Access Accommodation Activities Availability Brochures Catering

Children Culture Health Packages Payment Rates Seasons Wildlife

What method of transportation is recommended to reach the lodge?
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is accessible by scheduled flight from Arusha Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour road transfer. Private charter flights can be organised. We can pre-book and package all of your regional/internal flights and transfers.

What is the distance of the lodge from major centres?
The lodge is 190km from Arusha.

What is the recommended length of stay?
A recommended minimum period is approximately three days. The maximum length is totally up to you.

What is the accommodation type?
Maasai-inspired suites.

What are the activities?
Daily game drives in closed Land Rovers, half or full day trips to Olduvai Gorge and “Shifting Sands”. Bird-watching opportunities. Optional activities at an additional cost include guided walking safaris on the rim of the Crater or in Empakaai Crater, a cultural Maasai Boma visit and sundowners with spectacular views of the Crater. Also, extras are excursions to Lake Ndutu and Lake Eyasi, private bush breakfasts and lunches. Regretfully, children five years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives.

What are the approximate starting times of the game drives?
Early morning, dependent upon the seasons.

What is the length of the game drives?
Half- to full-day.

What is the maximum number of people allowed on the game drives?
Guests – between six and eight.

What is the background of the CC Africa trackers, rangers and guides?
Our trackers, rangers and guides are renowned for their heartfelt enthusiasm for Africa.
We employ over 200 full-time rangers, guides and trackers, some of whom lack formal education, but possess rich knowledge and skills that are not easily taught.

Is the lodge available all year round?
Yes.

Are there brochures available?
Yes.

Is there other literature available?
Two hard cover, illustrated books on CC Africa reserves are available. The Return is about Phinda Private Game Reserve and I Speak of Africa gives indepth coverage of Londolozi Private Game Reserve. The CC Africa Ecological Journal 2000 is a holistic diary of wildlife observations around our lodges and camps.

CC Africa’s free monthly wildlife e-zine, WildWatch runs articles with useful tips on bird-watching, photography, recent wildlife sightings, reviews of nature books, wildlife web links plus an interactive questions and answers section.

What style and type of meals are on offer?
All CC Africa establishments serve Pan-African cuisine such as:

Do you cater for specific diets such as halaal, kosher or vegetarian?
Yes, we cater for all specified diets. When making your booking with our Reservations department, kindly make them aware of the specific diet you require. They will communicate it immediately with the lodge at your African adventure destination. Should specific items need to be flown in, there will be an additional charge, which will be quoted separately.

Are children welcome?
Children are welcome at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s North and South Camps (not at Tree Camp).

What age of child is allowed?
Children under 12 are allowed. However, travel to Tanzania is not recommended for children younger than eight years old.

Where can children sleep?
An extra bed can be arranged for a child sharing the parent’s suite.

What are the activities available for children?
Activities depend entirely on the age of the children. Activities available may include the following:

Who are the local people?
Maasai.

How does CC Africa promote ecotourism?
The Africa Foundation is a non-profit organisation. It acts as a catalyst for the development of neighbouring rural communities. Projects include building classrooms, libraries and clinics and sponsoring bursaries. The Foundation empowers small business through providing capital and training. We offer employment opportunities and the local people are often our landlords, who benefit from our rent. CC Africa guests are welcome to visit current projects in neighbouring communities.

What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
As vaccination requirements change from time to time, we suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof) – we will advise you of these.

Anti-malarial precautions are essential at all CC Africa lodges and camps except for Tau Game Lodge in South Africa. As there are various types of medication to help prevent malaria, we would advise that you contact your local doctor or general practitioner before departing on your trip. He or she can give you advice on the appropriate medication.

How is emergency medical cover and travel insurance arranged?
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is included in the rate at all CC Africa lodges. This guarantees all reasonable, practical assistance in obtaining primary or emergency medical services for an insured person who suffers illness or injury.

Please note that this is an evacuation insurance only and does not replace the normal travel insurance which you must purchase.

Can a two to three week circuit with different lodges/camps and activities (including transfers) be arranged?
Yes.

How do I pay?
If your booking is made through a travel agent, they are able to arrange payment details that are most comfortable for you such as fully pre-paid, only accommodation pre-paid or settle in full at the lodge by yourself.

Are credit cards accepted? If so, which ones?
Yes. Visa and MasterCard

What are the lodge rates?
See Rates Section.

Are there special rates?
Yes. Special rate packages are negotiable.

Are there preferential rates?
Yes. Our preferential rates come in the form of the Bateleur Club. The Club is a membership programme designed specifically for South African residents. Kindly enquire with our Reservations consultant about the Bateleur Club when making your booking.

What are the best times to travel?
The lodge is open throughout the year and all-year-round game viewing is excellent.

When is the rainy season?
The wet season is from November to May, with “short rains” from November to December and
“long rains” from March to May.

When is the best time to view the great migration?
The great migration of over two million animals occurs in Tanzania (Serengeti National Park) and in Kenya (Masai Mara National Reserve) from about June until October. The exact timing of the migration and its specific path may be unpredictable and varies according to the rains.

At Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, from June to December, the migrating animals pass through the area. The hordes of restless animals teem through the surrounding area in January and thousands of wildebeest will calve in February
and March.

What are the characteristic species of the area?
Lion, elephant, black rhino, eland, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, hyena, hippo, hunting dog, wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, reedbuck, flamingo and klipspringer.