andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Review
Dec 24, 2020, 3:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 244
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Review
Just came back from a FABULOUS stay at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania. I didn't really see any review of this property on FT, so I figure I'd share my experience.
Background
For all the Anthony Bourdain fans out there, this property was featured on the Tanzania episode of Parts Unknown - that's how I learned about it. It is located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. There are quite a few accommodation options in the area, but only a handful of lodges on the rim. The advantage of staying on the rim is you get a magnificent view and the drive down the crater is fairly short and easy.
Small note: If you are looking to stay on the rim, beware that many tour operators would try to steer you towards Entamanu Ngorongoro (owned by Nomad Tanzania), which is also on the rim, but in a much more remote location. The drive from that property down the crater is quite long (up to 2 hours according to our tour guide) and difficult in the rain. I'm sure the property is lovely, but none of the tour operators who recommended it mentioned the location so I figure I'd point it out.
What's included
Similar to other lodges in Tanzania, the experience is all inclusive - all food, drinks (champagned included), laundry. Shared game drives are included if you book directly with andBeyond, however we booked through a third party and had our own private tour guide/driver.
Overall setup
There are 3 areas in the lodge, 10 rooms each - North Camp, South Camp, and Tree Camp. Each area has its own living room/dining room area, so you will only share the common area with another 9 rooms max. Both South Camp and Tree Camp were closed during our stay. Our butler did give us a tour of South Camp and we thought that the view there was better, but the view from the North Camp is also magnificent
Room (#3, North Camp)
The room is extremely over the top with 2 chandeliers (one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom). Definitely not the typical safari lodge experience, but somehow works incredibly well with the environment. I have more of a modern aesthetics and typically do not love this sort of look, but somehow really enjoyed this. It was the perfect mix of African elements and European grandeur. The North Camp manager told us that everything was handmade in Africa.
Here's the minibar setup. There were also multiple bottles of wine in the fridge, but we much prefer cocktails so we didn't really touch them. You can ask them to replace the mini bar with anything of your preference.
Food & Beverage
The food was fantastic. Breakfast and lunch can be served in the common area at the lodge, or they can pack it for your game drives. I had dietary restrictions and they created special menus for me which was much appreciated.
The butler came to our room after our game drives to check to see if we'd need anything - no need to call
He also learned our preferences and made terrific cocktails to our liking.
Service
Service was immaculate and very polished compared to the other lodges we visited in Tanzania. After returning from our game drive, we found a hot bath already drawn for us in the room. We didn't end up using it as we were heading out again for a walk, and when we came back to the room for a second time, housekeeping already refreshed it with warm water. Top notch
Conclusion
Overall a fantastic stay and well worth the price. Would definitely revisit.
Background
For all the Anthony Bourdain fans out there, this property was featured on the Tanzania episode of Parts Unknown - that's how I learned about it. It is located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. There are quite a few accommodation options in the area, but only a handful of lodges on the rim. The advantage of staying on the rim is you get a magnificent view and the drive down the crater is fairly short and easy.
Small note: If you are looking to stay on the rim, beware that many tour operators would try to steer you towards Entamanu Ngorongoro (owned by Nomad Tanzania), which is also on the rim, but in a much more remote location. The drive from that property down the crater is quite long (up to 2 hours according to our tour guide) and difficult in the rain. I'm sure the property is lovely, but none of the tour operators who recommended it mentioned the location so I figure I'd point it out.
What's included
Similar to other lodges in Tanzania, the experience is all inclusive - all food, drinks (champagned included), laundry. Shared game drives are included if you book directly with andBeyond, however we booked through a third party and had our own private tour guide/driver.
Overall setup
There are 3 areas in the lodge, 10 rooms each - North Camp, South Camp, and Tree Camp. Each area has its own living room/dining room area, so you will only share the common area with another 9 rooms max. Both South Camp and Tree Camp were closed during our stay. Our butler did give us a tour of South Camp and we thought that the view there was better, but the view from the North Camp is also magnificent
Room (#3, North Camp)
The room is extremely over the top with 2 chandeliers (one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom). Definitely not the typical safari lodge experience, but somehow works incredibly well with the environment. I have more of a modern aesthetics and typically do not love this sort of look, but somehow really enjoyed this. It was the perfect mix of African elements and European grandeur. The North Camp manager told us that everything was handmade in Africa.
Here's the minibar setup. There were also multiple bottles of wine in the fridge, but we much prefer cocktails so we didn't really touch them. You can ask them to replace the mini bar with anything of your preference.
Food & Beverage
The food was fantastic. Breakfast and lunch can be served in the common area at the lodge, or they can pack it for your game drives. I had dietary restrictions and they created special menus for me which was much appreciated.
The butler came to our room after our game drives to check to see if we'd need anything - no need to call
He also learned our preferences and made terrific cocktails to our liking.Service
Service was immaculate and very polished compared to the other lodges we visited in Tanzania. After returning from our game drive, we found a hot bath already drawn for us in the room. We didn't end up using it as we were heading out again for a walk, and when we came back to the room for a second time, housekeeping already refreshed it with warm water. Top notch
Conclusion
Overall a fantastic stay and well worth the price. Would definitely revisit.
Dec 25, 2020, 8:41 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 404
Really glad you liked it. Andbeyond does a great job and this was the highlight for our honeymoon a couple years ago.
They really go out of their way to make sure you’re always lubricated (very generous pours) and the housekeeping touches are unheard of in this day and age. Our assigned butler Dale really blew it out of the park for us. Views are jaw dropping at every turn as well. Highly recommend
They really go out of their way to make sure you’re always lubricated (very generous pours) and the housekeeping touches are unheard of in this day and age. Our assigned butler Dale really blew it out of the park for us. Views are jaw dropping at every turn as well. Highly recommend
Dec 25, 2020, 10:11 am
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
We stayed there back in 2014 and loved it, thanks for bringing back the memories!
TBH, we loved the lodge itself, the rooms, food, views etc. As far as game viewing though, it was somewhat of a let down after our stays in the Serengeti and Lake Minyara.
TBH, we loved the lodge itself, the rooms, food, views etc. As far as game viewing though, it was somewhat of a let down after our stays in the Serengeti and Lake Minyara.
Dec 25, 2020, 4:32 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 244
Absolutely agree with you. We were supposed to have a full day game drive in the crater, but cut it short to go back to the lodge. We much preferred Serengeti and Tarangire in terms of wildlife.
Dec 25, 2020, 5:05 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,048
Yes, although given the limited travel these days, it may actually be better than when we were there. The main issue for us back in July 2014, was just the traffic.
How is capacity there these days?
How is capacity there these days?
Dec 25, 2020, 7:34 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 244
Ngorongoro was a little busier, but not bad at all. There were one instance where 7-8 jeeps congregated to view a group of rhinos, but no significant traffic otherwise.