Entamanu Ngorongoro Luxury Safari Camp, Tanzania
Nomad Tanzania is among the premier safari operators in the nation, seamlessly blending traditional safari experiences with luxury, exemplified by its offerings on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. In 2024, Entamanu has been entirely re-conceptualized as a more permanent lodge featuring elegant new cottage accommodations. The property is now divided into a main camp with seven rooms and a private camp with four rooms, ideal for families or groups seeking additional privacy when reserving the property for exclusive use.
This premier crater alternative offers breathtaking views of the renowned caldera and access to tranquil Maasai villages, providing a more authentic cultural experience. Although the majority of lodges and hotels on the rim are far larger, Entamanu preserves the allure and intimacy of a bush safari camp in a more isolated setting. The cuisine, service, and guidance are of the utmost quality, and a private vehicle is included as usual. This exquisitely enhanced Entamanu offers a unique, pristine Ngorongoro Crater experience. Acquiring that can be challenging, as the crater floor often becomes rather congested with the presence of the Big Five in a relatively confined gaming area.
Access & Location:
Situated on the northern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu boasts a distinctive location that provides seclusion from the masses and is elegantly far from conventional routes. Reaching the crater floor requires around a 30-minute drive over the rim to the Seneto descending route. The lodge offers magnificent vistas, extending not only over the crater bottom but also northwest towards the Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, and the Gol Mountains – it is an awe-inspiring location! The crater bottom hosts exceptional year-round species, including rare rhinoceroses, lions, vibrant avifauna, and formidable bull elephants. Be advised that the altitude may result in cooler temperatures at night in the crater; therefore, it is advisable to bring at least one warm sweater. However, with Entamanu’s new cottages including interior heating, comfort is assured.
Entamanu Ngorongoro is often reached through a 2-hour vehicle transfer from Lake Manyara Airstrip. The crater frequently forms a component of a flying or driving circuit in northern Tanzania, encompassing the Serengeti and Lake Manyara. Kindly consult with one of our consultants regarding the optimal integration of this exceptional property into your itinerary.
Accommodation & Facilities At Entamanu Ngorongoro
The primary sectors of Entamanu have undergone a remarkable enhancement. The newly constructed living and eating room is an ingeniously planned permanent timber edifice elevated on short stilts to reduce landscape impact. The interiors are tastefully adorned in mild, earthy tones, with local furnishings and handcrafted artefacts. The ambiance resembles a cosy sanctuary, featuring an open fire, alcoves for indulging in literature, and inviting sofas. The cuisine at Entamanu is exceptional, and the eating experience is communal, while private dining can be arranged upon request.
The guest lodging is divided into two distinct camps. The main camp features seven elevated cottage rooms, each offering spectacular views of the crater. The suites are elegantly decorated, with a comfortable living area with pleasant views, a writing desk and chair, and well-equipped en-suite facilities that include a flush toilet, twin washbasins with mirrors, and an indoor shower. Supplementary facilities comprise a walkie-talkie, insect repellant, and charging stations. The crater rim is known for its cool temperatures due to the elevation; nonetheless, each room is equipped with remote-controlled gas heaters for warmth, along with soft furnishings like woven blankets and wool rugs that enhance comfort. Two of the seven rooms are designated as family apartments, comprising two full-sized rooms and a common connected bathroom.
The private camp comprises four rooms, two of which can function as family units. It is situated apart from the main lodge and is entirely self-sufficient, with its own staff, lounge, and eating area, hence providing exceptional privacy for small parties or multi-generational families. The apartments differ differently as they are constructed from stretched canvas, wood, and glass; yet, their interiors mirror those of the main lodge’s cottages—sophisticated, cosy, and refined. Entamanu’s setting is remarkably natural and breathtaking, yet it may occasionally be windy, so prepare for a primal crater experience!
Activities At Entamanu Ngorongoro
The primary activity in this area is game drive on the crater floor; nonetheless, the cultural experiences, especially due to their remoteness from livelier regions, are a significant feature.
- Expertly guided game drives: The crater has all five of the Big Five species: lion, black rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Additional sightings may encompass spotted hyenas, hippopotamuses, zebras, elands, wildebeests, and infrequently, leopards. The area is abundant in avian species, including raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, and rollers, among others.
- Guided nature walks: Visitors may engage in walks around the crater rim and hikes through the woodlands, accompanied by a ranger and a Maasai representative. Those seeking adventure may venture further to explore the Olmoti and Empakai craters. This may necessitate additional time in camp, although the vistas are among the most breathtaking globally. Kindly be advised that the minimum age requirement for this activity is 12 years.
- Cultural experiences: One may also explore a Maasai hamlet and engage with the inhabitants. A definitive imperative is to visit the communities and engage with the inhabitants of Ngorongoro. Entamanu’s exceptional distant position renders the journey quite accessible; nevertheless, its seclusion from crowds provides a more real and consistently gratifying experience.
Note: This property is unfenced and situated in a nature region, allowing huge and potentially hazardous animals to traverse it. If you want to remain here, remain vigilant while traversing the camp and solicit a staff member to accompany you if you have any apprehensions. All guests are accompanied after dusk as a standard procedure.
Ngorongoro Crater Safaris
The Ngorongoro Crater, with a diameter of about 20 km, is the biggest intact volcanic caldera globally. The vistas from the 600-meter high walls are breathtaking and reveal a new realm of marvel for visitors to this beautiful country.
An exceptional introduction to Tanzania, this natural wonderland provides remarkable views of the renowned Big Five, along with a plethora of outstanding plains wildlife. One might observe the secretive leopard either resting atop the trees or prowling over the plains.