Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Q: How much does it cost to stay at Ngorongoro Serena?

Stays at Ngorongoro Serena start from around US$250 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

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Ngorongoro Serena

About Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

An historic stone lodge on the edge of Ngorongoro Crater offering breath taking views.

Perched on the edge of Ngorongoro's rocky rim, Serena Lodge has the ultimate in views of the crater floor, straight from its lavish, balcony-ed rooms. If you want to get closer to the action, it's only a short drive down for game drives amongst large prides of lion, cheetah, rhino, buffalo and elephant. Rated one of the top hotels in the world, the lodge itself takes its inspiration from the famous "Cradle of Mankind" site at the nearby Olduvai Gorge and the rooms are decorated with stylized cave painting and glowing torches. It's certainly a larger lodge than most, but the location is simply unbeatable.

Crater Rim , Ngorongoro Crater , Tanzania

From $250 per person/per night

Safari

70 Rooms

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Property details

The property

A roaring central fireplace is forms the heart of the lodge and is the place to relax before meals and swap safari tales from the day. There's also a unique split-level main bar and dining area, and large double doors open out onto a viewing terrace that looks down over the vistas of the crater floor. Torches hung on the walls provide a warm, relaxing glow in the main areas, reflecting the superb hospitality of the friendly team.

The rooms

Dotted along the crater rim, the 75 suites have astonishing views of the plains below and each has its own private, rock-enclosed balcony from which to gaze at the myriad of creatures that roam below. Finishing touches include brass lamps, timeless leather headboards, ancient carvings and unique cave paintings that take inspiration from the first peoples of Africa. Central heating also provides a much-need respite from the cold mists that encircle the crater.

Activities

As well as traditional game drives, Serena offers a multitude of activities. Sundowners on the crater rim are a real treat; simply sit back, relax and sip your drink of choice as the sun sets on another fantastic day on safari. Early morning breakfasts can also be set up on the crater floor, and guided nature walks wind through the forests and rocky outcrops along the crater rim. At the lodge, there's a nightly Maasai dance and theatre experience, as well as a visit to a local Maasai village and cattle market.

Why we love it

Watching the sun dip below the crater rim from your private verandah, wrapped in a blanket and G&T in hand, is hard to beat.

Insiders Tip

Staying here allows you to be one of the first on the crater floor in the morning, maximising your game viewing time before the rest of the 4x4s arrive.

Something to think about

This large hotel could use a little bit of a refresh but what it lacks in newness it makes up for in views, location and a timeless ambiance.

Trips

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Design a Custom Trip

Plan your stay

How to book Ngorongoro Serena

How do I book Ngorongoro Serena?

Ngorongoro Serena can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Ngorongoro Serena or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Ngorongoro Serena?

Stays at Ngorongoro Serena start from around $250 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

The jewel in Tanzania’s crown where the Big Five roam free and there’s an animal around every corner.