Entamanu Ngorongoro | Best Tanzania Safari Lodges

The place

The unique setting of Entamanu Ngorongoro almost defies description – at least without using superlatives. On arrival we’re told that it’s the remotest of all Ngorongoro Crater safari lodges, and this is easy to believe: the location has a genuinely wild feel to it. The moment we get out our vehicle we’re drawn to the view. My eloquent partner puts it well when they say that there’s something elemental about occupying a timeless position poised between earth and sky; here, the wind at times competes with the sun for attention. We’d read that time in Ngorongoro marches to the tattoo of thousands of hoofbeats, and that you can mark its passage as the sun rises over the crater (expelling the shadows from its depths) and sinks again over the almost endless plains of the Serengeti. We can’t wait to experience this tomorrow, when we take the safari road that hairpins its way down into the extinct caldera and spend the day there. From up here, the wildness expresses itself in the almost savage views across a landscape created in volcanic anger, and also, more softly, in the streamers of feathery moss that hang from the acacia trees under which this safari lodge is built. It’s simply breathtaking.

The unique setting of Entamanu Ngorongoro almost defies description – at least without using superlatives. On arrival we’re told that it’s the remotest of all Ngorongoro Crater safari lodges, and this is easy to believe: the location has a genuinely wild feel to it. The moment we get out our vehicle we’re drawn to the view. My eloquent partner puts it well when they say that there’s something elemental about occupying a timeless position poised between earth and sky; here, the wind at times competes with the sun for attention.

We’d read that time in Ngorongoro marches to the tattoo of thousands of hoofbeats, and that you can mark its passage as the sun rises over the crater (expelling the shadows from its depths) and sinks again over the almost endless plains of the Serengeti. We can’t wait to experience this tomorrow, when we take the safari road that hairpins its way down into the extinct caldera and spend the day there.

From up here, the wildness expresses itself in the almost savage views across a landscape created in volcanic anger, and also, more softly, in the streamers of feathery moss that hang from the acacia trees under which this safari lodge is built. It’s simply breathtaking.

The room

Incredibly, for a destination that effortlessly generates permanent memories, Entamanu Ngorongoro is almost as transient as the herds traversing the plains. In keeping with a philosophy that places a premium on leaving Nature unspoiled, the camp is designed to be removed in its entirety. Of course, temporary is a relative term when you’re standing on the edge of a geological feature that was formed at least two million years ago. Our canvas room on its elevated platform proves more than a match for the winds blowing along the rim, and the wooden decking of our private verandah is warmed wonderfully as the sun climbs overhead each day. There’s something rather indulgent about being so comfortable in such a remote place, but any twinges of guilt are soon dispelled by the knowledge that practically every piece of furniture, fabric and decor inside our room was handmade locally. The fires burning in the hearths in the cosy tented lounge only add to the sense of deserved indulgence.

Incredibly, for a destination that effortlessly generates permanent memories, Entamanu Ngorongoro is almost as transient as the herds traversing the plains. In keeping with a philosophy that places a premium on leaving Nature unspoiled, the camp is designed to be removed in its entirety.

Of course, temporary is a relative term when you’re standing on the edge of a geological feature that was formed at least two million years ago. Our canvas room on its elevated platform proves more than a match for the winds blowing along the rim, and the wooden decking of our private verandah is warmed wonderfully as the sun climbs overhead each day.

There’s something rather indulgent about being so comfortable in such a remote place, but any twinges of guilt are soon dispelled by the knowledge that practically every piece of furniture, fabric and decor inside our room was handmade locally. The fires burning in the hearths in the cosy tented lounge only add to the sense of deserved indulgence.

What sets it apart

Entamanu Ngorongoro is a quite different take on a safari lodge. There’s the off-the-beaten-track location, and the unique dawn-to-dusk views. The opportunity to watch the sun rise and set from the same spot is just as special as the sense of having the crater – or at least part of it – as a private wildlife reserve, where the herds are definitely of the quadrupedal variety. The design of the lodge is not only wholly appropriate to its setting, but also makes it proof against the eccentric quirks of the local weather. The wind especially can make its presence felt – but then so too do the gas heaters in the guest rooms and the sheepskin-bedecked nooks. Entamanu Ngorongoro lets you live on the edge, and also experience the unique take on domesticity and the daily commute adopted by the local Maasai herders, as you sip smoky village tea or follow a cattle trail through a highland gully.

Entamanu Ngorongoro is a quite different take on a safari lodge. There’s the off-the-beaten-track location, and the unique dawn-to-dusk views. The opportunity to watch the sun rise and set from the same spot is just as special as the sense of having the crater – or at least part of it – as a private wildlife reserve, where the herds are definitely of the quadrupedal variety.

The design of the lodge is not only wholly appropriate to its setting, but also makes it proof against the eccentric quirks of the local weather. The wind especially can make its presence felt – but then so too do the gas heaters in the guest rooms and the sheepskin-bedecked nooks.

Entamanu Ngorongoro lets you live on the edge, and also experience the unique take on domesticity and the daily commute adopted by the local Maasai herders, as you sip smoky village tea or follow a cattle trail through a highland gully.

At a glance

Seven heated tented suites (of which two are family rooms) perched on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater, with views down into the crater and out across the Serengeti.
Remote location, easy access into Ngorongoro Crater, private vehicles available, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Game drives, walking safaris, bush picnics, bush sundowners, Ngorongoro Crater visits, Ngorongoro Crater meals, Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands day trips, Empakai Crater day trips and cultural visits.
Children of eight and above are welcome (although there is a minimum age of 12 for walking safaris). There are two family rooms, each comprising two full-size rooms and a shared bathroom.

Seven heated tented suites (of which two are family rooms) perched on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater, with views down into the crater and out across the Serengeti.
Remote location, easy access into Ngorongoro Crater, private vehicles available, private dining available and flexible schedules.
Game drives, walking safaris, bush picnics, bush sundowners, Ngorongoro Crater visits, Ngorongoro Crater meals, Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands day trips, Empakai Crater day trips and cultural visits.
Children of eight and above are welcome (although there is a minimum age of 12 for walking safaris). There are two family rooms, each comprising two full-size rooms and a shared bathroom.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.