Overview

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge comprises 74 rooms and one presidential suite designed to complement the dramatic crater landscape. Known for: its iconic crater rim location, architectural harmony with natural surroundings, and access to one of Africa's highest concentrations of wildlife. Best for: luxury safari travelers seeking crater-specific wildlife viewing, photographers capturing calderas and large animal concentrations, and guests prioritizing architectural design and comfort integration.

Accommodation & Rooms

The lodge offers multiple room categories, each designed with specific landscape integration. Standard Rooms feature twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with modern fixtures, private balconies or patios with crater views, and traditional Maasai design elements. The Kimba Suite represents the property's premium offering, featuring a separate living room area, enhanced bathroom vanity spaces, and expanded crater-view terraces. All accommodations include mosquito nets, safes, tea/coffee stations, and 24-hour room service. Room interiors blend colonial safari aesthetics with contemporary comfort standards, utilizing locally-sourced materials including wildwood furnishings and natural stone finishes. The architectural approach ensures no room disrupts sightlines from the main lodge areas.

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge operates multiple dining venues accommodating both à la carte and set-menu preferences. The main restaurant provides international and African cuisine prepared to accommodate dietary requirements. A dedicated bar service offers curated beverages including locally-sourced options. The lodge supports flexible dining arrangements, including in-room service, crater-view terrace dining, and hosted meals during wildlife viewing activities. Meal plans typically include breakfast, lunch, and dinner with selective beverage inclusions dependent on booking package type.

Wildlife & Activities

The Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem supports approximately 25,000 large mammals including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, lion, and elephant populations. The crater floor hosts one of Africa's largest permanent wildlife concentrations, accessible via guided descents. Primary activities include guided crater floor game drives (typically 4-6 hours), crater rim walking safaris led by trained naturalists, and wildlife photography opportunities. The lodge facilitates specialized birding experiences, as the crater supports over 400 bird species. Night game drives are available for nocturnal species observation. Cultural visits to Maasai settlements near the conservation area provide community engagement opportunities. The lodge does not conduct traditional Big Five hunting safaris; wildlife viewing focuses on observation and photography.

Location & How to Get There

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, approximately 70 kilometers west of Arusha town and 120 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The lodge sits at approximately 2,286 meters elevation on the crater rim. Primary access routes include: (1) Road transfer from Arusha or Dar es Salaam via the main conservation area entrance (4-5 hours driving); (2) Charter flights to nearby airstrips with ground transfer (1-2 hours total travel from Arusha); (3) Multi-day overland safaris combining Serengeti National Park visits. The lodge provides airport transfer coordination through verified operators.

Best Time to Visit

The crater environment supports year-round wildlife viewing due to permanent water sources and resident animal populations. Peak visitor seasons align with dry periods: June-October (cool, clear conditions) and January-February (short rains period, lush landscape). July-September coincides with the Serengeti Great Migration movements, though migration does not directly enter the crater. Wet season (November-May) presents advantages including reduced visitor numbers, lush vegetation attracting herbivores, and specialized birding opportunities. Crater rim temperatures range from 10-20°C year-round due to elevation, requiring layered clothing regardless of season.

Conservation & Community

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area represents a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed under integrated conservation and community land-use principles. The lodge operates within this framework, supporting conservation initiatives through park fee contributions and sustainable tourism practices. The property incorporates solar power systems, waste management protocols, and water conservation measures. Community engagement includes employment of local Maasai staff, cultural educational programs, and support for nearby settlement initiatives. The conservation area itself protects 8,292 square kilometers of ecosystem supporting both wildlife and pastoralist communities.

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari