Lemala Ngorongoro Camp — Hotel in Arusha

This camp was the highlight of our month long trip through Tanzania. It is one of only a few in the Crater and tucked away into the most beautiful forested area. You almost wouldn't even know it's there but then these beautiful tents spring up out of nowhere. The camp even has its own entrance into the crater so you beat the traffic. Every element of this tented camp is fantastic -- the food is delicious (and we are vegetarian so require some effort); the "bush tv" (cocktails around the fire with spontaneous visits from zebras and elephants) is unbelievably peaceful; and the rooms were the most comfortable we found on our trip. They are so tastefully decorated and the chance to hear the sound of the jungle -- birds, animals in the brush, soft rain -- while finding your room delicately turned down with a hot water bottle tucked in the foot is unbeatable. The morning ritual was our favorite -- at a time you set, your assigned camp guide or warrior brings you coffee, tea and biscuits in bed and points out the animals that wandered into camp that night. And of course the game drive -- the most important element of the trip -- was fantastic. It's no exaggeration to say that Lemala has the finest vehicles in the crater. They are new, with giant windows, open top and all of the features you could want, like blankets for the wind and cold Coca Colas when it gets hot. Our guide, Freddie, seemed to know all of the best places to take us and we had a fantastic day seeing the concentration of wildlife in the park. On our final night, the whole camp staff played music and we all ended up dancing. Everyone in camp was laughing and smiling and it was one of the highlights of our whole month long trip. If you are considering visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, you must stay with Lemala. We...

One of the most incredible bush camps I’ve stayed in! Nestled beneath ancient acacia trees the camp is very peaceful. The staff are friendly, always willing to help and have a wealth of knowledge of the bush. The tents are well equipped with a flush toilet, a talking shower, and super comfy warm beds. The main tented area and camp fire are a relaxing space to rest, charge your devices, connect to Wi-Fi and to have wonderful, fresh food prepared by the camp chef. I’d highly recommend the bush walk to really make the most of the area. It’s an excellent location for the game drive as you’re 5 mins from the crater gate so you’re down in the crater within 15 minutes. I’d previously stayed on the opposite side of the crater in a Serena lodge and this location is by far the best. Thank you to everyone at the camp for making our stay...

We loved our stay here! The accommodations were so luxurious. Bathrobes, slippers, great amenities. When we arrived, we were immediately offered snacks, drinks and had a fantastic dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Loved how close this was to the crater! The service was incredible. If you are headed on a safari, no better place to spend a night. 100% recommend and we loved it! Make sure you ask for a coffee in the morning, it's an amazing...