage therapists that offer rejuvenating massage and holistic therapies. The services are available on request and it’s up to you whether you choose to have your massage in the comfort of your suite if that is your preference. We usually recommend getting a massage on arrival especially if you had a long flight or a long day on the road as it’s a great way to relax into your safari experience.
Signature Safari shop – A safari shop is available at the lodge filled with different items that include beaded necklaces, locally made décor pieces, fridge guards, Ankara bags, colorful beaded earrings and many other cute high end items that can make for great souvenirs. If you like shopping the gift shop is a place that you should definitely pass by during your stay.
Outdoor viewing decks – The large wooden viewing decks are perfect as one can simply sit out, order the drink and fully enjoy the spectacular views of the famous and dramatic Ngorongoro Crater. On good days you might spot wildlife like zebras, olive baboons or grey crowned cranes from the viewing decks.
Swarovski Binoculars – andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers Swarovski optik binoculars for guests to use all throughout their stay. This is not only a nice touch but also perfect as guests have the perfect binoculars on board to see animals and birds clearly.
Other services at the hotel include complimentary laundry services, ample car packing space, a tanzanite store with authentic Tanzanite and maximum security that is available 24 hours a day.
Our Review
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge falls under our category of “luxury intimate lodges.” It is a property we highly recommend for our luxury clients visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge perfectly combines stunning breath taking views, coszy accommodation, exclusivity and privacy. Its location atop the rim of the crater offers one uninterrupted views of the Ngorongoto Crater. The lodge also offers great food, intimacy and exceptional service with a private butler assigned to clients on arrival making our client’s stay pleasant and always memorable.
Top things to do while staying at andBeyond Crater Lodge
Game Drives: What better way to explore the Ngororongoro Conservation Area that on a game drive. Game drives are most definitely the best way to experience Ngorongoro Crater with great chances of excellent game viewing with a mix of beautiful expansive views of the crater. Start out the day with a delicious early breakfast at the lodge then head out in search of the Big Five, large mammals, Herbivores, birds of prey and other wildlife in the crater area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is famously known internationally for its excellent and rewarding wildlife sightings so prepare for a memorable experience!
Bird watching in Ngorongoro: For the specialist birder, Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers incredible bird watching opportunities as the area is home to over 500 species of birds. Chances of seeing a variety of species including forest birds, water birds, woodland specials, endemic and nearly endemic species are very high. The conservation is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a key destination for ornithologists from across the world. Areas of birding in Ngorongoro Conservation area include the Crater rim for montane forest birds, Lake Lagaja for water species, Masek at the western end of Olduvai Gorge, a lake in the Empakai Crater and Gorigor which is a fresh water swamp on the eastern side of the Crater floor.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: The hot air balloon safari is a unique way to explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as it offers one an opportunity to watch the wildlife from a bird’s view. The balloon safari is magical as it takes you over the crater and you are able to view the wildlife from above and also experience the sections of the crater that aren’t accessed by car. The balloon safari begins quite early at around the hour of 6 am and is a worthwhile safari adventure offering stunning views from atop.
Visit the Maasai :The Maasai are a famous ethnic Nilotic-speaking tribe in Tanzania and known for their fearsome warrior culture. A visit to a Maasai village brings you closer to the local people and also offers you a glimpse in to their culture and way of life. The Maasai are also known for their colorful traditional wear that consists of colorful sheets and beaded jewelry as well as their unique traditional dance that involves jumping up high. The Maasai live outside the Crater but the management of the conservation area allows them to graze their animals around the crater rim. The Maasai are majorly pastoralists and have a strong attachment to their livestock. This visit involves visiting their homesteads that are dotted with grass thatched manyattas, spending time talking to the elders and visiting their communities.
Empakaai Crater Hike: The Empakaai Crater is a 540m deep crater that is also a major crater aside from Ngorongoro and is part of the conservation area. The crater is less known but a very rewarding site as it has one of the most stunning views in East Africa, the view from the crater rim offers great picturesque moments. The Empakaai Crater was formed by the volcanic collapse that shaped the crater highlands and features a 60m deep soda lake which covers half of the crater area. The soda lake attracts a large flock of flamingos which like to feed on the algae found in the alkaline lake. The hike up to the Empakaai crater rim is a perfect and alternative way to spend time exploring the diverse Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Sun downers and Bush Meals: The Ngorongoro Crater is a perfect destination for bush meals amidst the conservation area. With its massive crater and open grasslands, the crater offers perfect spots for bush breakfast, a private picnic or bush lunch all while enjoying expansive views of the conservation area. Sun downers are also another great way to spend your time in Ngorongoro especially after full day game drives in the conservation area, you get to end the day watching the sunset while sipping on your favorite drink. The lodge staff always arranges the bush meals and picnics for you.