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#10 of 18 campsites in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Perched on the edge of the famous Ngorongoro Crater with magnificent views of the Crater floor. 11 tents offering an elegant fusion of modern and classic accommodation, en suite bathrooms adorned with fresh flowers and cristal, porcelain and wooden platters makes every meal a special occasion, blending elegant simplicity with a laid back style.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Área de Conservación del Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area 0000 Tanzania
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Pakulala Safari Camp, nestled in a prime location for Ngorongoro visits, offers breathtaking crater views, making it a favorite spot for early game drives despite the cooler climate. While some guests have pointed out the rooms as small and lacking amenities, many find them perfectly comfortable.
The camp's atmosphere is frequently praised for its welcoming vibe, with cultural experiences and cozy campfires adding to the charm. Travelers are impressed by the cleanliness and value, often highlighting the attentive service and personalized touches like hot water bottles in beds as standout features.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Uncomfortable
Value
Exceptional
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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We had a very enjoyable stay at Pakulala Safari Camp! It was a 5-star experience for a mid-range tented camp. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, the Maasai warriors told fascinating stories around the campfire, and the food was top-notch. It was very cold while we were there but we were provided with warm blankets and hot water bottles in our beds which kept us warm all night. Also the views of the crater from the camp were amazing!
A few things to note - this is not a luxury tented lodge experience. It is much more like actual tent camping. They offer bucket showers which means a guy fills a bucket with warm water which is what you use to shower. The tents are comfortable but not large and they’re close to each other. If you enjoy a more rustic camping experience with some additional amenities then you can’t go wrong with this camp! If you’re looking for more luxuries or comforts like home, this may not be the camp for you.
Our only complaint is not related to our stay but the staff quarters looked very basic. (Some staff were staying in the equivalent of an REI tent 🙄). If staff are living at the camp for extended periods of time (which presumably they are), it would have been reassuring to see a more permanent structure for staff housing. It seems like a cost-cutting measure on the part of corporate which made us uncomfortable as Americans who are used to employee rights.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We traveled to this camp in early September and it was very cold in Ngorongoro. We wore our...
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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Atención al cliente/recepción at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 17 Sept 2024
Estimated Beth, Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review of your stay at Pakulala Safari Camp! We are thrilled that you had a 5-star experience and enjoyed the warm hospitality of our team, the fascinating Maasai stories by the campfire, and our top-notch cuisine. It's wonderful to hear that the blankets and hot water bottles kept you comfortable during those colder nights and that you loved the breathtaking views of the crater. We appreciate your honest feedback regarding the more rustic aspects of the camp. As you pointed out, Pakulala is designed to offer an authentic safari experience, blending simplicity with essential comforts to keep guests connected with nature while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. The bucket showers and tented accommodation are part of this vision, and we're glad you enjoyed it for what it is. We also understand that this style may not suit everyone, and we value your insights for future guests seeking a more luxurious stay. Regarding your note about the staff quarters, we take your feedback seriously. Our team is the heart of the camp, and we strive to ensure their comfort and well-being. We are always evaluating ways to improve but as a mobile camp located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area , we operate under strict rules and regulations set by the authorities. While our setup may appear basic, it adheres to these regulations, and we ensure that our team is well cared for in line with the standards required. Once again, we thank you for choosing to stay with us and for your kind words about the experience and your concern about our staff conditions. We hope to welcome you back to Pakulala Safari Camp in the future! Greetings from the whole Team of Pakulala!!!
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Best safari camp in Ngorngoro without a doubt. Above the crater, impressive views. Pure disconnection and tranquility just a few km from the park. The service is very friendly, attentive, friendly and affectionate. They welcome you with the typical welcome song, everyone singing. When the sun goes down, they make a bonfire in the middle of the camp and a Masai tells very interesting typical stories of the country. Delicious dinner and breakfast. When you go to sleep, they prepare your room and leave you a hot water bottle to sleep comfortably. Without a doubt, if you come to Ngorongoro it is the place to stay!!! Margaret, and her entire team have made us feel like kings!!! 🐅🦁💖
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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This camp is without a doubt one of the most picturesque locations to stay on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. We had a beautiful welcome by the staff with song and tea. The tents are well equipped with everything you need, keeping the footprint minimal - you have a proper toilet and able to have a hot bucket shower that you book in with the team for. The common area/dining is stunning and a great place to hang out after you safari in the crater. Keep in mind it IS cold at night, we had hot water bottles provided at bedtime but its still quite chilly and this was before the cold season had really begun. The ability to charge devices is only in the main area, and this is the only place wifi/signal works as well. We were kept well fed with plenty to eat but the packed lunches were fairly average. Portion sizes for breakfast and dinner were quite large and definitely felt like we couldn't waste any food even though not everything was particularly well cooked. The staff are the highlight of the camp, they were incredibly kind and provided amazing service. They went above and beyond to make our stay as comfortable as possible, making me a thermos of hot lemon/ginger and honey one night that I wasn't feeling well.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:It gets cold at night so make sure you have some warm clothing.
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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Atención al cliente/recepción at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 21 Jul 2024
Dear Guest, What a wonderful review! We are truly honored to read your praise about our Camp. It's great to know that you were impressed with our spacious and well-maintained facilities. We are especially proud to know that our staff provided you with exceptional service . We greatly appreciate your choice to stay with us and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future for another unforgettable amazing experience. Greetings from the whole team of Pakulala Safari Camp!!!!
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It was a family friendly place with excellent service. Margaret and her team helped celebrate my daughter's birthday there at dinner time. They had baked a special cake for her and did a lot of singing and dancing with the entire staff and encouraged the guests to participate as well. They provided with hot water for showers as well as for hand washing early in the morning. They also had popcorn while we sat out at the camp fire while a couple of Masai warriors shared their stories with the guests. They remembered our food preferences and made dinner accordingly which tasted great.
Overall great place and highly recommend it
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Charging the electronics need to be done at the main dining area.
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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Guest Services / Front Office at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 07 Jan 2025
Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming review of your stay with us. We are truly honored to have been part of your family celebration and to have made your daughter's birthday a memorable one. The joy of seeing the entire team, guests, and your family come together to celebrate with singing, dancing, and a special cake is a memory we cherish as much as you do. We are delighted to know that the small details, like the morning hot water, personalized meals, and the magical evenings by the campfire with Maasai stories, added to the comfort and charm of your experience. It’s moments like these that create lasting connections, and we’re so pleased that Pakulala felt like a welcoming place for your family. Thank you for your kind recommendation—it means the world to us. We hope to welcome you and your family back soon for more magical moments under the stars of Ngorongoro. Warm regards from Margaret and the entire Pakulala team! 🌿✨
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Perfect. Spectacular view of the Ngorongoro, stories of the Masai by the fire, very cozy shop... Careful to the last detail... Dinner and breakfast also very well... Decoration, cutlery, tablecloth... and of course the food... We stayed 2 adults and two children in two tents (no family tent option)
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The views of the Ngorongoro Crater from this campsite were outstanding! The staff, especially Margaret, the Manager, were warm, friendly and very accommodating. Our son got sick, and Margaret was very concerned about him offering tea and bananas to help settle his stomach. Our tent was large, and the furnishings were comfortable. The tent included its own bathroom with a flush toilet, a pitcher of water and basin to wash up in, which was fun! The staff provided a wonderful, hot bucket shower that was very refreshing after a hot day on the Serengeti. The staff kept our safety in mind by walking us from the dining tent to our own tent in the dark to protect us from any stray animals. They were up before dawn to make sure we had a cup of coffee before we hit the road. We highly recommend staying at Pakulala Safari Camp.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Guest Services / Front Office at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 02 May 2024
Dear Freedom, Thank you for the time taken on sharing your marvellous review through Tripadvisor regarding your recent experience at Pakulala. All the members of the Camp feel satisfied and proud to have met your expectations, given that the whole team work daily with passion and commitment in order to provide the best service of excellence and turn our guests' stays in an unforgettable experience. Looking forward to having the honour to welcome you back, your home in Tanzania. The entire team remain at your entire disposal. Kind regards, Pakulala Safari Camp Team.
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This stay was an absolute home run for me and kept on surprising me. From the luxury tent to the comfortable beds. It was a little cold at night, but they put a hot bush baby (hot water bottle) in my bed, this way the bed was pre-heated. The staff needs to add hot water to the shower, indicated a time and it was prepared on that exact time.
Before dinner we had a really nice story telling session at a campfire from a Maasai worrier, which was very interesting when interested in the Maasai culture. After that we had a great dinner in a cosy setting.
The best was the few. The campsite is on top of the crater, with a few view of the crater below and the surrounding areas. I could not get enough of the view, which was not needed since they have a couch positioned at the edge of the camp facing the crater, and positioned perfectly to see the sunrise.
This place kept on surprising me, from the crazy beautiful view, to the comfortable tents, great food, friendly staff, campfire storytelling and a pre-heated bed.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled 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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Guest Services / Front Office at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 12 Oct 2024
Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your stay exceeded your expectations. It’s great to know you enjoyed the luxury tents, the pre-heated bed, and our storytelling session by the campfire. The views from the campsite truly are breathtaking, and we’re glad you appreciated them as much as we do. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments and stunning sunrises! Greetings from the whole Pakulala Safari Camp Team!!!
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We spent a night at this incredibly beautiful and unique camp. In retrospect, we would have loved to stay longer. The way up to the camp was already very impressive. The nature, the animals, the Massaid villages have to be seen with your own eyes. Upon arrival at the camp at the crater rim we were warmly welcomed. The view of the crater is absolutely madness. We were fortunate that upon our arrival a rainbow shone over us. Indescribable. You have to look at it yourself. That cannot be explained in words . The tents are super nice. Very cozy and it's everything you need. The hot water order for the humpback shower was awesome. Before dinner we sat by the campfire and the Maasai told us about their lives. And all this with a mega Panamera in the background. The food in the ‘restaurant tent’ was very delicious and the tables were beautifully set. During dinner, a herd of buffalo got lost in camp. We could watch the animals from the terrace. We felt safe at all times because the Maasai were always on site near us. The Maasai accompanied us in the darkness. The surprise par excellence was the hot water bottles in our beds. They were so great and actually had a lukewarm temperature in the morning. The starry sky and the peace and quiet of this camp are the absolute dream. An absolute must when you are at the crater. With this staff you can only feel comfortable. Keep it up! We hope to see you again at this wonderful camp.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I visited Pakulala Camp with my 16 year old son and our friends. It was the most amazing experience. The camp is perched on the rim of the crater, surrounded by the sounds and beauty of nature and the animals. The tents were luxurious, comfortable and clean. The best treat was climbing into the cozy bed at night to a warm water bottle to ease the chill of the evening. Everyone that worked there took amazing care of us, from the Maasai warriors who guarded our camp to the restaurant server who waited on us. We felt incredibly spoiled and beyond lucky to experience such a magical place.
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Date of stay: February 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled 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.
Response from Safari Company Arusha, Guest Services / Front Office at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 1 week ago
Dear guest, Wow! Your heartfelt words truly mean the world to us! 💛 We’re so delighted that you and your son, along with your friends, had such an amazing experience at Pakulala Camp. Being perched on the rim of the crater, surrounded by nature and wildlife, is truly something special, and we’re so happy you felt the magic of this place. 🌿✨ It warms our hearts to know you enjoyed the luxurious and comfortable tents, the cozy warm water bottles at night, and the incredible care from our Maasai warriors and staff. Creating unforgettable moments is what we love to do, and we feel honored to have shared this experience with you! We hope to welcome you back again for more magical adventures! Greetings from the whole team at Pakulala!!! 😊🔥🌍
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The place where the complex is located has a very beautiful view. the tents are well decorated, however I do not think that the price charged per night is justified.
When we arrived, we waited almost 1 hour because our tent had no light, we were in the cold all this time, when this was something that should be checked in advance. The rooms are extremely humid, but I highlight the fact that they put a hot water bottle inside the beds (it tastes great, because it's really cold!) the food was very good and the catering service worked well.
Another negative point was the fact that they put our guide in a tent without conditions, he had practically no blankets or hot water, he couldn't even take a shower the next day.
I understand the concept of the place, but, in my opinion, they have a lot to improve given the price they charge.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled 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.
Response from Ratpanat Safari, Marketing at Pakulala Safari Camp
Responded 06 Sept 2022
Thank you for your comments Rita. We take into account your experience and opinions to continue improving.
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Not in your individual tent. There is a power point in the communal dining tent but it’s available to all guests so may be taken/ you may need to queue to use.
There are more places to choose from in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area area.
PRICE RANGE
R 8,363 - R 12,145 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionNgorongoro Conservation Area
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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