SUMMARY:

Nomad Tanzania stands out as one of the premier safari operators in the country, seamlessly blending the essence of classic safari adventure with a touch of luxury – and their experience on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater is no different! In 2024, Entamanu has undergone a complete transformation, now featuring a more established lodge with elegantly designed cottage rooms. The property is 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 entire property for exclusive use. Offering breathtaking views of the remarkable caldera that the area is renowned for, along with the opportunity to explore serene Maasai villages for a truly genuine cultural experience, this is an exceptional choice for crater exploration. Although many of the lodges and hotels along the rim are significantly larger, Entamanu preserves the allure and closeness of a wilderness safari camp in a more private setting. The quality of the food, service, and guiding is exceptional, and a private vehicle is included as standard. This beautifully enhanced Entamanu truly offers a unique and pristine experience of the Ngorongoro Crater! Finding that can be quite challenging, as the crater floor tends to be bustling with activity, accommodating the Big Five within a relatively compact game area.

ACCESSIBILITY & LOCATION:

Situated on the northwestern edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu offers a distinctive setting that allows you to escape the crowds and enjoy a serene, less-traveled path. Reaching the crater floor requires a drive of approximately 30 minutes along the rim to access the Seneto descent road. The lodge offers stunning vistas, extending not just over the crater floor but also north-west towards the Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, and the Gol Mountains – it’s truly an awe-inspiring location! The crater floor is home to a remarkable array of wildlife throughout the year, featuring rare rhinos, lions, vibrant bird species, and impressive bull elephants. Kindly be aware that the temperature can drop at night in the crater due to the altitude, so it is advisable to bring at least one warm jumper. However, with the new cottages at Entamanu featuring indoor heating, you can expect a comfortable stay!

Entamanu Ngorongoro can typically be reached with a 2-hour road transfer from Lake Manyara Airstrip. The crater frequently features in a circuit for flying or driving through northern Tanzania, encompassing the Serengeti and Lake Manyara. We invite you to connect with one of our specialists to explore the best ways to include this wonderful property in your travel plans.

LODGING & AMENITIES AT ENTAMANU NGORONGORO:

The primary sections of Entamanu have undergone a remarkable enhancement. The newly renovated lounge and dining area features a beautifully crafted permanent wooden structure, elevated on small stilts to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. The interiors boast a refined decor in soft, natural tones, complemented by regional furnishings and artisanal pieces. The ambiance exudes a cozy haven, featuring a crackling fire, inviting nooks perfect for curling up with a captivating read, and friendly armchairs that beckon you to relax. The cuisine at Entamanu is delightful, and the dining experience is shared among guests, though private dining can be arranged upon request.

The lodging for guests is divided into two distinct camps. The main camp features seven cottage rooms, elevated on platforms, each offering stunning views of the crater. The suites are beautifully designed, featuring a cozy seating area that offers delightful 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. Extra features consist of a walkie-talkie, insect repellent, and charging stations. The crater rim is known for its cool temperatures because of the elevation, but each room is equipped with remote-controlled gas heaters to ensure your comfort. Additionally, you’ll find cozy touches like woven throws and wool rugs that create a wonderfully snug atmosphere! Two of the seven rooms are designed as family units, featuring two full-sized rooms along with a shared bathroom that connects them.

The private camp features only four rooms, including two family units, and is located away from the main lodge. It is entirely self-sufficient, complete with its own staff, lounge, and dining area, providing exceptional exclusivity for small groups or families spanning multiple generations. The accommodations vary slightly as they feature stretched canvas, wood, and glass, yet the interiors maintain the same classy, comfortable, and elegant style as the cottages in the main lodge. The setting of Entamanu is incredibly breathtaking and untamed, and it can get a bit breezy at times, so prepare yourself for a raw crater adventure!

EXPERIENCES AT ENTAMANU NGORONGORO:

The primary focus here is game driving on the crater floor, yet the cultural experiences, especially due to their setting away from the more crowded regions, truly stand out!

Experience expertly guided game drives in the crater, where you can encounter all of the Big Five species: lion, black rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Additional observations may feature spotted hyenas, hippos, zebras, elands, wildebeests, and, on rare occasions, leopards. You’ll find an abundance of birdlife here, including raptors, waterbirds, songbirds, and rollers, among others.
Experience guided nature walks where you can join a ranger and a Maasai member on scenic strolls along the crater rim and invigorating hikes through the forests. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a trip to the Olmoti and Empakai craters awaits just a short distance away. While this may take additional time at camp, the views are truly among the most breathtaking globally. Kindly be aware that participants must be at least 12 years old to engage in this activity.
Immerse yourself in cultural experiences by visiting a Maasai village and engaging with the locals! A genuine highlight of this experience is exploring the villages and connecting with the locals of Ngorongoro. The exceptional remote setting of Entamanu makes the journey quite easy, and being distanced from the hustle and bustle provides a more genuine and consistently fulfilling experience.

*This property is not enclosed and is situated in a wildlife area, meaning that large and potentially hazardous animals may roam through it.* If you choose to stay here, please remain vigilant while walking around the camp and feel free to ask a staff member to accompany you if you have any worries. It is standard practice to escort any guest after dark.