GUIDE ON LEMALA NGORONGORO IN TANZANIA

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Lemala Ngorongoro is a deluxe seasonal camp set high on the rim of the largest unfilled volcanic crater in the world, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. From the charmingly intimate luxury camp, privileged AfricanMecca guests on a safari holiday in Tanzania can access the largest wildlife concentration in the world. Upwards of 30,000 mammals can be found here, in the varied topography of the crater floor which comprises of marsh, river, forest, grassy plains and lakes, all within an area of 100 square miles.

This makes it arguably the best dense game-spotting venue for a safari to Africa, where many rare and threatened species can be seen, including black rhinoceros and ancient male tusker elephants bearing giant sets of ivory. Lemala Ngorongoro is one of closest accommodation to the crater floor, lying just inside the access gate. It takes only 15-20 minutes to make the descent, 2,000 feet through misty, montane rainforest.



This makes a Lemala Ngorongoro safari the best possible way to see the amazing wildlife on the crater floor in true wilderness solitude, just as the animal residents start to venture abroad, and well ahead of other adventurers who have to drive around the crater rim before beginning the popular descent.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is ethically based on the concept of sustainable Africa travel in co-habitation with local wildlife and indigenous pastoral tribes so that there are unsurpassed opportunities to interact with the eye-opening culture of Maasai villagers whose cow-bells you can hear in the dawn. In addition, the camp boasts extraordinary levels of service and attention, making a true “Out of Africa” experience within an authentic, tented camp safari ambience in Ngorongoro. Except for April and May, when the rains are heavy, the camp is open all through the rest of the year.

Accommodation At Lemala Ngorongoro

The camp is coolly welcoming. 9 spacious canvas tents set in the dappled shade of an acacia glade accommodate only a maximum of 20 guests, making this a specially intimate and exclusive venue for your tour in Africa. In addition, there is one family tent for parents with children over the age of six. Each tent is attractively furnished with king-size or large twin beds, comfy quilts, timber floors with foot-pampering rugs and warm gas heaters for the chilly mornings at 7,500 feet above sea level when you rise early to get a head start for your Ngorongoro Crater tour with AfricanMecca.



Your personal butler will ensure that your tent is warm and comfy for your return with hot water ready for a refreshing shower. He will turn on room heaters for the evening and tuck hot-water bottles between your crisp bed-sheets while you are enjoying a gourmet meal in the mess-tent. Every Lemala Ngorongoro tent has an en-suite bathroom with safari shower and flush toilet. Solar power provides 24-hour lighting. Laundry is done as if by magic.

Service is exemplary, and miracles are accomplished to provide luxurious standards of cuisine and accommodation within an unspoiled wilderness setting. Cultural interactions in camp include close contact with the Maasai community. They demonstrate their music and dance on some scheduled event nights, and are delighted to talk about their unique culture, their rituals and their traditional way of life.

Safari At Lemala Ngorongoro

The most exciting activity to be undertaken on your Tanzanian vacation must be the Ngorongoro Crater safari, in 4 x 4 safari vehicle with elevated roofs for unobstructed views of the diverse game you will undoubtedly encounter, due to the knowledge and skill of first-class AfricanMecca guides, using their skill and sometimes sharing trail information with handpicked equals by 2-way radio to track and sight the action. You will be there long before an eager queue of visitors from further afield.



In the vast, central grasslands, herbivores graze contentedly, from preponderant, out-of-proportion wildebeest, and voluptuous zebra, to aggressive buffalo. Prides of lions stalk them cautiously while crook-backed hyena trail behind with drooling jaws. In the Gorigor Swamp, a pod of hippo permanently hangs out and solitary elephant munch on tall sedge grass.

Attendant birds are found here by their hundreds: large and heavy, like the ostriches and Kori Bustards; or delicately ornamental treasures, such as the numerous sunbirds, lovebirds, superb starlings and rollers. When the central lake Magadi, is full, migratory red flamingos perform their bizarre water ballet, attended by herons, egrets and crowned cranes.



In the Lemai Forest of yellow fever-trees, camera-shy leopard and graceful serval cats lie in the same territory as predator alarmist, Vervet monkeys and sociable Olive Baboon, spend the midday hours. On your route to the Serengeti from Lemala Ngorongoro, you may also go further afield for day trips to Olduvai Gorge, original birthplace of Mankind, or visit the still active Oldonyo Lengai volcano close to Lake Natron for an incomparable and discerning scenic memory of your tour in Tanzania. Whatever you do on your dream holiday in Africa, you could do it nowhere else in such style or with such profound emotional satisfaction.

Dining At Lemala Ngorongoro

The morning begins with tea or cocoa brought to your tent by your Lemala butler who also turns up your heating so that you can dress in comfort before a 6.00 a.m. start for your trip to Ngorongoro Crater floor. Breakfast at Lemala Ngorongoro can be enjoyed prior to your descent or excellent packed morning meal can be provided since the 6-hour crater floor tour does not allow return for a camp breakfast.



Lunch can also be provided as a delightful box of delicious surprises for days when you travel outside the crater and further afield or a later mid-morning start. Sundowners are taken around the campfire or in the cushioned comfort of an old-fashioned, lamp-lit lounge area with its long, tasseled sofas and convenient wooden coffee tables and side-boards. All other food is served at a communal banquet table under stylish chandeliers in the mess-tent where conversation flows easily under the relaxed benevolence of the camp managers.

Special house drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are available. Marvelous meals are contrived over a wood-burning stove. They are tasty, satisfying, and exceedingly well-presented, made from fresh, locally sourced produce; fruit, meats, cheeses, salads, soups, grills and roasts peculiar to a gastronomical safari in Tanzania with AfricanMecca. Special diets can be catered by arrangement.

Related Pages

1. Ngorongoro Crater Safari Park Guide	2. Best Time & Weather To Visit Ngorongoro Crater
3. Ngorongoro Crater Map	4. Safari Lodges, Camps & Hotels In Ngorongoro Crater