With unbeatable panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Ngorongoro Serena is a stone-built lodge that seems to emerge naturally from the hillside. Offering fantastic year-round game viewing and cosy interiors, it’s an ideal lodge from which to explore the crater and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.


Plan your journey

Location

The lodge is situated on the Western rim of the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater with views of Lake Magadi. The crater and conservation area is home to a vast array of wildlife which roam the lakes, grassland and forest of the crater floor. The area also includes the Olduvai Gorge, one of Tanzania’s most important paleoanthropological sites.

Rooms

There are 74 rooms and one suite, reached by impressive arched stone doorways. Rooms are decorated in a locally-inspired and elegant style with earthy tones. Cave-style paintings adorn the walls and Maasai carvings are dotted around the space. Other features include brass lamps, wildwood mirrors, leather headboards and private stone balcony which open out to the vast crater. En-suite bathrooms enjoy branded toiletries and walk-in showers.

Communal Areas

The split-level communal spaces can be reached from the rooms via wooden and stone walkways.  They are inviting and cosy, decorated much like the rooms with stone-built architecture, cave paintings and sizzling fireplaces to warm up beside. Floor-to-ceiling windows lead from the bar and dining area to a large terrace where guests can relax or enjoy meals with expansive views of the crater. A small curio shop is also onsite full of souvenirs and toiletries.

Activities

The spectacular location of the lodge offers easy access into the crater and game drives are the main activity. Take guided nature walks through the forest, visit a Maasai village or enjoy bush breakfasts and lunches out in the wild.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March. Temperatures are generally very pleasant – around 23°C/73°F on the crater floor at midday. The altitude of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area can, however, make this ‘dry season’ fairly unpredictable.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

The proximity of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) to the equator means that it has consistent temperatures throughout the year. Its high altitude (1,027/3,522m or 3,369/11,555ft) means that these temperatures are generally on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of 1,700m/5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a significant climatic difference between regions within the NCA; for every 1,000 meters ascended, there is a drop of around 6.5°C (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet). We highly recommend wearing layers to allow for these changes in temperature. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so make sure to pack winter clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.

Ngorongoro is excellent for game-viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and occasional strong winds at the higher altitudes. Visitor numbers are, however, lower, and the game-viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. We would, therefore, recommend bringing waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

DRY SEASON

This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. This is a fantastic time to visit!

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit, however make sure to bring waterproof clothing to allow for periods of wet weather.

Its location so close to the equator means that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) has consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,027 to 3,522m or 3,369 to 11,555ft) does tend to mean that they are on the cool side, with average daytime highs of between 19°C/66°F and 23°C/73°F on the crater floor (which sits at an altitude of about 1,700m or 5,577ft). Given the altitude range, there is a quite a significant climatic difference regions within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with a drop of around 6.5°C for every 1,000 meters ascended (or 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet), we highly recommended wearing layers to allow for changes in temperature experienced. Mornings can be especially cold (even freezing), so do allow for warmer ‘winter’ clothing for morning activities.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. Please do bear this in min

Ngorongoro is one park which is excellent for game viewing throughout the year, regardless of the season. June through to October is ideal for clear skies, but visitor numbers will be high. The rest of the year marks a more changeable period with morning fog, higher rainfall levels and at times a strong wind (at the higher altitudes); visitor numbers are however lower, and the game viewing remains strong.

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