Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cross into the park. The 34 Lake Ndutu-facing cottages lack character, but the lounge is
unpretentiously attractive and the atmosphere is relaxed and rustic. An overall fine choice.
Olduvai Camp
TENTED CAMP $$$
( 0782-993854;
www.olduvai-camp.com
;
) An intimate, remote camp in wonderful
opposition to the large corporate lodges on the crater rim, it's built around a kopje with
postcard views of views of Mt Makarot and it makes a fine spot to watch wildebeest during
the rainy season. The 17 tents are sparse, but the dining room and lounge are lovely, and
there are always rock hyrax and genet around. Maasai-led cultural walks in the savannah
and nearby gorge are recommended. It's unsigned, 3.5km off the Serengeti road. It's nor-
mally only used as part of a safari package and staff wouldn't tell us a price for independent
travellers, but said they do let them stay.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
LODGE $$$
( 027-250 0630;
www.sopalodges.com
; s/d/tw full board US$335/580/740; )
A 98-room lodge, well located off on its own on the eastern crater rim (the sunset-watching
side), near the roads into the crater and to Empakaai. The hotel's core is attractive, with lots
of carved wood and a huge dining-room roof. The rooms are spacious but plain and many
lack views or have only limited sight lines: request the top floor. There's hot water only in
the morning and evening.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
LODGE $$$
( 027-254 5555;
www.serenahotels.com
; s/d full board US$445/655; ) The pop-
ular Serena sits unobtrusively in a fine location on the southwestern crater rim near the
main descent route. It's comfortable and attractive (though the cave motif in the rooms is
kind of kitschy) with good service and views (from the upper-floor rooms), though it's also
big and busy. Acrobatic and Maasai dance shows alternate nights.
Rhino Lodge
LODGE $$
( 0762-359055;
www.ngorongoro.cc
;
s/d full board US$125/220; ) Up on the
crater rim, but without a crater view, this small, friendly lodge, run in conjunction with
the Maasai community, is the cheapest place in the NCA. The 24 rooms lack pizzazz and
will be too rustic for some, but it's nice for the price and the large fireplace makes the din-
ing room a good spot to swap stories in the evening. Wildlife often wanders through the
grounds. Vehicle hire costs US$200 per day.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
LODGE $$$
