Lions Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater
Lions Paw Camp — Best Stay On the rim of Ngorongoro Crater
Nestled on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lions Paw Camp is one of the most stunning and peaceful safari lodges in northern Tanzania. This unique camp combines luxury, comfort, and breathtaking natural views, giving guests an unforgettable experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful safari destinations.
If you are looking for a place that feels both private and luxurious, Lions Paw Camp is a perfect choice. It sits just ten minutes away from the crater’s main gate, allowing travelers to start their morning game drives early before other visitors arrive. This means you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the crater and see more animals as they begin their day.
As your safari experts at Tanzania Safari Experience, we recommend Lions Paw Camp to travelers who want a smooth balance of luxury accommodation and world-class wildlife adventures. Every detail here — from the friendly staff to the breathtaking views — makes it one of the top choices around the Ngorongoro Crater.
🌍 Ngorongoro Crater Facts & Highlights
Location: Northern Tanzania, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Crater size: 19 km wide, 600 meters deep
Home to: Over 25,000 large animals
Famous for: Lions, rhinos, elephants, and scenic beauty
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you are visiting for a day trip or staying overnight at Lions Paw Camp, this place promises unforgettable memories.
Lions Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater Photo gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
As your trusted safari experts at Tanzania Safari Experience, we highly recommend Lions Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and authentic African beauty.
The camp is perfect for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers who want a place that offers both relaxation and easy access to one of the most remarkable wildlife sites on earth. We can help you plan the full experience — including your private safari guide, game drives, and onward trips to the Serengeti or beyond.
When you travel with Tanzania Safari Experience, you get more than just a hotel stay — you get a personalized journey designed by people who know and love Tanzania. Let us help you plan your dream safari today and experience the magic of Lions Paw Camp for yourself.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Lions Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater Highlights
- On the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Location: Just 10 minutes to the crater gate.
- Stay: 15 luxury tented rooms with stunning views.
- Fine dining, spa, pool & crater views
- Best Time: June–Oct for top game viewing.
- Big Five safari with Tanzania Safari Experience
- Our Tip: Perfect spot for luxury and quick crater access.
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Lions Paw Camp Ngorongoro Crater Location
The location of Lions Paw Camp – Ngorongoro Crater is one of its biggest highlights. Perched high on the rim of the crater, it offers sweeping views over the caldera below. Guests can wake up to the cool morning mist and the sound of birds singing as the sun rises over the crater floor. The view is truly one of a kind and is what makes this camp so special.
Being so close to the crater gate is also very convenient. Within a 10-minute drive, you can descend into the heart of the crater with your guide and start your safari before the larger crowds arrive. This early access gives you a better chance to spot wildlife — especially the famous Ngorongoro lions — while the light is still soft and golden for photography.
When you look at the Lions Paw Camp Ngorongoro Crater map, you can easily see how perfectly it sits for travelers who want comfort and convenience. It is also a great base for continuing your journey toward the Serengeti National Park, making it an ideal stop on a northern Tanzania safari route.
Luxury Accommodation at Lions Paw Camp
Lions Paw Camp offers 15 spacious and beautifully designed tented rooms, each crafted to give guests privacy and comfort. The rooms are built in a way that they blend with nature, using local materials and earthy colors that reflect the surrounding landscape.
Each room features large comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and wide balconies overlooking the crater. These balconies are perfect for relaxing after a long day of game drives, enjoying a cup of coffee, or watching the sunrise over the crater.
Guests can choose from different room types depending on their needs. There are double rooms for couples, family rooms for larger groups, and a honeymoon suite for those looking for extra privacy and romance. The honeymoon suite offers even more space and the best views, making it a favorite among honeymooners and special-occasion travelers.
The camp design allows every tent to stand apart from the next, ensuring that guests enjoy peace and quiet. When you look at the Lions Paw Camp Ngorongoro Crater photos, you will notice how beautifully the interiors are arranged — with warm tones, elegant furnishings, and natural light that fills every corner.
🍴 Dining and Culinary Experience
Dining at Lions Paw Camp is a wonderful experience in itself. The camp offers a mix of local Tanzanian and international dishes, all freshly prepared by skilled chefs. Meals are served in a spacious dining area that looks out across the crater, allowing guests to enjoy delicious food with incredible views.
Breakfasts are hearty, with plenty of fresh fruits, pastries, and hot options to prepare you for a day of adventure. Lunches can be served in camp or packed for your crater excursions. In the evening, guests gather for dinner under soft lighting as the sky darkens over the rim. You can also choose to enjoy private dining in your own room or on your balcony for a more intimate experience.
The dining staff are friendly, attentive, and always eager to share stories about local life. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply relaxing after a long day, the warm hospitality here makes every meal memorable.
Wildlife Experience: Lions and Animals in Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is often called Africa’s Garden of Eden because of the incredible number of animals that live inside its walls. The crater floor is home to around 25,000 large animals, making it one of the most wildlife-rich places on earth.
During your safari here, you can expect to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and even leopards. The lions in Ngorongoro Crater are particularly famous for their large size and confidence, often seen resting on open plains or near the road.
Many visitors wonder, “How many lions are in the Ngorongoro Crater?” — there are roughly 60 to 70 lions living within the crater. This makes it one of the best places in Tanzania to see lions up close.
Another common question is, “How did animals get into the Ngorongoro Crater?” Thousands of years ago, a massive volcano collapsed, forming this vast, enclosed caldera. Over time, animals moved in naturally because of the rich grass, freshwater, and safe environment. Today, it remains a natural sanctuary for a wide variety of species, all living within this stunning circular world.
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Lions Paw Camp is on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, just 10 minutes from the main descent gate.
Its unbeatable location, luxurious tents, friendly service, and spectacular crater views make it one of the best camps in the area.
There are around 60–70 lions living inside the crater, one of the highest densities in Africa.
Animals migrated into the crater naturally thousands of years ago after the volcano collapsed and formed a lush, enclosed ecosystem.
Rates start from about $170 per person per night, including meals and accommodation.
Yes, you can easily check with Tanzania Safari Experience, and we’ll confirm the best available options for your travel dates.