Bougainvillea Safari Lodge is locally owned and run, and the staff mostly come from the surrounding village.
There are 34 bungalows in the lush gardens, which are all en-suite and can be made up in any configurations to suit couples, families or friends. There is a nice swimming pool, a bar and restaurant and a gift shop.
Each cosy room has mosquito-netted king or twin beds, a fireplace (winter nights can be cold!), large bathroom with shower and a veranda from which to enjoy the views of tropical gardens. Two of the cottages can be used as family suites, with connecting rooms.
Guests wanting to experience local culture can easily walk into town from the lodge to experience a bustling African community. There are plenty of shops and a local market to explore. If you fancy a stroll into the countryside that's another possibility. One of the staff can escort you to a neighbouring coffee plantation or you can hike in the Ngorongoro Conservation area for a more strenuous outing.
There are massage facilities available on request.
Reggie Bayo and his team have created simple but hearty menus and use local fruit, vegetables, dairy products and eggs making sure food is a fresh as possible.
Bougainvillea is an unpretentious, simple but good value lodge within about 30 minutes drive of the Ngorongoro Crater.
