Waterberry Lodge

Scheduled to open in March 2025 Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is the latest addition to the Lemala portfolio and completes a remarkable circuit of lodges. The world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding highlands are universally recognized as some of the best, most reliable wildlife areas on the continent.

Osonjoi is conveniently located close to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the eastern side of the Crater Wall, a key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning; Lemala guests usually have an hour’s head start over others descending via the far busier Seneto crater access road on the western rim. And of course can stay later in the afternoon before returning to camp. As Africa’s game is most active in the early morning and late afternoon this means better wildlife experiences for Lemala guests.

Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.00am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the floor within 10-15 minutes – crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide. Osonjoi is an easy and enjoyable scenic drive for guests arriving by road from an arrival overnight in Arusha, or from safari camps in Tarangire or Manyara National Parks or a thrilling landing at the Manyara Airstrip perched above a towering escarpment wall for those arriving by air.

Located on a hill just back from the Crater rim, Lemala Osonjoi is named for the trees that characterize the area. Osonjoi trees have both symbolic and medicinal significance for the Maasai. Chosen by the Lemala staff we are proud to use a name that signifies bringing multiple benefits to the land and people of East Africa – a central tenet to all the Lemala stands for.

Lemala Osonjoi Suites

(16 ROOMS)

The 16 luxurious guest suites are spaced well apart for maximum privacy. Triples are available on request. Features include an oversized bed, spacious lounge, and generous bathroom with double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers, and free-standing bathtub. Guest will especially enjoy the ‘secret’ nook, an especially designed day bed- the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet time with a book a glass of red or hot chocolate – at the end of an exciting safari day. Each suite is thoughtfully furnished with Lemala's signature plush bedding, soft lighting, and natural materials, creating an atmosphere that invites guests to unwind and embrace a slower pace of life. Intimate seating areas, adorned with luxurious throws and cushions, provide the perfect setting for savoring a cup of locally sourced coffee or indulging in a good book, glancing up occasionally to savor the ever-changing light and shadows cast by clouds on the Crater floor. Perched at close to 8,000 feet above sea level on the highlands around the Ngorongoro Crater, which means cool days and chilly nights, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge offers slow-burning log stoves in its suites that use sustainably sourced firewood, of course. The property's communal pool is heated using specially developed solar panels and sits behind floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views over this picturesque wildlife territory.

Lemala Osonjoi 2 Bedroom Suites

(2 ROOMS)

Lemala Osonjoi features 2 x 2 bedroomed suite which are interconnecting and features include an oversized bed, spacious lounge, and generous bathroom with double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers, and free-standing bathtub. Guest will especially enjoy the ‘secret’ nook, an especially designed day bed- the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet time with a book a glass of red or hot chocolate – at the end of an exciting safari day. Each suite is thoughtfully furnished with Lemala's signature plush bedding, soft lighting, and natural materials, creating an atmosphere that invites guests to unwind and embrace a slower pace of life. Intimate seating areas, adorned with luxurious throws and cushions, provide the perfect setting for savoring a cup of locally sourced coffee or indulging in a good book, glancing up occasionally to savor the ever-changing light and shadows cast by clouds on the Crater floor. Perched at close to 8,000 feet above sea level on the highlands around the Ngorongoro Crater, which means cool days and chilly nights, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge offers slow-burning log stoves in its suites that use sustainably sourced firewood, of course. The property's communal pool is heated using specially developed solar panels and sits behind floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views over this picturesque wildlife territory.

Game Drives

Guests have the option to partake in game drives from this location, either on a shared or exclusive basis. Our fleet of 4x4 Land Cruiser vehicles are closed models with large sliding windows and pop up roofs. . These vehicles are meticulously maintained to ensure reliability and comfort throughout your safari experience. Equipped with charging facilities, an onboard fridge, photography stabilizing bean bags, vehicle recovery equipment, VHF Radio communication, specialized guidebooks, first aid kit, seatbelts, and binoculars, our vehicles are fully equipped to enhance your adventure. Moreover, our knowledgeable guides, who undergo bi-yearly training with both internal and external guide trainers, are dedicated to providing exceptional service and enriching your wildlife encounters.

Guided nature walks with the Maasai

In this untouched wilderness, teeming with abundant wildlife, we offer an escape from the sensory overload of city life. Your senses, dulled by the clamor of traffic and artificial lights, are swiftly rejuvenated as we lead you on a guided walking safari through the bush. This immersive experience brings you up close and personal with nature in all its glory. Each walking safari is customized to match the aspirations of the group, providing an opportunity to delve deep into the wilderness, far from the bustle of safari vehicles and crowds of tourists. It's an adventure that reawakens your senses like never before. Guided by seasoned and knowledgeable experts with years of experience, you can trust that you're in safe hands as you explore life on the ground. Let us guide you on a journey that will invigorate your spirit and leave you with unforgettable memories of the natural world.

Visit to the Traditional Maasai Boma

Getting an authentic glimpse into the distinctive Maasai culture is a must whilst in Tanzania. Preservation of their proud traditions has set the Maasai apart from other indigenous groups in Tanzania and embodies a side of Africa with which few outsiders can contact. We offer guests a memorable opportunity to interactively experience the Maasai way of life through an excursion to a traditional boma. Guests will be able to participate in a variety of unique cultural activities as well as a question-and-answer session with the Chief of the boma. We encourage you to delve as deeply into the experience as possible!

Lemala Osonjoi Crater Floor lunch

No safari is complete without experiencing a traditional bush lunch. Relax under the natural canopy of an acacia tree, whilst your butler serves up a feast. Nothing is quite so essentially safari as this. Tailored service with cold drinks and your private chef preparing delicious meals surrounded by breath-taking surroundings in total privacy completes this Out of Africa experience. After enjoying your morning game drive, your guide will bring you to your private location within the Ngorongoro Crater where our team awaits to seat you.

For more on Lemala Osonjoi, click HERE