Taking the Eco Route
The Serena Group is committed to an escalating eco-policy that embraces sensitivity to the interests of the local population in relation to such matters as: cultural preservation, sustainable habitat and community development. The group also abides by a code of responsible practice in relation to: energy conservation, waste recycling, sewage disposal, air emissions, pesticides, noise reduction and visual pollution. Finally, all Serena Group properties are built to harmonise with the local landscape and to utilise eco-friendly materials, local handicrafts and products. Wherever possible we also aim to enhance the environment via landscaping and indigenous plant material reinforcement.

The Ngorongoro Eco Programme
The Lodge has been carefully designed so as to blend seamlessly into the environment. Constructed from local river-rock, clad in indigenous vines and nestled in dense woodland, none of the indigenous trees were felled to make way for the foundations but rather the entire construction site was moved to accommodate the living space of a beautiful mature fig tree. Several rare orchids were also trans-located from the area whilst every aspect of indigenous vegetation was protected throughout the construction operation. Special care has also been taken to use natural rainwater wherever possible whilst the windows are fitted with heavy curtains so as to minimise light pollution in the crater, which makes it especially beautiful for stargazing.

The Lodge has also established a plant nursery to propagate local plants and trees, a number of which had become close to extinction (such as Juniperus procera). As a result, the natural environment of the lodge provides sanctuary to a wide variety of birds, butterflies and insects whilst many of the indigenous plants are used for medicinal purposes by the local Maasai.

Experience has shown that committed sustainable conservational policies work best when linked to committed community support and to this end Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge works closely with the local community, contributing to a broad range of community benefits. The hotel also buys most of its fresh produce locally and features carvings, baskets and clothing made by local artisans in both its interior décor and its African gift shop.

Where to go from here
If you have enjoyed the Serena Experience at Ngorongoro, you might like to take in some of our other properties. This way you can contrast the fascinating world of the Crater with the quiet of an Arusha coffee plantation, the thrill of a ringside seat at the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or with the spice island mystique of the fabulous Zanzibar Serena Inn. Here follow some suggestions that we believe will complement your Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge experience.

Experience the game-teeming plains of the Serengeti
A cluster of stone and brush-roofed ‘rondavels’ set high on an acacia-cloaked bluff, with views over the game-teeming plains and hippo-heaving rivers of the unique Serengeti National Park, the Serengeti Serena offers unlimited game-viewing, limitless luxury and a ringside seat for the world famous annual wildebeest migration.

Sample the mystique of the Spice Islands
Set on the waterfront of the fabled ‘Stone Town’ of Zanzibar, the Serena Zanzibar Inn offers a unique blend of Swahili style and sumptuous luxury in the very heart of the winding lanes, carved doors and shaded courtyards of this ancient Swahili town.

Go canoeing on Lake Manyara
Spectacularly situated high on a cliff above the flamingo-frosted waters of Lake Manyara, the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a heady mix of timeless scenery, unique wildlife, brilliant birdlife and high adventure action sports to include canoeing, abseiling, mountain biking, hiking and more.