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#2 of 42 Specialty lodging in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Value
4.8
Travelers' Choice
Welcome to Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw.
Ten minutes from the crater floor, comfortably nuzzled by the thick red thorn acacia trees, resting within the Eastern Ngorongoro Crater rim lays Lion’s Paw Camp.
You are in for a treat if you seek intimacy with nature’s finest in Ngorongoro as you set your eyes upon the panoramic crater gaze.
The evergreen caldera promises an all-year wildlife siting to its resident Lions, Elephants, Zebra, Buffalo and many more roaming the area. If you are lucky, you are sure to see the rare, endangered Black Rhino.
Lion’s Paw effortlessly offers luxurious comfort, an abundance of excellent service and elegance. The perfect combination to an African Safari.
For our last night on our safari, we decided to spend the night in a slightly more expensive accommodation than the previous nights. Lions Paw was worth every penny! First of all, its location is outstanding, at the rim of the crater, in a jungle like area, with a beautiful view over Ngorongoro. The apartment was unreal, big and modern, with nice furniture, a spacious bathroom with a nice shower, and a comfortable bed. As it can get quite cold in the evenings and at night, they supplied us a gas heater and a thermal blanket which were cozy and provided us with the best sleep. The staff is courteous and lovely. Dinner and breakfast were served buffet-style and it was so delicious! Best food we’ve had all safari (and food was great everywhere)! Also the drinks they served at the cozy bar were fancy and totally worth the money (fair prices). All in all, this accommodation is a real gem and totally recommendable! Asante sana
Dear danifoelmli,
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Lion's Paw exceeded your expectations and provided you with a memorable experience for your last night on your safari.
We're glad you found the location outstanding, with its prime position at the rim of the crater and the beautiful view over Ngorongoro. Being surrounded by the jungle-like area adds to the allure and natural charm of our property.
It's wonderful to know that you were impressed with the unreal and modern tents. We take pride in providing spacious and well-appointed accommodations to ensure our guests' utmost comfort.
We understand that the evenings and nights can get quite cold, so we're pleased that our provision of a gas heater and thermal blanket ensured you had a cozy and restful sleep. Your comfort is of utmost importance to us, and we're glad that we could provide you with a comfortable stay.
Thank you for your compliments on our courteous and lovely staff. We strive to provide exceptional service, and it's rewarding to hear that our team made a positive impact on your experience.
Thank you for recommending Lion's Paw as a real gem and a highly recommendable accommodation. Your endorsement means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate it.
Asante sana for choosing Lion's Paw and for sharing your positive experience. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future for another exceptional stay.
Karibu Tena!
Ngorongoro Lions Paw Team
Written July 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunsets over the Crater & personalized service at Lion's Paw!
Lion's paw was the perfect 'home' while visiting Ngorongoro. Each staff member took the time to get to know our preferences and were ready to ensure we were comfortable at the fire each night to watch the beautiful sunset. You are surrounded by nature no matter what portion of the lodge you are choosing to relax.
Although my favorite spot was by 'bush tv' (the fire) our room was equally as comfortable with the BEST turndown service. With the cool evenings of October we would arrive back to the cleaned room to snacks, heaters our fresh laundry and warm water bottles in the bed.
The meals were plentiful, of great quality and taste. The first evening we arrived I was not feeling well from the previous evening's dinner at a different lodge. The staff and chef prepared very specific food and drinks to soothe my stomach, ensuring I would be ready for game drive the next morning. It was so appreciated.
You should stay at Lion's Paw if you have the chance! Truly memorable because of their team and the environment.
Dear Guest,
Thank you for the detailed feedback and we are delighted to know that you had a memorable stay at Ngorongoro Lions Paw.
Our team at Lions Paw will be very happy to read your feedback as this is what thrives them and when guests leave with a smile, it makes them feel appreciated.
We are glad that you enjoyed the sunsets, the fireplace, food and had a comfortable stay with us.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
For updates on Karibu Camps and Lodges properties and wildlife please like our page on Instagram and Facebook @karibucamps.
Karibu Tena!
Ngorongoro Lions Paw Team
Written January 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was not really expecting such an amazing view. This property is nestled on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, within the forest of Acacias. Easy to reach and very quick access to the Crater floor for early start to your game drives.
Staff were lovely and knew the perfect balance between giving us space and being there to assist us.
Rooms are large, spacious and clean. Lush beddings and great modern bathrooms.
Gets cold at night and thankfully we get a heater in the room, hot shower, hot water bottles.
We all loved the option of sitting outside by the fire place. Most other camps and lodges do have this feature but this one made us feel at ease and could see far to the Crater and what an amazing sunset.
This was an abrupt trip but truly worth it for all of us.
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are glad that you had a great stay with us and enjoyed the crater view and the new luxury tents.
It was a pleasure to have you with us and we do hope the beautiful memories made here will have you longing to return. We would truly enjoy having the opportunity to welcome you again.
Warmest regards from Tanzania,
Karibu Camps & Lodges
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Date of stay: January 2020
Traveled with family
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You are literally perched in the canopy of the jungle. Everything was spectacular. Tuwa was our waiter and he could not have been better. Rough road to get here but it was well worth it. We would come again in a heartbeat.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For our last night on our safari, we decided to spend the night in a slightly more expensive accommodation than the previous nights. Lions Paw was worth every penny! First of all, its location is outstanding, at the rim of the crater, in a jungle like area, with a beautiful view over Ngorongoro. The apartment was unreal, big and modern, with nice furniture, a spacious bathroom with a nice shower, and a comfortable bed. As it can get quite cold in the evenings and at night, they supplied us a gas heater and a thermal blanket which were cozy and provided us with the best sleep. The staff is courteous and lovely. Dinner and breakfast were served buffet-style and it was so delicious! Best food we’ve had all safari (and food was great everywhere)! Also the drinks they served at the cozy bar were fancy and totally worth the money (fair prices). All in all, this accommodation is a real gem and totally recommendable! Asante sana…
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Misha Pattni, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded Jul 8, 2023
Dear danifoelmli, Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Lion's Paw exceeded your expectations and provided you with a memorable experience for your last night on your safari. We're glad you found the location outstanding, with its prime position at the rim of the crater and the beautiful view over Ngorongoro. Being surrounded by the jungle-like area adds to the allure and natural charm of our property. It's wonderful to know that you were impressed with the unreal and modern tents. We take pride in providing spacious and well-appointed accommodations to ensure our guests' utmost comfort. We understand that the evenings and nights can get quite cold, so we're pleased that our provision of a gas heater and thermal blanket ensured you had a cozy and restful sleep. Your comfort is of utmost importance to us, and we're glad that we could provide you with a comfortable stay. Thank you for your compliments on our courteous and lovely staff. We strive to provide exceptional service, and it's rewarding to hear that our team made a positive impact on your experience. Thank you for recommending Lion's Paw as a real gem and a highly recommendable accommodation. Your endorsement means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate it. Asante sana for choosing Lion's Paw and for sharing your positive experience. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future for another exceptional stay. Karibu Tena! Ngorongoro Lions Paw Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is Ngorogoro's hidden gem, the lodges are located on a steep hill with a great view of the crater. The employees are polite and help you with a smile The lodges are close to the park and fulfill all your needs I would recommend this place a lot! A special thanks to John of Lion's Paw for making this a great stay!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded yesterday
Dear 88jarned, Warm greetings from Ngorongoro Lion's Paw! Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review. We're thrilled to know that you consider our lodge a "hidden gem" in Ngorongoro. Our unique location atop the Crater Rim provides unparalleled views, and we're glad you enjoyed it to the fullest. We take great pride in the service and warmth that our team provides, so it's heartwarming to hear that our employees attended to your needs with politeness and genuine smiles. A special shout-out to John for making your stay even more memorable. We'll be sure to pass on your appreciation to him; such feedback is truly motivating for our team. Thank you once again for your recommendation, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back on your next adventure to Ngorongoro! Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The stay was amazing and the staff was wonderful, especially John! I would 100% for sure recommend! The rooms are also very nice, with an awesome view! Like we say in Ngorongoro nature reserve: Hakuna Matata, Pole Pole. Asante Sana and see you next time!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded yesterday
Dear reneetiliakos, Warm greetings from the heart of Ngorongoro at Lion's Paw! "Hakuna Matata", truly encapsulate the serene and joyous atmosphere we aim to provide. It fills our hearts with joy knowing that your stay was punctuated with such delightful moments. Our dedicated team, especially John, is always on their toes to ensure that our guests feel cherished, and it's wonderful to know that their efforts resonated with you. Our rooms are specially curated to blend comfort with the majestic vistas of Ngorongoro, and we're thrilled that they provided you with incredible views. "Pole Pole" is not just a phrase; it's a way of life here, urging us to relish every moment and every spectacle that nature bestows upon us. Your acknowledgment of this spirit reaffirms our commitment to making every guest's stay special. Thank you from the depths of our hearts for such a glowing recommendation. The anticipation of hosting you again is a delightful one. Until we meet under the vast African sky once more, Asante Sana! Warmest regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In the lushest of surroundings where seeing a dinosaur appear out of the acacia trees would not seem out of place , is this well run lodge where we stayed for three nights. The staff are more than attentive , friendly, helpful and just really lovely people. Good food , lovely tent ( if you can call it that! ) , big, comfortable bathroom. Comfortable beds ( if you like them hard - everywhere we went they were harder than I’m used to - but this isn’t a complaint). A bonus is hearing a lion roar at night, somewhere not far from our tent. Very recommendable.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 2 days ago
Dear F2163LPpatriciab, Warm greetings from Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw! We're so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your three-night stay with us and found our lodge well-run and our surroundings lush and almost magical. Your comments about our staff bring smiles to our faces; we truly aim to offer friendly and attentive service to all our guests. It's great to hear you enjoyed the "tent" and found our bathrooms spacious and comfortable. Beds can indeed be a matter of personal preference, and we appreciate your understanding. Nothing quite compares to the thrill of hearing a lion roar at night, so close to the wild heart of Tanzania; we're delighted that this was a highlight for you. Your high recommendation means the world to us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another safari adventure and maybe a few more nights of lullabies from the lions! Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for 2 nights as part of a 10 day safari in Tanzania. This is a beautiful location with quick access to the crater floor for game drives. It was one of the nicest places I've stayed in my many travels and definitely the nicest place I stayed on the safari. The staff is so caring and attentive. I was traveling by myself and they all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and cared for since I was alone. Kidevu was especially attentive and made sure my service at all meals was amazing. I celebrated a birthday while at the camp and they made it a very special day. I highly recommend this lodge for your Ngorongoro stay.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Make sure to attend the sun downer for great sunset views, drinks, and food.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 2 days ago
Dear jessicabJ6591TY, Warmest greetings from everyone here at Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw! Your wonderful review on TripAdvisor truly made our day. It's an honor to know that of all the places you visited during your 10-day Tanzanian safari, ours stood out as one of the nicest. We are especially delighted to read about your positive interactions with our dedicated team. Your kind words about Kidevu have been shared with him and the rest of our staff; it is praise like this that encourages us to strive for excellence every single day. Traveling alone can indeed be a unique experience, and we're so pleased that our staff went out of their way to ensure you felt comfortable, safe, and cared for. Hearing that we played a role in making your birthday special fills us with joy. Birthdays are a significant occasion, and we're glad we could make yours memorable. Your high recommendation is immensely valuable to us. It not only validates our team's hard work but also inspires us to elevate our hospitality even further. We look forward to the opportunity to host you again. There are many more sunsets, special occasions, and delightful meals to be shared! Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing birthday present for our 9th wedding aniversary. The song was fantastic as was the food and the cake👏👏👏👏 great staff and acomodations. The sunset near the campfire was also very very good. Thank you for everything.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 2 days ago
Dear pedrof684, Warm greetings from Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw! We're honored that you chose to celebrate such a special occasion—your 9th wedding anniversary—with us. It's incredibly heartwarming to hear that you enjoyed everything from the food and cake to the special song our staff performed. A special thank you for acknowledging our dedicated staff. Their effort is truly reflected through the joy and satisfaction of our esteemed guests. The mesmerizing sunset by the campfire is indeed a cherry on top for a perfect day. Your kind words will go a long way in inspiring our team to continue to deliver exceptional experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back for more cherished memories in the heart of Ngorongoro. Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely camp with beautiful views and an amazing staff! We were greeted warmly after a long safari day. The accommodations were beautiful, food was generous and delicious, bush tv was cozy and inviting, and the staff was all incredibly kind, joyful and made us feel at home. Kidevu was our server and treated us so kindly. He has an infectious smile and laughter, took great care of us, and even taught us a few words in Maasai.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 4 days ago
Dear S5AWdanf, Warm greetings from Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw! We're truly grateful for your wonderful review and for taking a moment to share your experience with us and fellow travelers on TripAdvisor. It's heartwarming to read that you've cherished our beautiful location and the warmth of our dedicated staff. A special thank you for highlighting Kidevu. We're so proud to have team members like him who consistently go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable stay. His infectious smile and his enthusiasm in sharing the Maasai culture truly embodies the spirit of our camp. Your positive feedback about our delicious culinary offerings reinforces our commitment to providing an exceptional gastronomic experience for our guests. We sincerely hope we'll have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future, ensuring another beautiful experience in the heart of Ngorongoro. Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have lovely time in the lodge, staffs are very friendly attentive, and helpful. Food and beverage choices are excellent. Room is cosy and well equip. We even have wildlife come close to our balcony. Will definitely recommend it to friends and family.😊
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 6 days ago
Dear YunChinNg, Greetings from Ngorongoro Lion's Paw! Thank you so much for sharing your delightful experience with us. We're overjoyed to hear that you had such a wonderful time during your stay. Our team takes great pride in ensuring our guests feel right at home, and your words of appreciation truly warm our hearts. It's fantastic to know that our culinary offerings were up to the mark and that you found our rooms cozy and well-equipped. The unique experience of wildlife coming close is indeed one of the magical moments we're thrilled you got to witness. Thank you for considering recommending us to your friends and family. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you, or any of your loved ones, back for another memorable stay. Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great place, we even saw zebra just outside our balcony. Cabin no. 15 is bigger and has a nice verandah looking out. Weather can be quite cold at night, A light jacket is required. The food is good and Jackson is such friendly energitic and attentive waiter.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Karibu Camps, Owner at Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps & Lodges
Responded 6 days ago
Dear nerviousmum, Greetings from Ngorongoro Lion's Paw! Thank you for taking the time to share your lovely experience with us. We’re absolutely delighted that you enjoyed our unique location with the wild right at your doorstep - it truly is a privilege to be so close to such majestic creatures like the zebra you mentioned. Your comments on the spacious cabin and its scenic verandah resonate with what we hope every guest feels when they step into their room. Indeed, Ngorongoro can surprise with its chilly nights, and we’re glad you came prepared with a light jacket. We are especially proud of our culinary team and your kind words about the food and our star waiter, Jackson, have been passed on. It's staff like him that makes all the difference, ensuring our guests feel welcomed and taken care of. We hope to welcome you back soon, perhaps for another serene evening on the verandah watching the wildlife. Safe travels and warm regards from all of us here. Best regards, Karibu Camps & Lodges
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.