Perched on the rim of the crater, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a unique blend of world-class luxury, timeless volcanic splendour and ethnic style. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment whilst affording stunning views of the crater below. The clustered boulder-built buildings of the Lodge are all linked by rope-lashed timber walkways offering some beautiful views of the crater below.


Lodge and rooms

Strung around the crater rim, the lodge offers 75 rooms, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony, brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors and Maasai carvings. The rooms are fully air-conditioned and enjoy uninterrupted views over the Crater. The rooms all have en-suite facilities with a walk in wardrobe, hairdryers and central heating facilities to help alleviate those cold winter nights on the crater rim.

The interior of the rest of the lodge is lit by flaming wall-lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven Maasai artefacts. Other facilities include a Maasai-inspired split-level dining and bar area, looking down on to the crater below, and a traditional circular fireside meeting area. The atmosphere is relaxed and candle-lit whilst the menu choices include traditional Maasai fare, long-time safari favourites and internationally themed menus.


Facilities:

• Currency exchange open 24 hours
• American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Barclays credit cards accepted
• Express check in and out
• Full medical back-up and emergency evacuation facilities
• Full housekeeping services (laundry, valet, babysitting, children's menus and dining, and shoeshine).
• Hairdryers and telephones in all rooms
• Extensively stocked Africana Gift Shop
• Internet connectivity and a wide range of board games plus a full library of books on Africa
• Central safety deposit service
• Voltage is 240V in rooms
• A vibrant selection of traditional music, culture and dance
• Beauty treatments, massage and hairdressing.

Spread out along the uppermost, eastern rim of the Ngorongoro World Heritage Site, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the crater floor far below. Many mature indigenous trees surround the Lodge, which is constructed in rondavel style under cedar-shingled roofs.

The lodge can accommodate 190 guests in 92 suites, each enjoying wall-to-wall carpeting, central heating, a private lounge with a mini bar, a bedroom with two queen size beds and ample room for a third, an en-suite bathroom with shaver sockets and a hair dryer, and a private solarium which offers stunning views either down into the crater floor below or of the setting sun over the western horizon.

• Satellite telephone
• Satellite television and wildlife-video-film
• Electrical generating systems provide 240 volts
• Complimentary bottled mineral water is provided in the mini bars
• Baby sitters
• Guest shops
• Swimming pool
• Conference facilities

The lodge is perched on the rim of the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater, which is the second largest crater in the world. It is built mainly from natural stone, local wood and timber. The panoramic windows encompass a superb view of the 311 sq. km crater teeming with wildlife.

Lodge and rooms

This breathtaking view awaits visitors from the lodges' scenic Conservation terrace and 75 rooms. The lodge offers good quality services, a restaurant, bar, and simple yet comfortable guestrooms fitted with en suite bathrooms and central heating. The large dining area and lobby features a dramatic wall of giant windows, through which the entire crater floor can be viewed.


Facilities:

• Game viewing
• Bird watching

It is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, but it borders the Serengeti National Park. Placed in attractive acacia woodland, it is surrounded by the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti. The lodge overlooks Lake Ndutu, which is a favorite water spot for numerous herds of game and is a center point during the migration of wildebeest to the Central Serengeti. The grasslands around the lodge are kept short so you have great views of migrating herds and at night you can sit around a campfire and enjoy the sounds of animals, which are very nearby.

There are 32 rooms all built in a line, facing Lake Ndutu. The rooms are quaint but they are very comfortable and well maintained. Each room has en-suite facilities and a front verandah where you can sit and enjoy the view. The decor is simple with extremely comfortable pine beds and tables.


Facilities:

• Game viewing
• Bird watching

Simba is the Conservation Area Authority's only campsite on the crater rim and it is situated on the south-western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater Rim about 2 km from the crater village. It has pit (long-drop) toilets and hot water showers (heated by wood fires) and firewood for sale. The views of the crater are only a short walk away and are absolutely stunning. Wild animals frequent the rim woodlands, and you should move with caution. It is possible to visit the lodge bars and restaurants after dark, but drive with caution, as many animals move through the area at night. The campsite can become fairly cold (from an African perspective) and sometimes noisy at night.