Ngorongoro Serena

About Ngorongoro Serena

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Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perched right on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Constructed of local stone, the lodge is gradually blending into the mountainside as indigenous plants cover the buildings.

The interior decorations follow the theme of Ngorongoro's prehistoric past with the original use of stone metal and wall paintings. Strung around the crater rim, each of the 75 rooms has its own rock-enclosed balcony. The rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting giraffes, gazelle and buffalo. Each room is fully centrally heated and air-conditioned and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater.

At the end of an action-packed day, guests can follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the Lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater's rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch the sun setting behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the heights of the Crater's rim.

The Maasai-inspired, split-level dining and bar area features a two-tier wall of windows looking down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below. There is a traditional circular fireside meeting area, and a recurrent motif of massive 'prehistoric' cave paintings, stone-studded walls, Maasai spears and blazing jewel-hued wall lamps. The atmosphere is relaxed and candle-lit whilst the menu choices include traditional Maasai fare, long-time safari favourites and internationally themed menus. All areas are complimented by log fires (Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is at 6,000 feet) which greatly enhance the atmosphere especially in the evenings.

Facilities at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge include laundry, valet, babysitting, and children's menus and internet connectivity. A nurse is on call 24 hours a day. Beauty treatments, hairdressing and massage are available, and there is a gift shop and boutique.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is 180 kilometers from Arusha - a 4 hour drive or a 40 minute flight from Arusha Airport to the Ngorongoro airstrip.

Information

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Highlights

Sympathetically designed property which blends into its surroundings.
Superb location with dramatic views.
A wide range of guest facilities.

Situation

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perched right on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Constructed of local stone this luxurious lodge is gradually blending into the mountainside as indigenous plants cover the buildings.

Activities

Game drives in the crater; hiking in the highlands; excursions to Olduvai Gorge and Empakaai Crater; village visits; nature walks.

Facilities

The 75 ensuite rooms are strung around the crater rim, each with their own rock-enclosed balcony. Dining at the lodge is in a split level dining and bar area again with views out over the crater. Other services available include beauty treatments, massage and hairdressing; a well stocked Africana gift shop; internet connectivity; full medical back-up; currency exchange services.

Child policy

Children of all ages can be catered for. The lodge can organise babysitting on request as well as offering children's menus.

Open

Open all year round.

Best time

Tanzania's main rainy season runs from April until the beginning of June. There is also a short rainy season in November. The wildlife within the Ngorongoro Crater is superb all year round.

Inclusions

Two daily game drives.

Meals

Full board.

Pricing guidelines for Tanzania

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Tanzania can combine easily with other East African countries.

For each accommodation on this website you will find an indication of the price. The bands are based on the price per person per night at peak season and are represented by the following values for this country:
	£50 to £150
	£150 to £300
	£300 to £500
	£500 to £800
	Over £800

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week high quality safari in the northern circuit (eg with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire ...)Between £2500 and £3500
2 week southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidayBetween £3000 and £4000
1 week stay on an Indian Ocean island (Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole, Pemba)From £1000 +
1 week Kilimanjaro climbAround £1500

Tribes Advisor

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Being one of the four lodges on the crater rim Serena is in a prime position and it does blend into the forest being covered in rocks. But personally, I prefer the location and feel of the Sopa on the other side of the rim. The rooms at Serena are tiny and it feels like a bit of a prison with the 'underground' feeling of the corridors surrounded by rocks and dark walls. The main restaurant area felt very dated with sticky carpets and not very inspiring buffet food. It's used a lot by package tour companies and if you want a nicer view and bigger rooms, I'd opt for the Sopa. If Serena refurbish this lodge in the future it could be much better, reflecting the modern style of some of their other hotels in East Africa.

Julie Croucher, Africa Sales Manager, visited 2008

Tanzania