As if in a land before time, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built into the rim of a dormant volcano, the plant and ivy-covered native stone blending masterfully with its surroundings. The lodge is a striking interpretation of how prehistoric man lived, hiding in caves that allowed him to see his prey, but remain unseen.

The earliest evidence of early man is found nearby at Olduvai Gorge, a site of great interest to visitors to the region. Today the entire area is part of a vast conservation territory, home to the Masai tribe and their prized cattle, as well as an extraordinary variety of big game and wildlife - lion, hippos, rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, and hartebeest

At Ngorongoro Serena Lodge visitors co-exist in perfect harmony with the natural environment and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Accommodation:-

Most of the 75 rooms have a private terrace with uninterrupted views of the 102-square-mile crater floor that is now a rich wildlife habitat.

Due to the prevailing cool climate in the region, the lounge and dining room are set indoors overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater through large picture glass panels. All areas are complimented by log fires (the lodge is at 6,000 feet) which greatly enhance the atmosphere especially in the evenings.

Facilities/Activities:

Indeed, there is a blaze of euphoria that seems to accompany game-viewing trips into the bush. But these safaris are only the beginning of the special offerings that guests are invited to experience at Ngorongoro Serena.

Today the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding landscape are part of a vast conservation area inhabited by the Masai tribe. Guests of the Lodge have the unique opportunity to be able to visit a local Massai village. This is a half-day trip accompanied by an English-speaking Massai guide.

A unique feature of Ngorongoro is the full-day walking safari. Guests will be driven to a nearby caldera where they will be met by their Massai guide. This is a gentle stroll across the plains (with an armed ranger in attendance - just in case). The Lodge chef will have prepared a special picnic lunch for you to enjoy out in the bush.

Close to the Lodge is the famous Olduvai Gorge, the "birthplace of man". With a day's advance notice, guests can visit the famous Leakey family excavation site and have the full day to relax and explore. A sumptuous picnic lunch is provided.

GETTING THERE

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is 180 kilometers from Arusha - a 4 hour drive or a 40 minute flight from Arusha Airport to the Ngorongoro airstrip.

GAME VIEWING

Ngorongoro Crater, 12 miles (19 kilometers) wide, is the world's largest intact caldera. At 5,600 feet (1,700 meters) elevation, the crater floor is primarily grassland, with patches of spring-fed marshes, freshwater ponds, a salt lake, and small forests. Harboring 20,000 large animals, it is a virtual Noah's Ark (without giraffes). Buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and harebeests graze the grassland, while elephants roam the wooded areas, and hippos gather in marshes and ponds. Lions, spotted hyenas, and golden and black-backed jackals are easy to find, and servals and cheetahs are sighted rarely. Resident ostriches, crowned cranes, and kori bustards are joined seasonally by migrant flocks of white and Abdim's storks

Cost: Please contact us for current rates