My wife and I are planning a safari in Masai Land. We are thinking about adding a few extra days at the end of our hunt to do some sight seeing.

Our first idea is to do a crater lodge tour and we're wondering whats a good lodge to stay at.


Are there any other things we must do/see?

The Ngorogoro Crater Lodge knocks all the others into a cocked hat.

Then if you have time, stick with the same company and continue the northern circuit.

Feel free to email me if you need further details.

I completely agree with Shakari. I've stayed there and it's as nice or nicer than a 5-star hotel. Great food also. One tip, don't ever underestimate how flipping cold it is at the rim of the Crater at night! Dress warmly, particularly if you are in an open truck. Have fun!! MMP

The Crater Lodge is it. Just make sure you have them light the fire in your room EARLY. IT GETS COLD!!! During the day, as you go down into the crater, it actually gets hot; but, as you go back up it gets increasingly cold. For sun-downers and dinner, you need to be dressed warmly.

It is really cool and something that should have more than one day, but you only realize after you've left.

Have fun on a trip of a lifetime!

Would you be better off doing this at the beginning of your safari, rather than at the end? I've personally found that I prefer to take the 'side' trips before my hunt, as everything seems a bit anti-climatic after the hunt is over. Plus, you'll be better adjusted to the time change when hunting if you have a few 'tourist' days on the front end.

As has been said, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is the very finest. Depending upon what you're looking for, however, a very nice alternative that's quite a bit more affordable is the Serena Lodge, which is just a bit down the road and also right on the Crater's rim.

IMO, you have 2 choices on the crater rim; Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Expensive but worth it) and Serena (Cheaper but crowded). If Crater Lodge is full (often happens) and Serena is not your cup of tea, then i highly recommend The Manor (www.elewana.com) at Karatu (15 minutes from Ngorongoro gate)!!!

Other great game viewing is 2 nights at Swala Camp (Sanctuary lodges) in Tarangire. not to be underestimated!

Awesome Video from the Crater Lodge http://www.andbeyondafrica.com...rongoro_crater/rates

Seloushunter

Thanks for the help everyone.

This will probably be a 10 day 2 buff hunt, so we were thinking 2 or 3 days for touring. I just assumed we would tour at the end of the safari but maybe before would be better?

I recommend you do the tour first. Lets you get adjusted to the time change and rested up from the flights. Particularly for a buffalo hunt a day in the Crater will let you get a good look at a big buffalo and his anatomy.

Mark

Doing it before also allows your guns/ammo/luggage to catch up with you if KLM looses it