Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Ngorongoro

In the eastern part of the world’s largest rift valley, we find the Ngorongoro crater, a vast caldera of more than 20 kilometers in diameter. Caused by the collapse of a volcano on itself, it possesses the largest concentration of African animals. Lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceroses, ostriches, gazelles and elephants have chosen to live here, in the largest non-inundated caldera on Earth. Springs emerge along its hills forming a lake surrounded by savana and a magnificent acacia forest. It’s a veritable Garden of Eden for wild fauna, where only a few Masaï tribes live and where water is easily available.

As a UNESCO world heritage since 1979, agriculture is forbidden, for it is incompatible with the protection of the animal species, although the Masaï are allowed to pass through with their large herds of cattle and sheep as long as they don’t graze here. In this jewel of Tanzania, one can observe 55 different mammal species and 400 species of birds. During the waxing phase of the moon, pink flamingos appear on the lake while hippos lie lazily on the banks. In order to enter this earthly paradise, you have to climb the steep walls of the caldera. Once at the summit, the spectacle is breathtaking.

Between Baroque and African art

Perched on top of the crater, at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, we find one of Africa’s most spectacular lodges, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Consisting of thirty luxurious stilted suites, it looks like the outskirts of a Masaï village. Its two creators, architect Sylvio Rech and decorator Chris Brown used the traditional Manyatas Masaïs architectural codes of huts made of clay and dried mud. Everything was designed and made on the site.

The interior décor is surprising and unique, a blend of Baroque and traditional African art. Crystal chandeliers are attached to the roof in banana leaves. The four-poster mnega wood beds are covered with precious fabrics and colorful cushions. Persian rugs, Venetian mirrors and chandeliers blend in with traditional objects made with precious wood. Woodwork and carved Zanzibar doors complete this refined and unexpected décor worthy of the world’s great explorers.

Divided into three separate camps, the 30 suites all have a magnificent view of the caldera. Upon returning to the hotel after a long safari, and as the fog begins to envelop the summits of the crater, there is nothing more pleasant than to relax around a fireplace either in one’s own room or in one of the salons. At an altitude of 2,300 meters, the temperature can go down quickly, and when the moment comes for the big cats to quench their thirst, guests can do the same in the camp’s dining room while enjoying an incomparable view of the this 8^th wonder of the world.

At Tree Camp, each villa has its own butler, a personal maître d’hôtel who serves guests tea in bed, stokes the fire and runs the bath. Luxury and refinement are pushed to the limit in this pure unspoiled natural environment.