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Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

This Serena property is a little large for our style, but in our opinion, it is the best combination of quality and value on the rim of the crater. All rooms have balconies with great views of the crater below.

The buffet meals and local dance troops are a bit cheesy, as this is tourism for the masses.

 — Mango's view

Continuing to the Crater Highlands, you ascend to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the worlds largest caldera. Often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africas best known wildlife arenas. The Crater is a World Heritage Site and contains grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans and a fresh water lake. Hyena, lion, black rhino, huge bull elephant, hippo and buffalo usually abound and can be easily seen.

The Serena Ngorongoro Crater Safari Lodge is perched on the jagged rim of the crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers. The Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Each room has its own rock enclosed balcony offering stunning views over the Craters splendor. Guests can spend an entire day at the bottom of the Crater where they can enjoy a picnic lunch and a full day of game drives.

The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall lanterns, clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright beaded robes and intricately carved artifacts of the Maasai, the lodge is a unique blend of world class luxury, timeless volcanic splendor and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac streaked sunrise, to indigo star studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theater of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.

Includes: All meals