Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Part of the well run Serena chain of hotels, this is by far the best option of the larger, international style hotels and whilst lacking the atmosphere and intimacy of other properties nearby, still provides consistently good levels of service and value for money. Despite its size its location on the western rim of the crater, means it is the closest to the park entrance and an early start means you will have the crater to yourself (for a short while at least!).
Wildlife
Great birdlife around the lodge, Big Five, (including the unique black maned lions found in the crater), best black rhino viewing in the country, lesser and greater flamingos’ on the soda lakes, spotted hyena, jackal, hippo’s.
Activities
Crater game drives, hikes around the Ngorongoro highlands, visits to traditional cattle markets, morning wildlife walks around the lodge with resident naturalist.
Eco-credentials
Local materials and labour utilised, incinerators used to process non-toxic waste and to heat rooms, environmental impact studies carried out during building, as was land rehabilitation with many indigenous plants preserved and propagated in the Eco-Nursery. The Serena group abide by codes of responsible practice for energy conservation, waste recycling, sewage disposal, air emissions and the use of pesticides.