When you ask whether the NCL is a must see, I assume you really mean is the crater worth seeing. In my opinion, the crater is certainly worth stopping for. It is a pretty amazing sight, whether you're seeing it from the crater floor or from above if you fly in to Manyara. I stayed for 2 nights, and most people I've run into stayed 2 nights, although from reading forums it seems some people are content with a single night.

The lodge itself has probably the best accommodations/service I've experienced. There's something to be said for having a hot bath with rose petals waiting for you on returning from a dusty game drive, and a fire going in the fireplace and electric warmers heating your mattress when you return from dinner. The lodge almost feels a bit too much like an elegant hotel (I've read that some refer to the place as "where Versailles meets the Masai") than an African camp. But with all the luxury, it's hard to dwell on that being a negative.

I liked Crater Lodge very much (see above), and found the views of the Crater amazing, but the game drives inside the Crater were much more crowded than the other parks. This was true even when we departed at 6 a.m., although probably the first hour or so wasn't too bad. There was one place I counted over 30 other vehicles. I was too distracted by that to spend much time watching the lions who were hunting.

I wouldn't skip it (only place to see rhino, really), but I think one night is plenty (we had two nights, three game drives). I'd maximize time in the Serengeti.

As an alternative to the lodge (if you decide to go to the crater), have a look at Lemala Camp www.lemalacamp.com. Robin

Errr, I meant is the Crater really worth seeing, not the NCL (which is where I am looking at staying). I have heard about all the vehicles around, and wondering whether it is worth it.

We we're there the middle of June and although there were far more vehicles, 8 were the most we counted at a lion kill.
I think it depends what time you are going, I think late May early June should not be too crowded, but yes it's definately worth seeing you will get many more close encounters, possibly very close.
As for the Crater Lodge I can't comment as we stayed at the Serena, Still had beautiful views of the Crater from our room but obviously not the extreme pampering.
Enjoy where-ever you go and hoping for a trip report, are you going 2009? I'm soooo jealous!
Have you listed an itinary yet? would be very interested to see it.

We were at the NCL last July. It was a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend it. The Crater is also quite interesting but I agree it was a more crowded that anyplace we went but it wasn't that bad. I say go for it. You'll have a great time.

For me, the crater itself, it's unique geology especially, was an absolute thrill to see. We were lucky that there were very few other visitors during our visit in September last year. Unfortunately, whilst we didn't encounter the usual hoardes of visitors nor did we encounter the richness of wildlife we expected either. Game viewing was not hugely satisfactory at all. But for us, we didn't mind too much, as we really enjoyed experiencing the shape of the landscape itself.

I think the crater is a very special place. It is incredibly unique in the variety of animals in a small space. We have gone there on each of our trips to Tanzania and always spent 2 nights, but we have also always had about 10 or so nights out in the Ndutu/Serengeti area. If I knew someone going to Tanz who asked for my opinion I would definately suggest a spot at the crater.

I'd also recommend going to the Ngorongoro Crater. There always seems to be wildlife within sight of your vehicle. While there can be "animal jams" around lion prides or at the hippo pool, I wouldn't avoid it for that reason. In the crater, I've seen cheetahs successfully hunting, "lion school", a hyena take down a wildebeest and huge herds of wildebeests and zebras that crowded the plains. The setting is wonderful, as well. In early June, it will be the cooler season and the crater rim is often swathed in clouds. When you reach the crater floor, however, you look up and see the clouds flowing over the rim as if they were misty waterfalls. The dark crater wall also makes a wonderful backdrop to photographs. By all means, go!

Ngorongoro Crater--Must see. If your itinerary is crowded, you can spend as little as one night and do a 1/2 day in the crater on your departure day, or maybe on your arrival day depending on your itinerary.

If the cost seems high, I'd stay somewhere other than NCL.

I was there a couple of days ago and there werent too many vehicles around.
It is a spectacluar place, well worth seeing!

NC Lodge: We did 3 days - 2 nights. We should have done another day and night. Enough said........

Some good info here
For that time frame, would you maximize time in the Serengeti vs Lake Manyara too?

Depends who you talk to...

I can easily spend 10 days in the crater itself, that's the photographer in me (speaking/writing).

The lodge is LUX LUX and more LUX!

I for my part loved going down - descending. That was the most inspiring journey. On the floor it was just average. But the way down was worth the time and money.

Whether you would like to spend on the NCL is so a personal thing....no advise possible.

This string has been very informative; the ONE thing I want to avoid on the trip I am planning for next year, is the 'traffic' jam around the animals. But how do I go to TZA and not see the crater. I agree with the1-2 night stay, but doesn't it take 2.5 hours to drive there from the nearest airstrip? Is one night really worth it if I'm flying in from the Mara or Amboseli?