Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: Complete Guide to Tanzania's Crater Rim Gem

The lodge sits at an altitude of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) on the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines, with panoramic views of the caldera floor about 600 meters below.

From Arusha it is a 4 to 5 hour drive of about 190 km via the Lodoare Gate, and from the Serengeti it is a 3 to 4 hour drive via the Naabi Hill Gate. Charter flights can also land at Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro airstrips, followed by roughly a 1 hour transfer to the lodge.

The Crater View Room and the Suite both face the caldera, with the Crater View Room offering panoramic views and a private balcony. The Standard Room overlooks the forest instead, so request a crater-view room when booking if the sunrise over the caldera matters to you.

The lodge has 75 rooms built in traditional African rondavel style, split into Standard Rooms, Crater View Rooms and Suites, with the Suite offering a separate lounge and premium amenities. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, a fireplace, 24-hour hot water and electricity, tea and coffee facilities, an in-room safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to roughly 25,000 large animals, making it one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife areas. The lodge provides complimentary binoculars, so you can often spot animals on the crater floor from the rim itself.

Ecological Wilderness Adventure is a TATO-licensed Tanzania and East Africa safari operator and can tailor a Ngorongoro itinerary around this lodge and quote it on request. Because rates and availability change with season and party size, the best step is to send your travel dates and group details for a personalised quote.