About Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp is a luxurious yet eco-conscious tented camp located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. Nestled in an ancient acacia forest within the Lemala Exclusive Use Area, the camp offers a secluded and intimate safari experience while providing easy access to the crater floor.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often referred to as “Africa’s Eden” due to its extraordinary concentration of wildlife within a relatively small area. The crater is home to an estimated 25,000 animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, and the rare black rhino. The short distance between the camp and the crater descent road gives Lemala guests a head start over visitors staying in lodges further away, allowing for early morning game drives before crowds arrive.
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp is known for its authentic safari atmosphere, personalized service, and commitment to sustainability. It operates as a low-impact, seasonal tented camp, blending seamlessly with the natural environment while offering a comfortable and immersive wildlife experience.
ACCESS & LOCATION of Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Guests can reach the camp via scheduled flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip, followed by a 90 minute drive through the scenic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Flights to Lake Manyara Airstrip are available from major Tanzanian hubs such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Serengeti airstrips.
For those traveling by road, the journey from Arusha to Lemala Ngorongoro Camp takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes, local villages, and wildlife corridors. The drive from the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park also offers an adventurous route through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit safari destinations.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp features 9 spacious tented suites, including one family tent, all designed to provide comfort, warmth, and an intimate bush experience. Each tent is tastefully furnished with classic safari-style decor, featuring wooden flooring, Persian rugs, plush beds with thick duvets, and en-suite bathrooms with eco-friendly flush toilets and hot bucket showers.
The canvas walls and large mesh windows allow guests to stay connected to nature while ensuring privacy. At night, hot water bottles are placed in beds to keep guests warm in the cool highland climate.
The tents are strategically spaced to provide privacy while still offering a sense of connection to the surrounding wilderness. From the tent verandas, guests can enjoy beautiful views of the acacia forest and occasionally spot wildlife passing through the camp, including buffalo, zebras, and antelopes.
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ACTIVITIES AT Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
Birdwatching in the Acacia Forest
The lush acacia woodlands surrounding Lemala Ngorongoro Camp are home to an incredible variety of bird species, making it an ideal destination for birdwatchers. Guests can spot turacos, sunbirds, hornbills, eagles, and flamingos, especially around the seasonal lakes and swamps inside the crater. The highland forests also provide habitat for rare species that are not commonly found in the Serengeti or other drier regions.
Bush Walks & Walking Safaris
Guided by expert Maasai warriors and experienced naturalists, guests can embark on walking safaris around the Ngorongoro Highlands, learning about medicinal plants, animal tracks, and traditional Maasai survival techniques. These walks provide a more intimate and immersive experience compared to traditional vehicle safaris, offering up-close encounters with smaller wildlife species and stunning views of the crater rim.
Photography Safaris
The Ngorongoro Crater is a dream destination for wildlife photographers, offering breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled wildlife sightings. The dramatic scenery, combined with the crater’s rich biodiversity, allows photographers to capture everything from big cats on the hunt to massive herds of herbivores grazing on the crater floor. The early morning game drives from Lemala Ngorongoro Camp provide the perfect lighting conditions for capturing stunning sunrise shots and unique wildlife behaviors.
Early Morning Game Drives in the Crater
One of the main highlights of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro Camp is its early access to the Ngorongoro Crater. With the camp being one of the closest lodges to the descent road, guests can enjoy an early morning game drive before most visitors arrive, increasing the chances of witnessing predators in action and rare species like the black rhino. The crater’s diverse ecosystem supports herbivores such as wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, while the surrounding forests provide habitat for elephants and leopards.
Gallery of Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
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