Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched high on the wild side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim. This camp is more than just a place to sleep; it is a thoughtfully designed refuge from which to explore the entire unique highland environment. Entamanu (meaning “mountain” in the local Maasai language) is intentionally set apart from the main tourist road, offering a quiet, intimate, and authentic experience.

This camp is the perfect choice for guests who want to do more than just visit the Crater—they want to understand it as part of a wider ecosystem, surrounded by soaring dormant volcanic hills and the traditional ebb and flow of Maasai life.

The style at Entamanu Ngorongoro is as unique as its location. The Camp offers an intimate and cozy stay with just seven large, cottage-style rooms and three two-bedroom cottages, which are ideal for families with children.

Every single room is positioned to look directly across at the magnificent Crater view. Because the location is at a high altitude, the air can be quite chilly. The Camp has taken up this challenge to provide warmth and shelter:

All rooms are made warm and inviting with heaters, thick textured wool, and soft down duvets. This creates a comfortable refuge after a cold game drive.

Everything within the camp is carefully handcrafted locally by talented Tanzanian artisans using sustainably sourced wood.

Large, private verandas wrap around the front of the rooms, making them the perfect place to sit and marvel at the spectacular, sweeping views.

A stay at Entamanu Ngorongoro is about more than just the famous game drives. The lodge offers unique activities that help you explore and understand the wider highland environment.

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drives

This is a core highlight. Because the lodge is only 30 minutes from the descent road, an early start is highly recommended. You will set off with your guide and a packed breakfast to enjoy the prime hours of wildlife viewing on the Crater floor before the main rush of visitors arrives. You can also head out in the afternoon and enjoy a beautiful sundowner (cocktails at sunset) on the rim on your way back to camp.

Guided Walks with the Maasai

Entamanu Ngorongoro offers deeply recommended guided walks along the rim of the Crater and in the surrounding highlands. You will head out with your guide and a member of the local Maasai community. These walks are about slowing down and learning about the little things—from medicinal plants to local Maasai beliefs, as well as tracking any wildlife that has wandered close to camp. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the scenery at a slower pace.

Visit a Local Boma (Maasai Village)

The lodge sometimes arranges visits to see its Maasai neighbors, who are living a largely traditional life in the next valley. This is a genuine, warm welcome that provides true insights into the pastoral life, from how they build their huts to traditional ceremonies. It’s a rewarding cultural experience that adds important context to the entire conservation area.