The Manor at Ngorongoro

Location: The Manor at Ngorongoro sits within the 1,500-acre Shangri-La estate, located in the fertile hills between the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the town of Karatu in the North-East part of Tanzania. It's a short drive from the Crater gate, making it one of the most elegant bases from which to explore this world-famous wildlife haven. The estate's location is part of its charm - surrounded by coffee plantations, flowering gardens, and forested slopes, it feels peaceful and refined, with space to breathe. It's ideal for those wanting to experience the Ngorongoro Crater without staying right on the rim, and it also pairs well with Lake Manyara or Tarangire as part of a northern circuit itinerary.

Rooms: Accommodation is in spacious, Cape Dutch-style cottages, each with high-beamed ceilings, cosy fireplaces, deep bathtubs, and large four-posted beds. There are 18 Manor Suites and one two-bedroom family cottage, all carefully styled to reflect a blend of old-world elegance and East African charm. French doors open onto private terraces overlooking the garden or hills beyond, while interior combine antique furniture, plush textiles, and thoughtful details like personal minibars and in room dining on request. It's romantic, indulgent, and extremely comfortable - more country house retreat than traditional safari camp.

Amenities: The Manor offers a level of comfort and service rarely found on safari. The main house includes a formal dining room, a wood-panelled lounge, a bar with a roaring fire, a tea veranda, and a beautiful courtyard garden with shaded tables and colourful flowerbeds. Outside, there is a heated swimming pool and stables for guests who want to explore the estate on horseback. Food is a real highlight here - gourmet meals made with fresh, local ingredients and served with finesse. Afternoon tea, port by the fire, or private dining in your suite - it's all delivered with warm, discreet professionalism.

Activities: Game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater are the main event, and The Manor provides expert guides and luxury vehicles for full-day excursions, complete with picnic lunches and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Back at the estate, you can explore the coffee plantation, enjoy horse riding through the hills, visit nearby villages or schools, or simply relax with a book by the fire. Lake Manyara National Park is also within easy reach for a varied day trip. It's a slower, more refined pace of safari, offering a comfortable blend of wilderness, culture, and relaxation - particularly appealing after days on the road on in remote camps.

Sustainability: The Manor is part of the Elewana Collection, which takes a considered approach to sustainability through its Land & Life Foundation. The lodge works with local suppliers and employs staff from surrounding communities, providing training, stable employment, and opportunities for advancement. Conservation and community initiatives are supported through guest stays, including healthcare, wildlife protection, and educational programmes in rural school. At the lodge itself, solar power and energy-saving systems help reduce the environmental footprint, while the surrounding estate is carefully managed to preserve its natural beauty. It's a luxury experience with a responsible heart - quietly supporting the people and landscapes that make it possible.