THE SAFARI SPECIALIST
The Accommodation Portfolio
Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Gibb's Farm - Karatu
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Overlooking the coffee fields and stunning East African vista, surrounded by terraced flower gardens and ancient trees, Gibb’s Farm is truly a sanctuary for the senses. With rustic charm and gracious accommodations Gibb's Farm offers 17 guest cottages—each featuring a unique theme and richly appointed with eucalyptus floors, hand-crafted furniture, two queen-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. Gibb's is a unique retreat from which to access to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater for a full day game drive descending through the lush highland forest to reach the crater floor that teems with game, predators and huge resident bull elephants.
Number of rooms: 17
Family rooms available
Style : Guesthouse/Lodge
Activities: walking, cycling, local visits, organic farm, massage and therapies
Ellie says, "Another of my favorite places on Earth, Gibb's has a magical quality that restores the soul and replenishes the dust worn traveller. With a totally different vibe from classic safari camps Gibb's offers an insight into colonial pioneers and plantation owners of times past"
Recommended for families and those who want to pause a while and breathe.
Lemala Ngorongoro - Ngorongoro Crater
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An intimate camp set in a delightful ancient acacia forest on the rim of the crater, next to the quiet Lemala access route. The camp has 9 spacious canvas tents to ensure intimacy and minimal impact on the pristine forest environment. The tents accommodate two queen beds with winter weight duvets and hot water bottles. The tents are warmed in the evenings by a gas heater, ensuring a cosy night's sleep. The roomy en-suite bathrooms contain a dressing area, flush toilet and a large safari shower.The mess tent is beautifully furnished with grand sofas, lamps, bookshelves and corner cabinets in old wood, chests and rugs. In the evening, guests gather around the campfire to exchange tales of the day's safari followed by a sumptuous hearty meal.A key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy access into the Crater floor. Game drives from the camp may start as early as 6.15am and there is no time wasted at the gate as you can drive straight down to the floor within 10 to 15 minute. Lemala guests usually have an hour's head start over others in the morning, which is crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and a Maasai.
Number of rooms: 12
Style : Under Canvas
Activities: Ngorongoro Crater, walking,
Ellie says, "The best camp in the area for a true camping experience (with every need catered) and the best possible location for an early start into the Crater. The staff do a wonderful job of making the tents cozy for your return after dinner"
Recommended for those with a camping spirit
The Highlands - Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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Carefully positioned for maximum privacy high on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, guests enjoy sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti. Inspiration for the seven canvas-and-glass domed suites was drawn from the traditional Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Warm, intimate and contemporary, this is quite simply the perfect place from which to discover the wild and pristine Crater Highlands.
At the heart of the camp is an authentic indoor fireplace designed to emulate the traditional East African campfire experience. Delve into the library or enjoy a drink from the extensive bar and unwind in comfort and style at the end of each rewarding day. With easy access to Ngorongoro Crater and offering guided walks and hikes this hidden gem offers it all.
Number of tents: 8
Family tent:1
Style : Tented Domes
Activities: Ngorongoro Crater, Olmoti nature walk, Empakai Crater hike Massai village visits,
Ellie says, "A unique camp with stunning views and a wonderful secret hideaway feeling. Perfect option for those who like to walk and stretch their legs and breathe in the clear highland air."
Recommended for families, walkers and hikers..
Entamanu - Ngorongoro Crater
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With it's spectacular location on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater Entamanu offers views over the crater to the East and Serengeti to the West. The camp is designed to be removable; stunning canvas rooms sit raised on platforms that can be dismantled and taken away. Interiors are of sustainably sourced wood and everything within the camp is locally sourced and made by talented Tanzanian artisans. Fires burn in the hearths of the cosy tented lounge and dining room in the evenings, and textured wool, down duvets and heaters provide warmth in the sleeping tents against the chilly nights. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and a Maasai.
Number of rooms: 6
Style : Under Canvas
Activities: Ngorongoro Crater, walking, Maasai village visit
Ellie says, "The only true tented camp with views of Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti too! Entamanu's great location makes this pure and wild camp one of my very first choices in the area"
Recommended for those with a camping spirit and a purist's heart
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - Ngorongoro Crater Rim
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Perched on the edge of the Crater itself, award-winning &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is fit for kings and queens. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted banana thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques and unforgettable opulence.Between the natural riches of the Crater spread out at its feet and the amazing architecture, it’s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy. With ever-changing views as mists swirl and clouds scurry over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking.A truly unique and luxurious lodge with easy access to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater for early morning game drives descending through the lush highland forest to reach the crater floor that teems with game, predators and huge resident bull elephants.
Number of rooms: 30
Family rooms available
Style : lodge
Activities: game drives, walking, cultural visits, Massai dinner, African drummers
Recommended for luxury-lovers, romantics and princesses