Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Eastern Rim, Ngorongoro Crater — Lemala Camps & Lodges
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp sits within an ancient acacia forest on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, positioned beside the quieter Lemala access road. This gives guests a meaningful head start over the more heavily used Seneto descent road on the western rim — Lemala guests can be on the crater floor within 10 to 15 minutes of leaving camp, often an hour ahead of visitors approaching from the busier side.
Location and Landscape
The Ngorongoro Crater holds an estimated 25,000 animals within its enclosed ecosystem, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, cheetah and a small black rhino population. The camp’s eastern position and quick access road translate directly into better light and fewer vehicles during the critical early morning and late afternoon hours, when game viewing in the crater is typically at its best.
Accommodation
The camp offers nine spacious tents, including one family tent, each with two large single beds or a king-size double, thick duvets, a gas heater for the cool highland nights, and a private bathroom with a dressing area, flush toilet and shower. The mess tent is furnished with grand sofas, lamps, bookshelves and old wood cabinets, with a campfire each evening for guests to share the day’s sightings.
Safari Experience
Game drives descend to the crater floor as early as 6:15am, taking full advantage of the camp’s positioning before the floor fills with vehicles from the western rim lodges. Guided walks are also available around the Ngorongoro Highlands and crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide, offering a different perspective on the surrounding forest.
When to Visit
The Ngorongoro Crater offers strong wildlife viewing throughout the year, given its enclosed ecosystem and permanent water sources. One to two nights is generally sufficient, typically as part of a wider northern Tanzania circuit.
Practical Information
The nearest airstrip is at Lake Manyara, roughly 75 to 90 minutes by road. By road from Arusha, the journey takes approximately 3 to 5 hours.
Combining Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp with Other Tanzania Destinations
Lemala Ngorongoro pairs naturally with Lemala’s other properties across the Serengeti and Tarangire, or with any combination of Karibu and Asanja camps for a varied northern Tanzania circuit.
For Tanzania planning: Tanzania Safari Guide
For more accessible camps: Tanzania Safari Camps
If you are considering Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp as part of a Tanzania safari, we would be pleased to begin with a conversation.