Exploreans Ngorongoro Lodge

I can't say enough good things about the Exploreans Ngorongoro Lodge.

It has 20 luxury suites (and I do mean luxury).

The lodge is probably just a year old and everything in the rooms is perfect.

Nice hot showers, wi-fi internet.

3 meals per day are included in the price (we paid about US$250 per night).

Food is comparable to a top restaurant in any big city, but we are iin the middle of the rain forest.

Even the mini-bar in the room is included.

Other Ngorongoro Conservation Area Hotels and B&Bs

There is a fantastic bar area with lounge, just next to the restaurant.

The staff are all fantastic. The service is certainly comparable to the best hotels I've stayed at in Thailand, or in any country. Every need is anticipated. The meals are served properly, with white tablecloths.

The beds are very comfortable,with fine linens. We all slept well.

We had a choice to stay here or one of the lodges on the rim of the crater and I'm glad we stayed here. The lodge is just a 2 minute drive from the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater.

The price is also about 20% of what one would pay for on the crater rim. Really, all you get at one of the super expensive lodges is the million dollar view of the crater, but the view here is also fantasic.

You can look down from your balcony and see occasional elephants, baboons, buffalo and hyena plus a huge assortment of birds.

If you don't mind being about an hour from the bottom of the Crater (some places inside the park are about 15 minutes from the bottom), this place can't be beat.

ROOMS are oversized and have a beautiful fireplace and huge deck overlooking woodlands where you can watch buffalo and elephants.

FOOD is really great for Africa, and includes multi-courses a la carte (all included), as much as you can eat. Expect everything from file mignon to European cheeses to delicious fish. Also, win is included (as are a lot of their cocktails/martinis) and they will top you off regularly -- so watch out!

SERVICE was faultless. They will pamper you, watch for you to exit your room so as to assist you with your bags, etc. Rooms were spotless.

NO FREE WIFI .... grrr... only complaint, really.

The spa was also nice.