Rating: Deluxe
This is a superb intimate seasonal camp offering accommodation in nine tents sleeping a maximum of 20 guests in a secluded setting in a stunning acacia forest on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Each tent has two queen size beds with warm duvets, bright cushions, a rug covered wooden floor, 24-hour solar lighting. The en-suite bathroom has a dressing area, flush toilet and a large shower with solar heated water on tap.
The mess tent is also very comfortable, and was refurbished on 2016 using colourful textiles and attractive artworks to give it a cosy ambience. The lounge has plenty of comfy seating and a range of books and board games, and the communal dining table is the scene for group meals. In the evening guests gather at the campfire for sundowner drinks and share stories about their day.
Lemala Camp has close links with the local Maasai community who can provide educational talks in camp about the conservation area. The camp, as well as having close access to the Ngorogoro Crater, is a good base for exploring the Ngorongoro Highlands in general with Empakai and Olmoti Crater within reach of day trips and walks into these craters with armed rangers.
Open: All year
Location: The camp is about an 2.5 hour drive from the Manyara Airstrip, and about 4 hours from Arusha
Rooms: Nine luxury mosquito-proof tents. Each has 2 queen beds with all bedding, a bedside table and reading lamps, sofa, wooden floor, fluffy rugs, large windows and full length curtains. Hot water bottles are provided at night. There is solar power for lighting and to heat the water for the en-suite bathroom which has a dressing area, flush toilet, hand basin and shower. Every tent has a shaded veranda wuth table and chairs. An extra bed can be added if needed, though the total number of guests will not exceed 20 at any one time.
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris are all offered here at Lemala Ngorongoro. Game drives are taken with a max of 7 people per vehicle.
Facilities: The mess tent accommodates the large lounge and dining areas, with the bar at the centre. You can help yourself to the collection of books and selection of board games. Outside there's a deck where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. The campfire is lit each evening. There are battery charging facilities in the main area. The camp offers a laundry service.
Dining: Meals are eaten communally.
Children: Children six years and older are welcome at the camp
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is internet access in the mess tent.
Lemala camps run on sound environmental & social policies and have minimal impact. For example, all glass is taken to a company who employ disabled people to make jewellry which they sell.
Excellent
3Good
1Average
0Poor
0Terrible
0"This is a very simple camp, but the excellent staff and superb position on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, makes this a great choice. Set in amongst ancient acacias, you can’t see down into the Crater, however you can be one of the first into the crater on a morning game drive due to the proximity to the eastern gate.(I rated the camp as 4/5 only because it is due a refurb which is about to happen. I'm certain it will be 5/5 at that point!)."