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Ngorongoro Lion's Paw combines sweeping crater views with an exceptional location just minutes from the Ngorongoro Crater entrance.
Set high on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Lion's Paw enjoys a location that is difficult to beat. The lodge sits just a short drive from the crater entrance, giving guests the opportunity to reach the crater floor early in the morning while avoiding some of the longer transfer times associated with properties farther away.
The setting is equally impressive. Lion's Paw looks across the Ngorongoro landscape from its elevated position, with views that reinforce just how extraordinary this part of northern Tanzania is.
Accommodation is in spacious tented suites that combine the atmosphere of a safari camp with the comfort needed in the cooler Ngorongoro highlands. Private balconies make the most of the surroundings, while the main lodge provides relaxed spaces for dining, drinks and unwinding after a day exploring the crater.
For travellers combining Ngorongoro with the Serengeti and other highlights of Tanzania's northern safari circuit, Lion's Paw's location makes it a particularly practical choice — without sacrificing the sense of place that makes staying on the crater rim so special.
Why stay at Ngorongoro Lion's Paw?
There are more extravagant places to stay around Ngorongoro, but Lion's Paw has one advantage that matters enormously when you're actually there: location.
Sitting on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge is only around ten minutes from the crater access point. That means less time travelling to and from the crater and, importantly, the opportunity for an early start when the air is cool, wildlife is active, and the crater floor can feel noticeably quieter.
We particularly like Lion's Paw for travellers who want their time at Ngorongoro to be about the safari rather than simply choosing the most expensive lodge on the rim. You still have spacious accommodation, beautiful surroundings and those wonderful highland views, but you're exceptionally well positioned for the experience you've actually come here for.
That also makes Lion's Paw an excellent fit within a wider northern Tanzania safari. It fits naturally between destinations such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti, without requiring you to compromise access to one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife areas.
Accommodation at Ngorongoro Lion's Paw
Accommodation at Lion's Paw is spread amongst the forested surroundings of the crater rim, giving the suites a sense of privacy while keeping guests connected to the main lodge. The rooms are spacious and comfortable rather than overly elaborate, with private balconies that make the most of the peaceful highland setting.
Double and twin suites cater well for couples and travelling companions, while interconnecting family accommodation makes Lion's Paw particularly useful for families exploring northern Tanzania. There is also dedicated honeymoon accommodation for couples wanting a little more space and privacy.
Double Suites
The Double Suites offer spacious accommodation for couples, with a large bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a private balcony overlooking the surrounding vegetation. They offer all the comforts you need after an early start on the crater floor, while retaining the relaxed character of a safari lodge.
Twin Suites
Ideal for friends, siblings or other guests travelling together, the Twin Suites offer the same generous space and comfort with separate beds. Each suite has its own en-suite facilities and private balcony, offering a quiet place to relax between safari activities.
Family Interconnecting Suites
Lion's Paw is a particularly practical option for families thanks to its interconnecting accommodation. The Family Suites provide separate sleeping spaces while allowing parents and children to remain connected — a useful combination of privacy and reassurance when travelling together on safari.
Children are welcome at Lion's Paw, making these suites a good option for families including Ngorongoro as part of a wider Tanzania safari.
Honeymoon Suite
For couples celebrating a honeymoon or special occasion, Lion's Paw offers dedicated honeymoon accommodation with additional space and privacy. The combination of the secluded crater-rim setting, private outdoor space and easy access to Ngorongoro makes it a lovely option within a longer Tanzania honeymoon itinerary.
What is it like to stay at Ngorongoro Lion's Paw?
Life at Lion's Paw is relaxed and wonderfully connected to its surroundings. The suites are tucked amongst the vegetation of the crater rim, while the main lodge provides comfortable spaces to gather for meals, enjoy a drink or simply take in the views after a day of game viewing.
Early mornings at Ngorongoro can be surprisingly cool, so there's something particularly welcome about returning from a crater drive to the warmth and comfort of the lodge. Later in the day, the terrace comes into its own. On a clear evening, it's a lovely place to sit with a drink and watch the changing light across the landscape as the sun disappears.
Meals are served at the lodge, with special dietary requirements catered for by prior arrangement. For something a little different, bush dining and crater dining experiences can also be arranged, subject to availability and additional cost.
Lion's Paw isn't a lodge that needs to overwhelm you with facilities. Its appeal is simpler than that: a beautiful setting, comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality and an exceptional position from which to experience Ngorongoro.
Where is Ngorongoro Lion's Paw?
Ngorongoro Lion's Paw is situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, surrounded by the forested highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its position places the lodge only around ten minutes from the crater access point — one of its biggest advantages for travellers wanting to make the most of their time in Ngorongoro.
By road, Lion's Paw is approximately three hours from Arusha. For fly-in itineraries, Manyara Airstrip is the nearest airstrip, with the onward road transfer taking approximately two hours. Exact journey times can vary with road and weather conditions.
The lodge also fits naturally into Tanzania's northern safari circuit. We often combine Ngorongoro with Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, with the order and length of stay depending on the season, wildlife movements and what you most want from your safari.
Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater from Lion's Paw
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife destinations, and Lion's Paw puts you exceptionally close to the action. From the lodge, it's only a short drive to the crater access point, allowing for an early descent onto the crater floor and more time spent exploring rather than travelling to and from your accommodation.
Within the crater, grasslands, woodland, wetlands and Lake Magadi support an extraordinary concentration of wildlife. Lion, elephant, buffalo and spotted hyena are regularly encountered, while Ngorongoro is also one of the best places in Tanzania to have a chance of seeing the critically endangered black rhino. The crater's varied habitats also support superb birdlife throughout the year.
But Ngorongoro isn't simply about ticking the Big Five off a list. Part of its appeal is the setting itself. Descending from the forested rim into the enormous volcanic caldera is an experience in its own right, and conditions can change considerably as you move between the crater's different habitats.
Lion's Paw's position becomes particularly valuable at the beginning and end of the day. Being close to the crater entrance means less time on the road before your safari begins — a small detail on paper, perhaps, but one that can make a meaningful difference when you're actually there.
Is Ngorongoro Lion's Paw right for you?
Lion's Paw is particularly well suited to travellers who value excellent access to the Ngorongoro Crater, comfortable accommodation and a beautiful setting without needing their lodge to be the most extravagant part of their safari.
It works especially well for couples, families requiring interconnecting accommodation and first-time visitors combining Ngorongoro with the Serengeti and other destinations across northern Tanzania. Honeymooners can also be very comfortable here, although those looking for an exceptionally intimate or ultra-luxurious property may be better suited to one of Ngorongoro's smaller high-end alternatives.
That's why we don't believe in choosing safari lodges from photographs and star ratings alone. Tell us how you like to travel, what matters most to you and how Ngorongoro fits into the rest of your trip, and Rob or Clyde will help you decide whether Lion's Paw is genuinely the right fit for your safari.
Lounge & bar
Honeymoon Suite
Special dietary menus
Power in Room
Solar Power
220V Charging Facilities
Complimentary WiFi
In Room Safe
Mosquito nets
Hairdryers
Bush dining*
Crater dining*
Walking safari*
Maasai village visit*
Private photographer*
Lion's Paw Facilities
Experiences
Items marked with * are available at an additional cost
