Crater Forest Tented Lodge

It was a long drive to Crater Forest Tented lodge after a full day in the crater, but well worth it.

Small enough to be relaxing, but large enough to have presence.

The tents were amazing. You're in the middle of the forest and in the midst of nature.

We caught a glimpse of a herd of elephants crossing along the hillside.

The landscape is soothing and the air fresh and clean.

Other Hotels and Holiday Lodges Nearby

I'm picky about my coffee, but I can truly say that the coffee on this coffee estate (you drive through it on your way in/out) was the best I've ever had.

The staff will jump on a bike and bring you as much as you'd like to take back with you. If you're buying coffee in Tanzania, this is the best deal you'll ever get.

The tents were huge, with a stove (that you can ask to be lit if it's cold) and the washrooms comfortable and well designed. Sitting around the big thatch (and earlier that evening near the fire pit) make for a perfect evening.

Ask for a room in one of the taller tents that are on higher stilts- you'll have an unobstructed view of the hills...

Look out for the nuns farming along the drive into the estate. The agricultural fields make for great photography.

A beautifully run camp on the edge of the Ngorongoro forest. Service was excellent, friendly and efficient. Tents were spacious and comfortable. Each has its own coal burning fire and lovely hot shower. The decor was charming.

Wild elephants grazed amongst the trees in front of our porch and the sounds of the forest at dusk were truly magical.

The food was inventive and plentiful and better than anything else we had in the area.

The only disadvantage is the distance of the lodge from the main road: twenty minutes down a rough single track.

If you are going to use this camp as a base for exploring the crater this could be annoying.

That said, the surrounding scenery that you drive through is beautiful. Once on the main road you are very close to the park entrance