Laba Ngorongoro Lodge

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge is a luxury retreat perched at 2,200 meters on the rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoying an unmatched location as the closest lodge to the park entrance, it offers guests early access to one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, complemented by sweeping views of the lush highland forest and the majestic Oldeani and Makarot mountains.

The lodge is steeped in profound regional history. Built on the site of the former Rhino Lodge, the oldest lodge in the crater, it proudly preserves the original home of Henry Albert Fosbrooke, the region’s first ecologist and conservator whose tireless efforts led to the creation of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Today, this highly symbolic, historic dwelling has been transformed to house the lodge’s reception, bar-lounge, and boutique, serving as a beautiful tribute to his conservation legacy.

As part of the “Laba” concept, the lodge celebrates African creativity through curated contemporary art, handcrafted furnishings, and warm, earthy tones. Combined with a deep commitment to sustainability, organic farm-to-table dining led by a French pastry chef, and close partnerships with local Maasai communities, Laba Ngorongoro offers a deeply immersive and meaningful Tanzanian safari experience.

Location & Accessibility

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge enjoys an iconic, highly coveted position perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania. As the closest lodge to the park entrance (Loduare Gate), it gives guests an unmatched advantage: early access to the crater floor to beat the crowds and see wildlife at its most active.

By Road

✓ The Northern Circuit (from Arusha): For guests embarking on a driving itinerary through Tanzania’s renowned northern safari circuit, the lodge is easily accessible by road from Arusha. The drive a about 180 to 190 kilometers (112 miles) and typically takes 3 to 4 hours. The journey is incredibly scenic, taking you on well-maintained roads through rolling farmland, the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and forested slopes before you arrive at the crater rim

By Air

✓ Nearest Airstrip: The lodge is easily accessible via scheduled domestic flights to the Lake Manyara Airstrip. Flights to Lake Manyara typically take about 30 minutes from Arusha Airport or 45 to 55 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport. From the airstrip, it is just a scenic 40-minute road transfer up into the highlands to reach the lodge

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge offers 20 luxurious, air-conditioned suites designed to reflect the region’s creative spirit. Incorporating natural textures, warm earthy tones, and curated contemporary African artworks, the interiors perfectly balance absolute comfort with understated elegance. Every suite is designed to feel intimate and deeply connected to the dramatic highland landscape

Deluxe Rooms (18 Rooms)

Spanning 50 square meters (538 sq. ft.), these spacious and beautifully appointed rooms offer a private haven on the crater rim.

✓ Layout & Views: Each room features a private lounge, a dedicated dressing area, and a private terrace framing spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lush highland forest, and the majestic Oldeani and Makarot mountains

Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suites (2 Suites)

Offering double the space at a generous 100 square meters (1,076 sq. ft.), these suites are ideal for families or friends traveling together. (Note: The lodge happily accommodates children aged 3 years and older)

✓ Layout: Two separate bedrooms, a larger shared living space, and expansive outdoor decking for panoramic highland and crater views.

Suite Amenities & Features

✓ Decadent Bathrooms: En-suite facilities featuring both a standalone bathtub and a separate shower
✓ Private Terraces: Expansive private decks designed for privacy, relaxation, and uninterrupted game viewing right from your room
✓ In-Room Refreshments: Each suite is equipped with a personal mini-bar and a coffee machine for early-morning brews before heading down into the crater
✓ Climate Control: Fully air-conditioned for warmer afternoons, but more importantly, equipped with underfloor heating in the bathrooms to keep you cozy during the chilly crater-rim nights

Dining & Cuisine

Dining at Laba Ngorongoro Lodge is a refined yet warm experience, focusing on fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients. The culinary team masterfully blends authentic Tanzanian flavors with internationally inspired cuisine, ensuring every meal is as memorable as the wildlife sightings.

Signature Culinary Delights

The lodge’s organic dining experience is elevated by signature “Laba Laba” touches. Guests can look forward to generous, beautifully presented buffets featuring a live rotisserie, alongside a stunning array of fresh, decadent desserts crafted daily by the lodge’s resident French pastry chef.

Dining Venues & Experiences

Whether you are swapping safari stories or seeking a quiet, romantic evening, the lodge offers beautifully curated spaces to suit your mood:

✓ Fireside & Al Fresco Dining: Enjoy an evening meal or a nightcap by the outdoor firepit, swapping stories while looking out over the crater rim
✓ Private Dining: For a more intimate experience, custom private dining setups can be arranged, allowing you to dine in total privacy while soaking in the majestic surroundings
✓ The Main Restaurant: Meals are served in a relaxed, communal setting designed to encourage conversation and cultural exchange, surrounded by contemporary African art and panoramic highland views
✓ The Historic Bar & Lounge: Housed in the carefully preserved former home of Henry Albert Fosbrooke (the region’s first ecologist), the bar and indoor/outdoor lounge offer a highly symbolic and atmospheric space for pre-dinner drinks

Laba Ngorongoro Lodge offers guests the ultimate safari luxury: early, swift access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor. With expert private guiding, your days are tailored to fully immerse you in the region’s extraordinary natural and cultural wonders.

Unmatched Wildlife Safaris

✓ Lake Manyara Excursions: Embark on a full-day journey to nearby Lake Manyara National Park, exploring diverse ecosystems before arriving at the region’s famous flamingo-fringed bird sanctuary
✓ Crater Game Drives: Descend into the ancient caldera for twice-daily private game drives. The crater boasts some of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife year-round, offering exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five, including large tusked elephants, dense lion prides, and the critically endangered black rhino
✓ The Vintage Safari Experience: For a touch of nostalgic charm, guests can book a private day-long game drive traveling in a beautifully restored, fuel-efficient vintage Land Rover. Complete with a packed picnic lunch, this full-day expedition is especially recommended between December and March to track the Great Migration

On-Foot & Aerial Adventures

✓ Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: For the ultimate thrill, take to the skies at dawn in a hot-air balloon (available at an additional cost), gliding silently over the spectacular bushland landscapes
✓ Walking Safaris & Nature Hikes: Step out of the vehicle with a dedicated guide to follow wild animal footprints and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the highland forest

Cultural, Historical & Artistic Discovery

✓ Community & Coffee: Engage with the local heritage through meaningful visits to nearby Maasai villages and tours of local Tanzanian coffee estates
✓ In-Lodge Enrichment: The lodge’s strong artistic identity carries into its daily activities, offering art-focused workshops, captivating storytelling sessions, and conservation discussions that celebrate African creativity and wildlife protection
✓ Cradle of Mankind Excursions: History and paleo-enthusiasts can take fascinating half- or full-day trips to the dramatic ravine of Olduvai Gorge to see ancient hominid fossils and tools, alongside a visit to the mystical Shifting Sands crescent dunes formed of magnetic volcanic ash

✓ Vintage Safari Charm: The unique opportunity to embark on a full-day private game drive with a picnic lunch in a beautifully restored, fuel-efficient vintage Land Rover
✓ The Cradle of Mankind: Perfectly positioned for day trips to Lake Manyara National Park and the dramatic, fossil-rich ravines of Olduvai Gorge and the Shifting Sands
✓ Culinary Excellence: A refined, organic farm-to-table dining experience elevated by live rotisseries and exquisite daily creations from the lodge’s resident French pastry chef
✓ Art & Culture: A stunning celebration of contemporary African creativity, woven with meaningful opportunities to engage with local Maasai communities and visit working coffee estates
✓ Unrivaled Crater Access: Perched at 2,200 meters on the crater rim and serving as the closest lodge to the park entrance, guaranteeing swift, early access to the crater floor before the crowds arrive
✓ Exceptional Big Five Viewing: World-class, year-round wildlife encounters with a private guide, including high chances of spotting large tuskers, dense lion prides, and the critically endangered black rhino
✓ Luxurious Highland Suites: 20 spacious, beautifully appointed suites (including two Family Suites) featuring private viewing terraces, opulent bathrooms, and underfloor heating for chilly crater-rim nights
✓ Deep Conservation Heritage: Built on the site of the original Rhino Lodge, with the main bar and lounge housed in the carefully preserved former home of Henry Albert Fosbrooke, the region’s first ecologist

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com