Crater's Edge

Overview

The lodge is nestled on a gently falling slope within in a grove of acacias – flat-topped trees indigenous to the African continent - located on the north-eastern side of the Crater and just a few minutes’ drive from the Crater floor.

Introduction

Nestled within a grove of acacias, Craters Edge Camp is located on the north-eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater. The camp offers fifteen stand-alone suites perched on stilts with private wooden verandah’s giving unparalleled views across the crater. Each suite is equipped with a scope and offers a spacious lounge area, perfect for relaxing with a book, or a pair of binoculars to watch wildlife from your tent. The main area consists of a lower and upper floor, with communal lounge, bar, viewing deck and dining area. Enjoy relaxing by the fireplace with an after-dinner cocktail.

With the camp only a five-minute drive from the crater floor, it is the ideal base for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater. Other activities offered are bush walks or hikes, as well as the chance to interact with the local Maasai community by visiting the nearby Maasai village to learn more about their traditional way of life, cultural traditions and crafts.

Accommodation

Fifteen stilted suites (including a two-bedroom family option) blend canvas with clever modern tech for proper insulation and soundproofing. Inside, you'll find timber floors softened with rugs, a king-sized bed draped in mosquito netting, leather armchairs flanking a 360-degree gas fireplace, and a walk-in wardrobe. The bathroom boasts both a shower and copper bathtub positioned for a wildlife-watching soak. Thoughtful touches abound – Nespresso machines, Dyson hairdryers, Lululemon yoga mats, and telescopes on your multi-level deck. Large sliding glass doors open to crater vistas, though insect screens keep the critters at bay.

Dining Experience

Perched on the northeastern rim, the lodge offers two distinct dining environments: a cozy indoor restaurant featuring a roaring fireplace for those chilly highland nights, and an outdoor deck where you can dine under a "star-soaked" sky. The menu strikes a balance between traditional Tanzanian flavors and international sophistication, utilizing seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets to create vibrant, multi-course meals.

Safari Experience

Game drives into Ngorongoro Crater are the obvious star attraction, where you'll spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and if you're lucky, leopards amongst the 25,000-odd mammals. The lodge will happily arrange beautifully set-up picnic lunches right on the crater floor. There are also guided walks around the rim, hikes to the neighbouring Olmoti and Empakaai craters for those wanting proper leg-stretchers, and stargazing sessions under some of the clearest night skies you'll encounter.