Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

An historic stone lodge on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater offering breath taking views.

Situated on the rim of Ngoronogoro, with sweeping views and easy access to the crater for game viewing, Serena Lodge is one of the top choices for an outstanding Ngorongoro experience.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Perched on the edge of Ngorongoro's rocky rim, Serena Lodge has the ultimate in views of the crater floor, straight from its lavish, balcony-ed rooms. If you want to get closer to the action, it's only a short drive down for game drives amongst large prides of lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Rated one of the top hotels in the world, the lodge itself takes its inspiration from the famous "Cradle of Mankind" site at the nearby Olduvai Gorge and the rooms are decorated with stylized cave painting and glowing torches. It's certainly a larger lodge than most, but the location is simply unbeatable.

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From $190 person/night

Lodge

70 Rooms

Crater Rim, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

What you'll love

Watching the sun dip below the crater rim from your private verandah, wrapped in a blanket and G&T in hand, is hard to beat.

Insiders tip

Staying here allows you to be one of the first on the crater floor in the morning, maximising your game viewing time before the rest of the 4x4s arrive.

Something to think about

This large hotel could use a little bit of a refresh but what it lacks in newness it makes up for in views, location and a timeless ambiance.

The property

A roaring central fireplace is forms the heart of the lodge and is the place to relax before meals and swap safari tales from the day. There's also a unique split-level main bar and dining area, and large double doors open out onto a viewing terrace that looks down over the vistas of the crater floor. Torches hung on the walls provide a warm, relaxing glow in the main areas, reflecting the superb hospitality of the friendly team.

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The rooms

Dotted along the crater rim, the 75 suites have astonishing views of the plains below and each has its own private, rock-enclosed balcony from which to gaze at the myriad of creatures that roam below. Finishing touches include brass lamps, timeless leather headboards, ancient carvings and unique cave paintings that take inspiration from the first peoples of Africa. Central heating also provides a much-need respite from the cold mists that encircle the crater.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

Bush Walks

As well as traditional game drives, Serena offers a multitude of activities. Sundowners on the crater rim are a real treat; simply sit back, relax and sip your drink of choice as the sun sets on another fantastic day on safari. Early morning breakfasts can also be set up on the crater floor, and guided nature walks wind through the forests and rocky outcrops along the crater rim. At the lodge, there's a nightly Maasai dance and theatre experience, as well as a visit to a local Maasai village and cattle market.

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Reviews

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NaN out of 5 stars

About Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

The jewel in Tanzania’s crown where the Big Five roam free and there’s an animal around every corner.

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Wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Rare

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Occasional

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

The Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa's Eden, is a place of remarkable beauty and diversity, with a mix of forest, savannah and grassland providing the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. On the crater floor, experience the Big Five with great black rhino encounters, dense numbers of wildebeest, zebra, eland and exciting lions and cheetah sightings.

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