Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

I recently stayed at this wonderful hotel, and I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. A heartfelt thank you to Salma and Silvia, whose exceptional hospitality made me feel truly welcome. They were consistently friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with anything I needed. Their kindness added so much to my stay and made the experience even more memorable. I also want to give special gratitude to Chef Jumo, who went *above and beyond* to ensure I could enjoy delicious, celiac-friendly meals safely and at the same time as my friends. His attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to inclusion meant the world to me. Because of him, I never felt limited or left out—every dish was not only safe but absolutely outstanding. It was one of the highlights of my trip. Beyond the exceptional staff, the hotel itself was fantastic: beautifully maintained spaces, comfortable rooms, great amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout. Everything—from the cleanliness to the overall ambiance—reflected a high standard of care. I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking a wonderful, inclusive, and truly memorable stay. I’m already looking forward to returning!

We stayed one night before our day trip to the crater. This historical hotel provides amazing views on the crater floor and a great, albeit pricey, HQ for the Ngorongoro area. The service was good but maybe 7/10 when most Tanzanian service is closer to 9-10/10. Food was OK but lots of people (75 rooms) so I would say your average to below average hotel buffet. We had a great night since it was fresh and they even provided us with hot water bottles in the sheets as part of the turndown service! Our guide Yotham was also great and we highly recommend you spend a day with him in the crater because he is passionate about animals and showed us a great deal!! We would stay there again for the perfect location, the comfort of the rooms and the views

Fantastic location. Can see the crater from the hotel room back door balcony 👌. Nice lounge to relax and get drinks while enjoying the beautiful crater view. We were lucky to see waterbucks strolling in the backyard room balcony. Spacious room and large bathroom. Hot breakfast station serving omlette and good dinner buffet. Nice location in nature. Highly recommended.

Best room is 2 room suite with guest toilet, full bathroom with tub, separate rain shower and two balconies with fantastic view of crater/caldera. Includes a wall heater and a movable heater for each room - quite cold in the mornings. 2 TVs, wi-fi & cell nonfunctional during stay due to government blocking all internet services countrywide. Beautiful main floor lounge with fireplace and steep spiral staircase to 2nd floor dining room with reserved table for suite guests. Wheelchair ramp from reception down to main level but then stairs to room. Very clean. Coffee, hot water pots in lounge. The 30 minute drive to lodge was violently rocky and shaky due to extremely poor dirt road. 10 min drive from lodge to crater floor was smoother. A lot of safari vehicles seen crisscrossing the crater floor. No giraffes but did see a leopard with its kill. Two large permanent toilet facilities in the crater. Ngorongoro airstrip was closed so Lake Manyara airstrip 50-55 minutes away. No Tsetse flies or mosquitos.

Unforgettable Maasai-Inspired Wedding & Safari Experience – Ngorongoro Serena I have had the privilege of visiting Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge multiple times, primarily accompanying my clients for their wedding celebrations. Each visit highlights the lodge’s unique ability to blend luxury, nature, and culture seamlessly. Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge offers breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for both relaxation and capturing stunning photographs. My clients and I are always impressed by the attention to detail in every aspect—from the beautifully decorated venues to the exceptional service by the professional staff. One of the most remarkable aspects of hosting weddings here is the Maasai entertainment. The lodge brings in traditional Maasai performers to celebrate with music, dance, and cultural storytelling, creating an authentic, vibrant, and unforgettable experience. The weddings are decorated naturally and elegantly, combining Maasai artistry with modern sophistication, making every moment a perfect photo opportunity. From sunrise over the crater to intimate moments during the ceremony, Ngorongoro Serena provides a luxurious, culturally rich, and visually stunning environment. It’s the perfect destination for couples seeking a unique safari wedding and photographers looking to capture once-in-a-lifetime memories. Highly recommended for anyone wanting an exceptional wedding experience, with Maasai cultural richness and unmatched safari scenery.

This is a large lodge, that accommodates many guests. We had great views in a nice room with a large bathroom. Food was quite good. Drinks were most expensive of any place we stayed. The staff were very accommodating but busier due to the size of the lodge. Being at elevation (for Tanzania), it was a lovely touch for them to add hot water bottles when they turned down the beds at night.

Breathtaking view, but overall a bit overrated and overpriced to our taste. It feels much less authentic and private than most other logdes we stayed at during our safari. Most services are overpriced compared to the market, and yet you feel like a walking wallet, feeling pressured to leave tips for anything you do. Not a bad experience per se, but we don't recommend and won't come back.

We stayed at this hotel to celebrate my husband’s birthday, and for the price over $400 a night — I expected at least a small gesture to make the occasion feel special. Unfortunately, they offered absolutely nothing unless we paid extra. They wouldn’t even sing “Happy Birthday” or provide a simple acknowledgment for the guest unless it was part of an add-on package. For a hotel in this price range, that felt really disappointing and honestly a bit ridiculous. The stay itself was fine, but the lack of hospitality around such a simple celebration left a sour impression. Not the experience we were hoping for.