Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 

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. It sits in a wonderful spot on the crater rim; far enough away to soak up the far-reaching views but close enough to clearly see Lake Magadi in all its glory. And though it’s one of the larger lodges, the design really does almost make it disappear into the 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. 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. Rooms are reached through arched stone-clad corridors and are set on two tiers in a line stretching along the crater rim. All are charmingly African with earthy colours and cave-painting style wildlife motifs adorning the walls, and have their own rock-enclosed balcony with uninterrupted crater views.