Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Country: Tanzania Location: Ngorongoro Crater Rim Style: Safari Lodge Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge takes inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, and lit by flaring torches, the lodge and rooms are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is invisible from the floor of the Crater 600m below. Strung around the Crater rim, each with its own rock enclosed balcony, the 75 rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, and Masai carvings. Each room enjoys uninterrupted views of the caldera far below. Room facilities include direct dial telephone and WiFi, mineral water and toiletries, and bathrobe and slippers. 24-hour room service and 24-hour medical service is available. Laundry, valet and shoeshine services are also offered. Safekeeping and hairdryers are available from the reception. To accommodate families, adjoining rooms, triple rooms or additional beds or cots, as well as a babysitting service, can be arranged. The split level rock-built dining and bar area features a wall of windows, which look down on to the crater below while double doors lead out on to viewing terraces. At the rock heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Breakfast and lunch are presented in buffet-style and feature a wide range of international choices. In typical safari style, a ‘full English Breakfast’ as well as European options is on offer, while lunch menus will typically include meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. On the table d’hôte dinner menus you will find a salad buffet, soup, entrée, pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available. Typically, you are awakened by a very early morning cup of tea; then set off down the steeply winding road that leads to the Crater floor. After a drive through primeval forests and acacia groves, you will arrive at the selected spot where a cooked breakfast is served. |
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There are a number of dedicated sites, which are presented with tables, safari chairs,‘bush bar’ and a ‘bush kitchen’. After breakfast, the game drive continues around the 120 km of roads that circle the lakes, forests and plains of this unique conservation area.
Many guests prefer to have a picnic or a full cooked lunch on the Crater floor in a forest clearing to take advantage of extended game viewing. Before and after lunch, you are then free to enjoy game drives around the Crater floor.
An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks whilst watching the sun go down dates back to the time of the great safaris of the 1920's, all of which featured the serving of elegant ‘bush' cocktails and dinner against the backdrop of the African sunset. This traditional experience provided by the lodge is enlivened by the presence by a group of scarlet-clad Masai morans (warriors).
Activities arranged by the lodge to complement the daily game drives include guided walks, bird spotting, cultural dancing and heritage displays, and culturally-interactive trips to local villages and/or schools. A wide selection of board-games and books on Africa and the wilderness is available. Professional nature guides also offer nightly talks and video presentations on wildlife. There is also a gift shop and a TV room with satellite TV.
Corporate and social events are catered for with state-of-the-art facilities.
As a wedding venue, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge provides the opportunity for an authentic Masai wedding on the rim of the Crater, with local chief, dancers and choir. Alternatively, the ceremony can be enacted on the Crater floor, or on the panoramic terrace of the lodge. All wedding arrangements and formalities can be planned and catered for by the lodge. Also available are family and friends accommodation packages, ‘his and hers' pre-wedding preparation options, and a choice of honeymoon options.
Many guests prefer to have a picnic or a full cooked lunch on the Crater floor in a forest clearing to take advantage of extended game viewing. Before and after lunch, you are then free to enjoy game drives around the Crater floor.
An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks whilst watching the sun go down dates back to the time of the great safaris of the 1920's, all of which featured the serving of elegant ‘bush' cocktails and dinner against the backdrop of the African sunset. This traditional experience provided by the lodge is enlivened by the presence by a group of scarlet-clad Masai morans (warriors).
Activities arranged by the lodge to complement the daily game drives include guided walks, bird spotting, cultural dancing and heritage displays, and culturally-interactive trips to local villages and/or schools. A wide selection of board-games and books on Africa and the wilderness is available. Professional nature guides also offer nightly talks and video presentations on wildlife. There is also a gift shop and a TV room with satellite TV.
Corporate and social events are catered for with state-of-the-art facilities.
As a wedding venue, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge provides the opportunity for an authentic Masai wedding on the rim of the Crater, with local chief, dancers and choir. Alternatively, the ceremony can be enacted on the Crater floor, or on the panoramic terrace of the lodge. All wedding arrangements and formalities can be planned and catered for by the lodge. Also available are family and friends accommodation packages, ‘his and hers' pre-wedding preparation options, and a choice of honeymoon options.