All-Inclusive Lodges near Ngorongoro: What’s Really Included

Several lodges near the Ngorongoro Crater offer all-inclusive stays, but “all inclusive” means different things at different places. At one lodge it covers meals and house drinks. At another it also includes game drives, the crater fee and even laundry. At a third it is full board with drinks charged on the side. Knowing the difference is the only way to compare prices fairly.

This guide explains the meal-plan terms you will see, what is almost never included, and which lodges near Ngorongoro offer all-inclusive or fully inclusive stays.

Full board, all inclusive and fully inclusive: what they mean

Lodges use these terms loosely, so always ask for the exact list. The questions that matter most are below.

Questions to ask before you book

• Which drinks are included? House wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks only, or premium brands too?
• Are the conservation fee, the nightly concession fee and the crater service fee included?
• Is a crater game drive included, and if so, is the vehicle shared or private?
• Are packed lunches for the crater included?
• Are laundry, Wi-Fi, spa treatments and transfers included?
• Do children pay the same all-inclusive supplement, and are soft drinks free for them?

What is almost never included

Even at the most inclusive lodges, expect to pay separately for Champagne and premium spirits, spa treatments, gratuities and, very often, Ngorongoro park fees. Based on published 2026 rates, the conservation fee is about US$71 per non-resident adult per day, lodges inside the conservation area add a nightly concession fee of roughly US$59 to US$71 per person, and each crater descent costs about US$295 per vehicle, so check these carefully.

All-inclusive lodges near Ngorongoro

1. The Retreat at Ngorongoro (Karatu)

Our lodge offers a clear choice of full board or all inclusive on every villa.

• Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• All inclusive: full board plus all in-house drinks, including beer, house wine, spirits, soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee. Premium drinks such as Champagne and single malts are charged separately. Guests under 18 receive soft drinks only.
• Setting: 30 standalone villas with fireplaces and private decks, an infinity pool, Oasis Spa, gardens, a 1.5 km walking trail and a small lake, 20 to 30 minutes from Lodoare Gate.
• Not included: park fees, game drives (arranged by your safari operator), spa treatments and gratuities.

Rates for 2026 and 2027 are published with both plans side by side on our tariffs page, and our all-inclusive stays page explains the plan in full. Best for: travellers on a safari with their own operator who want food and drinks covered at the lodge.

2. Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge (Karatu, near the gate)

Log-cabin suites sold on an all-inclusive basis, with Indian, Mediterranean and local cooking. Best for: couples who want a simple all-inclusive rate close to the gate.

3. Entamanu Ngorongoro (crater rim)

A small camp on the north-western rim, usually sold on an all-inclusive basis. Best for: a high-end, small-camp stay with views of the crater and the Serengeti plains.

4. The Highlands by Asilia (Olmoti)

Dome suites on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, normally sold fully inclusive with activities such as guided walks, and often a crater outing. Best for: walkers and travellers staying several nights in the highlands.

5. Lemala Ngorongoro (crater rim)

A tented camp on the eastern rim near the Lemala road, typically sold all inclusive. Best for: a quieter descent route and a luxury tented feel.

Basis and inclusions change between seasons and booking channels, so ask your operator to confirm exactly what each rate covers.

A worked example: full board vs all inclusive

Using our published 2026 high-season rates for two people sharing a villa, full board is US$798 per night and all inclusive is US$869, a difference of US$71 per night for the couple, or about US$35.50 each. If each of you would otherwise order a beer or soft drink at lunch, a glass of wine at dinner and a drink by the fire, all inclusive roughly breaks even or comes out ahead. In low season, April and May, the difference is the same US$71 on a lower base rate. See our tariffs.

All inclusive with children

Under-18s on our all-inclusive plan receive soft drinks, juices and non-alcoholic options only. Check each lodge’s rules: some charge the full all-inclusive supplement for children, others reduce it. For families with young children who drink mainly water and juice, full board is often the better deal.

Is all inclusive worth it near Ngorongoro?

All inclusive usually pays off if you drink a couple of beers, glasses of wine or cocktails a day, or if you simply prefer not to sign bills. It also helps on a fixed budget, because your lodge spend is known in advance.

Full board makes more sense if you drink little or no alcohol, are staying only one night, or are travelling with young children who only need soft drinks.

Fully inclusive lodges, which add game drives, are worth comparing if you are not using a safari operator. If you already have a driver-guide and vehicle, you would be paying twice for game drives.

Questions about all-inclusive lodges near Ngorongoro

Which lodges near Ngorongoro are all inclusive?

The Retreat at Ngorongoro offers an all-inclusive plan with house drinks. Neptune Ngorongoro is sold all inclusive, and several rim and highland camps, such as Entamanu, The Highlands and Lemala, are usually sold all inclusive or fully inclusive.

Are park fees included in all-inclusive rates?

Usually not. Ngorongoro conservation, concession and crater fees are almost always charged separately, often through your safari operator.

What drinks are included in all inclusive?

Typically beer, house wine, local and house spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Champagne and premium spirits are usually extra.

Is all inclusive worth it for one night?

Only if you plan to have several drinks. For a single night, full board is often better value.

Prefer one simple rate? See our all-inclusive stays or check availability.