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Once the house of Ngorongoro's first conservator, Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge sits just a hundred metres back from the crater's rim. Simple and rustic, the lodge doesn't overlook the crater itself (which is nevertheless easily accessed), but has wonderful views of Oldeani Peak and the wildlife-rich grasslands and forest. This deep, volcanic crater is an ancient landscape – a fact worth remembering when you explore its floor and see the herds upon herds of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five. The lodge itself is comfortably relaxing, and well-serviced by its Maasai staff.
From $170 person/night
Crater Rim, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater bustles with wildlife year-round. Seeing Africa's densest lion population, as well as buffalo, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, hippo and rhino, plus a kaleidoscope of zebra and huge wildebeest, is awe-inspiring.
Take the two-hour walk around the crater's rim. You'll traverse forest, thicket and grassland and pass the Oloirobi viewpoint (looking down into the crater), and get equally impressive views towards Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti and the Gol Mountains. Keep in mind that this ancient landscape is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. It's almost too much to comprehend.
Lake Magadi, on the crater's floor, dazzles with pink flamingos and makes for a truly flamboyant sight backed by the lush green slopes of the crater.
Its origin as home of the area's first ranger means that Rhino Lodge has a rustic, old-fashioned charm, practical and pleasant in its simplicity. The tin-roofed main area with its yellow stucco/stone walls serves as the dining room, and has a central fireplace surrounded by a few colourfully cushioned couches. Undoubtedly, the nicest part of the lodge is the restaurant's balcony that looks across the grassland towards the forest, making it a superb spot for morning coffee.
Stretching out in two L-shaped rows from the main area are 24 semi-detached rooms set around a central courtyard. The rooms are basic, but have comfortable beds and a wood stove that the staff will light on cold evenings. Bright Maasai blankets add a splash of colour to the whitewashed walls. The compact en-suite bathrooms have simple showers (nice and hot with decent water pressure), a toilet and basin. Outside each room is a long wooden terrace with forest views.
There's nothing quite like the sight of a buffalo bull grazing beyond the window as you're served a hot, nourishing meal by the wide-smiled staff. Combine the Ngorongoro Crater with visits to lakes Manyara and Natron and the Serengeti for a well-rounded safari adventure.
The main activity here is a game drive into the Ngorongoro Crater, and for good reason. Wildlife and bird viewing here is about as easy as it gets. Regrettably, vehicles are also in abundance, and it's not uncommon for lions to lie in the shade of a vehicle. Rhino Lodge usually allocates a guide per group, allowing you to plan your own schedule. Take a guided walk along the crater's rim, or a cultural tour of the local Maasai village.
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The Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa's Eden, is a place of remarkable beauty and diversity, with a mix of forest, savannah and grassland providing the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. On the crater floor, experience the Big Five with great black rhino encounters, dense numbers of wildebeest, zebra, eland and exciting lions and cheetah sightings.