andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge — Closed for Rebuild, Reopening 2027

Important update: andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge closed in January 2025 for an extensive rebuild and is expected to reopen in 2027 with an entirely redesigned lodge. The information below describes the property as it was before closure.

The Legend

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been one of Africa's most iconic safari lodges since it first opened on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Famously described as the place where "Maasai meets Versailles," the lodge combined Maasai-inspired stilted mud-and-thatch architecture with an extravagantly baroque interior — chandeliers, antique furniture, gilt mirrors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the crater floor, personal butlers, and fireplaces in every suite. It was deliberately over-the-top, and it worked: few lodges anywhere in the world offered a more dramatic combination of wildlife and design.

The lodge consisted of three separate camps — North Camp (12 suites), South Camp (12 suites) and Tree Camp (6 suites) — totalling 30 stilted suites perched on the crater rim at 2,200 metres elevation. Each camp operated independently with its own dining room, lounge and viewing deck. Tree Camp, set slightly apart in the forest, offered the most intimate and private experience.

What to Expect When It Reopens

andBeyond has confirmed that the rebuild will result in a completely new lodge design, not a renovation of the existing structure. Details of the new architecture, suite count and facilities have not yet been released. Given andBeyond's track record and the iconic status of the property, expectations are high that the 2027 reopening will set a new benchmark for Ngorongoro Crater accommodation.

Alternatives While the Lodge Is Closed

For travellers visiting the Ngorongoro Crater before the lodge reopens, we recommend The Highlands by Asilia (dome suites on Olmoti Crater with hiking and cultural activities), Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (on the crater rim), or Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp (luxury tented camp on the rim). Please contact us for personalised recommendations based on your travel dates and budget.