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This stone lodge emerges from the hillside on the rim of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater.
Seemingly rising out of the natural environment, the Ngorongoro Serena’s design is inspired by the nearby prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge. This traditional stone lodge sits in a wonderful spot on the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater rim, far enough away to soak up the far-reaching views but close enough to clearly see Lake Magadi in all its glory.
Despite being one of the larger lodges in the region, the design makes it almost disappear into the surrounding landscape. All facilities and rooms are housed in one long low-rise building. The split-level dining room and bar has floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the incredible views far below.
Why we love Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
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The unique design is inspired by nearby Olduvai Gorge
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Take in the crater views from your rock-enclosed balcony
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Set off early into the crater and enjoy a specially laid-out breakfast on the crater floor
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To learn about the flora and fauna, you can take a walk of the crater rim with a local Maasai guide
Facilities
The split-level dining room and bar has floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the incredible views far below. It’s warm and inviting with a roaring fire and offers impressively varied buffets for breakfast and lunch and the choice from a set menu at dinner time.
What's Included
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant • Park fees.
Many of the treatments at the Maisha Spa use African ingredients. Expect body polishes using Kalahari melon and marula and an African massage using a gourd to relieve tension.
Watch the Maasai herding their cattle down the steep crater walls, join a guided nature walk around the crater rim, go on safari on the crater floor or visit the important palaeontology site of Olduvai Gorge. At the lodge you can join a cooking lesson and learn some words in Swahili.
With their location within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they are committed to protecting their environment. Waste is recycled, produce is sourced locally and they have installed inverter systems. They support their local community through employment, have created a tree planting project at Oloirobi Primary School and they support Maasai women who sell their handicrafts at the lodge.
Guest reviews
Excellent | 1035 | |
Very good | 627 | |
Average | 205 | |
Poor | 61 | |
Terrible | 23 |
TanzaniaApril 2025
What made this hotel unforgettable was the stunning view of the Ngorongoro Crater right from the balcony. In fact, you could even see the crater from the bed through the panoramic doors. The hotel blends beautifully into the landscape and somewhat resembles the secret hideout of Fantômas from old French comedies. The room was cozy, and I especially liked the wall art in a rock painting style. The service was great: tasty buffet meals, small treats for tea in the room, and even, I think, hot water bottles in the bed. At this altitude, evenings and nights are chilly, but a warm bed and a hot shower made all the difference.
Read moreApril 2025
The staffs here are not professional. It’s recommended to “triple check” the time of Maasai performance with different staffs, otherwise you will miss the performance as we were told the wrong time by the reception and couldn’t get the performance. Other services are fine.
Eastham, MassachusettsMarch 2025
Wonderful location convenient, although not in the park. Accommodations were spacious with all needed amenities. The grounds were amazing with gardens and lush landscapes. Meals were excellent with a comfortable lodge overlooking the property. Great staff was very attentive.
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travellers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
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