Welcome to
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Stay right on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the Cradle of Humankind at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge.
Tanzania’s prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has loomed above the landscape for millennia. Deep within its immense walls lies a breathtaking blue-green ecosystem dotted with plains, lakes and forests—an otherworldly “land that time forgot,” rich with massive bull elephants, rhinos, wildebeest and the highest concentration of lions in Africa.
Perched high above the plains on the Crater’s jagged rim and cloaked in river stone and indigenous vines, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is barely visible to the naked eye. Framed by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its torch-lit walls are adorned with stylized cave paintings.
At the heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, kept constantly alight. Rooms are arranged around the Crater rim, each with a rock-enclosed balcony and uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheater below.
Our Ngorongoro lodge feels as ancient as the Crater itself, yet offers every modern comfort, delivering one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa.
Accommodation
Elegant Ngorongoro Lodge Accommodation
The 74 guest rooms and suite at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge blend the indescribable beauty and magnitude of the Ngorongoro Crater with unparalleled standards of comfort and service. Clinging to the Crater rim beneath river stone and a cloak of native vines, our accommodation is so seamlessly entwined with the landscape that guests can’t help but feel at one with their natural surroundings.
With private stone balconies opening onto the blue-green vastness of the Crater floor below, it feels as though you are living alone in the “Cradle of Humankind.”
Standard King Room
Standard King Rooms at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge feature elegant interiors infused with locally inspired décor and private stone balconies overlooking the Crater.
Standard Twin Room
Standard Twin Rooms at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge feature elegant interiors infused with locally inspired décor and private stone balconies overlooking the Crater.
Standard Triple Room
Standard Triple Rooms at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge feature elegant interiors infused with locally inspired décor and private stone balconies overlooking the Crater.
Kimba Suite
The spacious bedroom is luxuriously appointed with a king-size bed and sumptuous furnishings, a dressing area, and a natural stone en-suite bathroom.
The elegantly appointed sitting room enjoys panoramic views and is tastefully furnished, offering a fully stocked minibar, digital multi-channel TV and direct-dial telephone.
The suite also features a generous stone-built balcony overlooking the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater.
Dining
Elegant Dining with Ngorongoro Crater Views
The Main Restaurant at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is beautifully designed in the traditional style and décor of Tanzania to create an enchanting dining experience. Savour a delightful range of local and international cuisines crafted from the finest and freshest meats, produce, and ingredients.
Featuring charming stone-built architecture, a glowing fireplace and walls adorned with prehistoric cave paintings and flickering torchlight, the elegant yet relaxed dining space is ideal for any occasion. Floor-to-ceiling windows and double doors opening onto an expansive terrace complement each meal with panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style and feature a wide range of international choices. In typical safari style, we offer a full English breakfast as well as European options, while lunch includes meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian dishes. Our table d’hôte dinner menu features a salad buffet, soup, entrée, dessert, cheese and biscuits, and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available. The majority of our meat and dairy products, as well as fruits and vegetables, are sourced from local communities.
Kindly note that the restaurant caters to all special dietary requirements.
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Crater Breakfast
One of the highlights of a Crater visit, the bush breakfast is an experience not to be missed.
Typically, guests are awakened with an early morning cup of tea, before setting off down the steeply winding road that leads to the Crater floor.
After a game drive through primeval forests and acacia groves, guests arrive at a selected spot where a spectacular cooked breakfast is served. After breakfast, the game drive continues along the 120 km of roads that circle the lakes, forests and plains of this unique conservation area.
Open from 6:00am to 10:00am
RESERVATIONS
T: (+255) 272545555 or 272537053
The Crater Lunch
Because entrance to the Crater is strictly limited—and there is so much to see—many guests prefer to take lunch on the Crater floor.
This can be provided as a picnic, enjoyed in one of the forest clearings, or as a full cooked lunch, typically prepared and served in the acacia groves.
Before and after lunch, guests are free to enjoy extensive game drives around the Crater floor.
Open from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm
RESERVATIONS
T: (+255) 272545555 or 272537053
Sundowners On The Crater Rim
An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks while watching the sun go down dates back to the great safaris of the 1920s, all of which featured elegant “bush” cocktails served against the unforgettable backdrop of the African sunset.
Timed to commence as the sun begins its descent—on the Equator, usually around 6 p.m.—the Ngorongoro sundowner begins with a gentle drive to a scenic spot on the rim of the Crater, where chairs, lamps, a campfire and a bush bar with cocktail snacks will already have been set up. Musical entertainment can also be arranged.
From 6:00pm
RESERVATIONS
T: (+255) 272545555 or 272537053
The Bush Dinner (Summer Only)
Typically, the Ngorongoro bush dinner takes place at a scenic location on the rim of the Crater, with stunning views over the plains below.
Timed to coincide with sunset—on the Equator, usually around 6 p.m.—the experience begins with a short drive to a panoramic spot on the Crater rim. Here, tables, chairs and lanterns will already have been set up, and a campfire will have been lit.
Beginning with sundowners around the campfire, guests are entertained with Maasai dance and song while a five-course dinner is prepared on a blazing charcoal barbecue.
The menu features a choice of meat, fish and poultry, complemented by vegetarian options, salads, fruit and desserts from the main lodge. A fully stocked safari bar is also provided.
From 6:00pm till late
RESERVATIONS
T: tel:(+255)272545555 or 272537053
Business Meetings
& Conferences
One of The Most Unique Event Venues in The World
Accommodating up to 150 delegates, our safari-style conference venue is a canvas tent with stunning views over the Crater rim to the plains below.
Exceptionally spacious, the venue features a raised wooden floor and canvas walls and ceilings. From the early planning stages until the last delegates have departed, our experienced event planning team and caterers are at your service to ensure that every detail is perfect.
Your group will enjoy well-appointed accommodation with balconies perched at the Crater’s edge, superb cuisine and unforgettable incentive options like our English breakfast on the Crater, private game drives on the Crater plains and bush dinners accompanied by scarlet-clad Maasai morans.
Meetings at a Glance
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all meeting and event spaces
- Video conferencing facilities and multimedia presentation systems
- LCD projectors, screens and audiovisual presentation equipment
- TV monitors and AV solutions for hybrid meetings and virtual events
- PA system, LCD overhead projector, podium, flip charts and marker pens
- Delegate pads, pens/pencils, individual mineral water supply
- A tented venue with an external terrace and lawns, ideal for hosting delegate receptions and related event procedures.
- Event planner on site
- Planning assistance for off-site group outings, recreational activities or team-building experiences
- Group rates available for event attendees staying at the hotel
- IT support services
- Business support, including secretarial services, photocopying, Wi-Fi and a full range of global communication facilities
- Complimentary wireless Internet access
- “Meet and greet” services
Ngorongoro Capacity Chart
|
Name of Room
|
Banquet
|
Cabaret
|
Reception
|
Theatre
|
Classroom
|
Boardroom
|
U-Shape
|
Hollow Square
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference Room |
Your Stay Enriched
Ngorongoro Safaris in Tanzania
- Maisha Spa Treatment
- Maasai Curios
- Acrobats & evening entertainment
Some of the activities are free or at a fee
Complimentary access is available for all in-house guests. Stay active and refreshed in a space designed to support wellness and vitality.
Explore the heart of Maasai life and meet women’s groups creating distinctive beadwork and handcrafted items.
Experiences
A Unique Ngorongoro Safari
- Crater breakfast
- Crater lunch
- Sundowner on the Crater rim
- Guided nature walks around the crater rim
- Crater game drive
- Olduvai Gorge
- Empakaai crater
- Circle rim hike
- Maasai villages & cattle markets
- Wildlife & cultural talks and presentations
*Enhance your stay by adding these local experiences at a fee.
One of the highlights of a crater visit, the bush breakfast is an experience not to be missed. Guests are typically awakened with an early morning cup of tea before descending the steep, winding road to the crater floor.
After a game drive through primeval forests and acacia groves, guests arrive at a selected site where a spectacular cooked breakfast is served. After breakfast, the game drive continues along the crater’s 120 km network of roads, circling lakes, forests and plains within this unique conservation area.
Pricing: USD 70 per person
Minimum pax: 8
Because access to the crater is strictly limited due to the abundance of wildlife, many guests prefer to take lunch on the crater floor. This can be provided as a picnic, enjoyed in one of the forest clearings, or as a fully cooked lunch, typically prepared and served in the acacia groves.
Before and after lunch, guests are free to enjoy extensive game drives across the crater floor.
Pricing:
USD 100 per person (in-house guests)
USD 150 per person (non–in-house guests)
Minimum pax: 8
An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of enjoying drinks while watching the sun set dates back to the great safaris of the 1920s, all of which featured elegant “bush” cocktails against the unforgettable backdrop of the African sunset.
Timed to begin as the sun starts its descent, typically around 6 p.m. on the Equator, the Ngorongoro sundowner begins with a gentle drive to a scenic point on the crater rim, where chairs, lamps, a campfire and a bush bar with cocktail snacks are already set up. Musical entertainment can also be arranged on request.
Pricing:
Sundowner Crater View (within the lodge): USD 45 per person
Sundowner at Seneto Crater View: USD 65 per person
Minimum pax: 6
Descend to the floor of the crater for game viewing drives. Often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a spectacular natural sanctuary for over 25,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino. It is also a conservation area inhabited by the Maasai community.
Prices:
Half-day crater tour: USD 100 per person
Excludes crater entrance fee
Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute wildlife walk around the lodge and crater rim with our resident naturalist. This educational experience offers sightings of a variety of bird species, wildlife and indigenous flora, all set against spectacular views of the crater floor. Morning and evening walks are available.
Escorted by an armed ranger, you will enjoy a two-hour walk through the diverse landscapes of the Crater highlands, from the grassy plains to the mountainous forest. Along the way you will view various wildlife and interact with Maasai cattlemen.
Visit authentic Maasai villages, all of which belong to the national Cultural Tourism Programme and learn more about Maasai homesteads, traditional cattle markets and women's handicraft groups.
Cultural talks are offered evenings at the bar area at 9:00 p.m. Our resident naturalist will discuss the Maasai culture, their activities, their lifestyle and their co-existence with wildlife within the Ngorongoro conservation area. You will also learn about the Ngorongoro ecosystem and biodiversity.
The Empakaai Crater is a stunning 6-kilometre-wide, 300-metre-deep caldera featuring a natural forest and a soda lake that serves as a renowned flamingo breeding site. From the northern and eastern rims, guests can enjoy dramatic views of the Great East African Rift Valley, Lake Natron and the cone of the active Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano.
Take a day trip to Olduvai Gorge. Also known as the “Cradle of Mankind,” it is one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites in the world.
Maisha Treatment at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Cleanse the mind, restore balance and reconnect with yourself in the stillness of the Ngorongoro Crater. Our Maisha Spa menu features treatments designed to pamper, indulge and restore.
Each therapy is customized to your individual needs and draws from both modern skincare techniques and time-honoured African healing practices.
Whether you are unwinding after a game drive or seeking a deeper sense of renewal, each treatment offers a moment of pure serenity.
The Ultimate Destination Wedding
A once-in-a-lifetime event deserves a once-in-a-lifetime settinga and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly unlike anywhere else in Tanzania and perhaps the world.
Exchange vows on a stone terrace with dramatic views, host a sunset cocktail reception on the lawn or celebrate your wedding in a safari-style tent overlooking the crater. Whatever your vision, our wedding planner will help you create an event that exceeds expectations.
Weddings Overview & Options
Safari-style reception tent accommodating up to 150 guests
Lawns and terraces for al fresco ceremonies and events
On-site wedding planner
Customisable catering menus
Planning assistance for off-site wedding group outings, recreational activities and local tours
Special group rates for wedding guests staying at the hotel
Traditional Maasai wedding ceremony with local chief, dancers and choir
Crater floor, bush or terrace ceremony options
Tailor-made bush brunches or savannah barbecues
Themed champagne receptions at the lodge or in the bush
Bespoke wedding cakes
Private candlelit honeymoon dinners for two
Luxurious honeymoon suite with wine and tropical fruit
Cultural dance performances for you and your guests
Gallery
Images of Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Cultural Diplomacy & Renewable Energy
At Serena Hotels, cultural diplomacy is a cornerstone of our identity. We are committed to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the regions we serve by creating platforms that celebrate artistic expression, tradition and dialogue.
Through a vibrant calendar of festivals, performances, exhibitions and culinary showcases, we bring communities together and help bridge cultures.
The electrification project at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, completed in 2024, has significantly reduced reliance on generators and promoted the use of cleaner energy. This achievement aligns with our Group’s decarbonisation plan which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in our own operations by 2030.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
A Unrivalled Unesco World Heritage Site Location
Perched on the rim of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge offers unmatched access to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.