We are always amazed at how well Conservation Corporation does things. We have not come across a single of their lodges which isn't unique and basically out of this world. Grumeti River Camp is no exception to their theme. These extravagant tents overlook the Grumeti River. One of the major attractions of this lodge is the amount of resident game found in the area throughout the year. Coupled with the resident wildlife are some of the largest crocodiles found in the oxbow pan near the camp. Many wildlife documentaries on crocodiles have been filmed on this exact location. In true Conservation Corporation style, this lodge oozes luxury and charm. The theme is very unusual yet in an African theme. Bright colours are found amongst dark hand carved wooden objects and furnishings. It is something to experience. The staff are exceptional, the best we encountered in all of Tanzania and the food matches the service provided by these professional people. The camp is located on the western corridor of the Serengeti, about 50km east of Lake Victoria and is definitely worth staying at even if for one night. It is pretty full for almost the entire year, so advance booking is essential.

The rooms
We think the picture says pretty much everything about the rooms. They are stunning! There are only 10 twin bedded tents with  en suite facilities. The bathrooms are built on and have the most spectacular open showers we have ever seen. As you enter the cream and ivory canvas tent, you will be delighted by the sight of the room's grand centerpiece - a colorfully adorned bed dramatically offset by a lavish wooden headboard, styled to resemble a regal crown. The beds are massive and can be made into a twin or sleep as a double. You really feel like royalty when staying here.


Facilities include:

• Open topped vehicles for game drives (only available on fly-in safaris). The guides are very informative.
• Swimming pool for guests
• Sundowners on Kirawira Hills
• Excursions to Lake Victoria
• Library

Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp is situated a couple of hundred meters outside of the Serengeti National Park which makes it ideal for the person wanting to undertake activities other than normal day game drives. The land belongs to the local Maasai people and concession fees are paid to the villagers to help further their development.  The camp is built on a hillside which has spectacular views of the rolling veld below. The accommodation is more like private cottages than a bush camp that you might come to expect. Due to it's remote location, many guests prefer to fly in to the camp than actually pass through in their own vehicle. They are well equipped to cater for fly in guests and this might be a recommended option if you are prepared to spend. Strategically located on a part of land that sees large herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate into the Maasai Mara (about 23 km away), you can be assured of a good view if you are staying at the camp during the right time of year. Being outside the National Park, guests are able to go for game walks with Maasai rangers who will show you various plants that the tribes use for medicinal purposes or experience close-by encounters with the local wildlife. This is what Africa is all about.

The facilities include:

• Game drives in open topped vehicles (only for fly in guests)
• Walking safaris
• Night game drives
• Swimming pool
• Library

Gibss Farm
This romantic farmhouse is located about 40 km away from Ngorongoro Crater and about 4 km away from the town of Kiratu. Perched on the rim of a large coffee valley it is ideal for travelers who want intimacy and are planning to visit both Ngorongoro and  Manyara. Originally built as a coffee farm it has retained the original theme and character. The owners (and the brilliant chef Reggie) have maintained an incredible vegetable garden in which all fresh vegetables are grown for the guests meals. The food is in true farm style and is great. All the rooms (which are like small farmhouses) have a view of the valley below. You can sit in the gardens and have tea in true colonial style overlooking this magnificent view. It is as if you are going back some 100 years. 

We highly recommend the lodge.
Recently the farm has undergone renovations and knocked down some of the older rooms and replaced them with newer ones. The rooms are basic but very comfortable, the sort that you would expect from a farmhouse. There are a total of 15 rooms all en suite.

Facilities
There is not much to do really at the farm except relax and enjoy the tranquility of the gardens. The following are available:

• Nature walks through the forest
• Curio shop
• Bar and restaurant

Lake Manyara Hotel
This is the only camp located in the National Park and is in typical Conservation Corporation style.. extremely luxurious. The camp is positioned a couple of metres away from where the rift wall plummets down into the lake shore. This location makes it very private and a birders paradise. A huge variety of bird species stay in the area with some 400 bird species, including seven vulture species, 12 eagle species and five owl varieties. Nearby, the waters bubble from the hot springs of the lake at some 60ºC. This is where the name Maji Moto (Swahili for hot water) originates. If these people own the lodge on the famous Mnemba Island, you know that it can only be excellent.
The Rooms
The accommodation consists of ten secluded double tents. All very tastefully decorated in a cream canvas with an Arabian theme. The furnishings are attractively simple with a hint of Zanzibar. All tents have en suite facilities andelectricity. We cannot show you the ambience and pictures do not do the camp justice, it is the experience here that counts.

Facilities
Activities include:

• Picnics on the lakeshore
• Nature walks with Maasai guide
• Bird watching walks
• Library for guests
• Game drives in open topped vehicles

Ndutu Lodge
Ndutu Lodge is not located at or nearby the crater but falls within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We thoroughly enjoy this lodge especially due to it's intimacy and great location. The lodge overlooks Lake Ndutu which is a favorite water spot for numerous herds of game and is a center point during the migration of wildebeest to the Central Serengeti. The grasslands around the lodge are kept short so you have great views of migrating herds and at night you can sit around a campfire and enjoy the sounds of animals which are very nearby. The managers are a very hospitable couple who will tell you interesting stories of how hyenas have run through the camp at night or guests' experiences with lions. This place gives you the feel of being out in the bush and you have creature comforts of your home. We very highly recommend Ndutu Lodge between November and June when the migration in this area is at its most concentrated. 

The rooms
There are 32 rooms all built in a line facing Lake Ndutu. The rooms are quaint but they are very comfortable and well maintained. Each room has en suite facilities and a front verandah where you can sit and enjoy the view. The decor is simple with extremely comfortable pine beds and tables. The only thing we did not like about the rooms was the lack of privacy, but the atmosphere is so great here, you would probably have made friends with all the guests by the time you check out.

Facilities
As it is a small and personal lodge there is not much offered in terms of facilities. Facilities include: 

• Nature walks around the area
• Very good restaurant and bar
• Tea is served on the front verandah every afternoon