The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is famed for its “Versailles meets Masai” décor, and it is indeed over the top. We felt as if we were inside the castle in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” We wouldn’t want every safari camp in Africa to look this way, but as a once in a lifetime experience, it was a hoot. Our chalet was huge, with multiple zones and innumerable, nooks, crannies, tables, desks, seating areas, and display shelves. But since the interior was designed to be sparsely lit, we couldn’t really appreciate everything. The service at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is also over the top. Like every other guest, we had our own private butler — in our case, KK, a smooth and friendly professional — who served all our meals. For our day on the crater floor, the staff prepared a magnificent picnic lunch, which they were able to set up in a private picnic area away from the very crowded public area. It was a magical experience. We were surprised by how cold it was on the crater rim — in August! Our chalet was not heated, but there was a fireplace, which the staff lit, and fortunately the bed came equipped with an electric blanket. The crater itself is a spectacular geologic wonder. But to be honest, we found game viewing on the crater floor disappointing. Vehicles couldn’t go offroad, and anytime an interesting animal appeared, it was immediately surrounded by dozens of Land Cruisers. The Crater Lodge is itself a kind of game reserve. While we were there, zebras were always munching on the lawn. And one night a Cape Buffalo planted itself just outside our chalet.…