The Crater Lodge is perched on the edge of the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Park. It lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which covers more than 3000 square miles of pristine African wilderness. The Lodge is set just a few miles to the west of the Crater ascent road. The Ngorongoro Crater is the centerpiece of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which covers more than 3000 square miles of pristine African wilderness. The Crater floor is a natural refuge for thousands of indigenous African animals and many species of insects and birds. Lush highlands surround the Crater, rolling away to the golden volcanic plains and glittering soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three separate and intimate camps: North Camp (12 suites), South Camp (12 suites) and Tree Camp (6 suites). Each suite consists of a double rondavel with one section being the bedroom and sitting area and the other being completely dedicated to the carnivorous bathroom. The eccentric and creatively decorated interiors combine silver, gold and ruby colors under banana-leaf ceilings. Furnishings and fixtures are bewildering and include a beaded chandelier, voluptuous raw silk curtains, various antiques and hand crafted wooden structures. Every room comes with Crater Lodge's exclusive butler service. Your butler will discreetly tend to your every need including serving you meals in suite, stoking your fireplace or mixing your drinks.

The rooms at Crater Lodge are massive and magnificent. First of all, every part of the room provides breathtaking views of the below Crater with floor to ceiling glass windows. With a pair of binoculars it is possible to see the whole show from here. The oversized beds are fitted with fine linens, a velvet duvet, electric blankets and each rests upon a unique hand crafted four-poster bed frame with a spectacular headboard. Just off from the bedroom is the sitting area complete with fireplace, two large leather backed chairs, small table and footstools. Directly in front of the bedroom is your own private wooden viewing deck.

The second section of your suite consists of the bathroom area, which is separated by an intricately carved wooded divider. The highlight of this section is the glorious bathtub and above are two-dozen red roses placed in an ornate vase. Of course, just like everywhere else, the view from the bathtub is superb as it looks down on the Crater floor through a small window. There is a separate shower in a bamboo structure with twin hand basins. Lastly, there is a private bathroom and yes; there is even a view from here.

The main guest areas are just as impressive as your suite and consist of a library, lounge and formal and informal dining rooms. They offer a great place to mingle with other guests and share the safari highlights for the day. There is a particularly good gift shop and art gallery located on the premises. Also, Internet access is available at an additional cost. For your safety, you will be accompanied at night when walking to and from the main Lodge. Large male buffaloes are regular visitors to the grounds of the Crater Lodge and extra caution is required when walking around the property.

The Lodge is situated at the rim of the Crater at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. It can get quite cold at night and in the early morning so make sure to pack appropriate attire. On the contrary, expect highs on the Crater floor where you will be spending the majority of your day in the upper 70s and lower 80s so it's best to layer your clothing.

There are three separate 'camps' at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and each has its own separate facilities (lounge, library, dining room, etc.): North Camp (12 suites), South Camp (12 suites) and Tree Camp (6 suites). North and South Camp are identical. Tree Camp is set apart from the others a bit, the rooms are slightly different, and overall it is well-suited for small groups.

The food at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is simply wonderful; extravagant, delectable, and stunningly presented with Crater Lodge flair.

Breakfast is served mixed buffet style in the informal dining room. It consists of a large assortment of fruits, cereals and breads. Orders are separately taken for eggs, bacon, ham, etc. However, if you wish, your butler is happy to serve you either breakfast in bed or in front of your cozy fireplace. Our standard itineraries typically include an early morning game drive (6AM) in the Crater. This is a superb game drive and includes an amazing bush breakfast from the Crater Lodge. After an hour or so game driving in the early morning or when you get hungry, you will stop to indulge in a grand safari breakfast by Ngoitokitok Springs.

The best option for lunch is to arrange a picnic down on the Crater floor either by the hippo pool or the small scenic lake. Alternatively, lunch is also offered at the Lodge. Dinner is quite a production and a fairly formal affair. It is offered in the formal domed dining room complete with glamorous chandeliers, flickering candles, glittering crystal and weighty silver. Dinner is delicious and consists of Pan-African cuisine. Once again, you always have the choice to have a more private and romantic meal in the comfort of your room. This is actually a very good option as your butler can set up quite a spread in front of your cozy fireplace. There is a good variety of beer, wine and cocktails available and most are included in your safari package.

• Private game drives into the wildlife-teeming amphitheatre of the Ngorongoro Crater
• Explore the famous archaeological site and museum at Olduvai Gorge
• Maasai boma cultural visit
• Visit the bizarre shifting sands
• Bush breakfasts
• Picnic lunches
• Well stocked safari boutique and gift shop
• Internet access at an additional fee
• A full library of books on Africa and a wide range of board games
• Full housekeeping services
• Hairdryers in all rooms
• 24 hour electricity
• Sundowners
• Crater Lodge massage services at an additional fee
• Laundry service is included in your safari package
• All beverages such as soft drinks, beer, house wine, spirits are included in your safari package