Ang'ata Ngorongoro Camp

Surrounded by lush forest, Ang'ata's main area consists of two large parallel canvas structures with foldaway mesh flaps. Don't expect frills, just adequate space to relax and dine. The lounge tent is simply decorated with a few plush sofas and chairs and a well-stocked bar cabinet. The second tent has scattered tables for private dining. Outside there's a small firepit (the 'bush TV') where guests gather for a drink in the evenings.

There are eight canvas Meru-style guest tents, including a double-tent family unit. You'll find the basics here: en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, vanity tables, a large wooden chest and a clothing rack. Beds are draped with mosquito netting and can be arranged in as a king-sized bed, or two to three singles. These structures can get chilly at this altitude, especially during June and July, but the lodge provides extra blankets and hot-water bottles to warm your toes.

You'll want to spend most of your time exploring the huge crater floor on morning and afternoon game drives. Wildlife here is exceptional. Look out for the Big Five (including huge bull elephants), plentiful predators (lion and leopard, particularly), hippo, zebra, warthog and even serval and bushpig. Take a day trip to Empakaai Crater and hike down 300 metres to its stunning turquoise-blue salt lake that's home to hundreds of flamingos. Cultural tours can be arranged, as can special-occasion picnics.