Mid Range

Mid Range

Mid Range

Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge

Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge

Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge

🌍 Tanzania

📍 Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge is a mid-range tented lodge located in the forested highlands near Karatu, en route to the Ngorongoro gate. Rooms here generally cost around $280–300 per night in high season, with low-season discounts dropping rates to about $165–180 (Mar–May). The lodge combines a rustic tented-camp atmosphere with the comforts of a permanent lodge structure, appealing to travelers who want to feel closer to nature without stepping into the luxury tier.

From a safari perspective, Forest Tented Lodge offers a slight logistical advantage over Karatu town lodges, as it sits closer to the Ngorongoro gate. Guests leaving around 6:15 am can often reach the crater rim within ~20 minutes, descending onto the crater floor shortly after 7:00 am.

While this still trails the dawn advantage of crater-rim lodges like Serena or Sopa, it shaves valuable minutes compared to Karatu-based properties like Marera or Farm of Dreams.

Compared with Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp (bushier feel but better for Manyara), Karatu Simba Lodge (eco-chalet style), and Ngorongoro Farm House (plantation charm), Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge offers a blend of natural setting and convenience.

Rooms

  • Permanent tents built on raised platforms with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas.

  • Rustic furnishings, mosquito nets, solar-powered lighting, and hot water.

  • Central lounge, bar, and dining area with fireplaces.

  • Small swimming pool and forested surroundings.

  • Atmosphere: cozy, with a wilder and more immersive feel than Karatu town lodges.

  • Permanent tents built on raised platforms with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas.

  • Rustic furnishings, mosquito nets, solar-powered lighting, and hot water.

  • Central lounge, bar, and dining area with fireplaces.

  • Small swimming pool and forested surroundings.

  • Atmosphere: cozy, with a wilder and more immersive feel than Karatu town lodges.

Meals

  • Full-board basis with hearty meals served in the main mess area.

  • Breakfasts timed for early departures, with lunch boxes available for crater excursions.

  • Dinners are communal and accompanied by a campfire, reinforcing the “tented safari” vibe.

  • Guests often highlight the warmth of service and the simplicity of the meals, consistent with its tier.

  • Full-board basis with hearty meals served in the main mess area.

  • Breakfasts timed for early departures, with lunch boxes available for crater excursions.

  • Dinners are communal and accompanied by a campfire, reinforcing the “tented safari” vibe.

  • Guests often highlight the warmth of service and the simplicity of the meals, consistent with its tier.

Accessibility

  • Ngorongoro (Loduare Gate): ~20 minutes by road — closer than most Karatu properties.

  • Karatu town: ~15 minutes.

  • Lake Manyara NP & airstrip: ~30–35 minutes.

  • Serengeti (Seronera): ~150–160 km; 4–5 hours by road.

  • Arusha city: ~135–140 km; 2.5–3 hours.

  • JRO airport: ~185 km; ~3.5–4 hours.

  • Flights: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Seronera) ~35–45 minutes; Manyara to Zanzibar ~1h30.

  • Ngorongoro (Loduare Gate): ~20 minutes by road — closer than most Karatu properties.

  • Karatu town: ~15 minutes.

  • Lake Manyara NP & airstrip: ~30–35 minutes.

  • Serengeti (Seronera): ~150–160 km; 4–5 hours by road.

  • Arusha city: ~135–140 km; 2.5–3 hours.

  • JRO airport: ~185 km; ~3.5–4 hours.

  • Flights: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Seronera) ~35–45 minutes; Manyara to Zanzibar ~1h30.

Other Mid Range Accommodations in Ngorongoro Crater

Other Mid Range Accommodations in Ngorongoro Crater

Other Mid Range Accommodations in Ngorongoro Crater

Mid Range Accommodations in the rest of Tanzania

Mid Range Accommodations in the rest of Tanzania

Mid Range Accommodations in the rest of Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Tours

Ngorongoro Crater Tours

Ngorongoro Crater Tours

Get 3 TANZANIA Safari Quotes

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Get 3 TANZANIA Safari Quotes

Best Companies, Best Prices, 10+ Years Experience

Get 3 TANZANIA Safari Quotes

Best Companies, Best Prices, 10+ Years Experience