Crater Rim Lodge — Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
On the Rim of the Garden of Eden
A contemporary, sustainably-minded lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, blending Maasai-inspired design with spacious rooms and a natural midpoint between the Serengeti and Tarangire.
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Overview
A Sustainable Stay on the Rim
Designed with a deep respect for the environment, Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection sits in the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area — a natural midpoint on any northern Tanzania circuit.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area protects the 600-metre-deep Ngorongoro Crater — described by many as the "Garden of Eden" — home to more than 25,000 large mammals within its 2.5-million-year-old caldera. Ngorongoro Lodge, part of Meliá's collection of premium African properties and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, sits between the group's Meliá Serengeti Lodge and Gran Meliá Arusha, giving guests a comfortable, sustainably designed stop between the Serengeti and Tarangire. Rooms blend Maasai-inspired décor with contemporary comfort, and each takes its name from a Maa-language word — Enkaji (house), Enkitok (beautiful) — reflecting the surrounding culture.
5
Star Rated (Leading Hotels)
25,000+
Large Mammals in the Crater
600m
Deep Crater
2.5M
Years, the Crater’s Age
Rooms & Suites
Maasai-Inspired, Crater-Facing Rooms
From the 20m² Rim Room to the 400m² Ngorongoro House villa, every category takes its name and design cues from Maasai language and culture.
Rim Room — Crater Views
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The Rim RoomA 20m² room with king-size bed or two singles, many including a Safari Experience as part of the stay.
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Enkaji & Enkitok SuitesNamed for the Maa words for "house" and "beautiful," these suites add a separate bedroom and lounge with crater views.
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Interconnecting & Family RoomsA 40m² interconnecting Rim Room and a 44m² Family Room suit groups and families travelling together.
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Ngorongoro HouseA 400m² standalone villa in its own independent enclave, the lodge’s most exclusive accommodation.
Experiences
Into the Crater
The lodge’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area setting centres activities on the crater itself, alongside Maasai cultural encounters and the region’s deep archaeological history.
Signature
Crater Floor Safari
A full-day private safari descends into the 260km² caldera, encountering lion, zebra, wildebeest and more with an expert guide.
On Foot
Walking Safari
Guided walking safaris explore the Ngorongoro Conservation Area highlands around the lodge.
Culture
Maasai Boma Visit
Visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the customs of one of Tanzania’s largest and most iconic communities.
Heritage
Olduvai Gorge
Discover the origins of humanity at this renowned archaeological site, a short excursion from the lodge.
Dining
Crater Bush Lunch
A fine-dining bush lunch is served within the caldera itself, combining cuisine with the crater’s natural beauty.
Wellness
The Spa
A dedicated spa offers massages and treatments using select products from Inaya Zanzibar, a Tanzanian beauty brand.
Dining
Local Flavours, Crater Views
Restaurants and bars throughout the lodge serve dishes rooted in Tanzanian cuisine using fresh, local ingredients, with the Crater Bar a favourite spot to unwind.
01The main restaurant, crater views
02The Crater Bar, snacks and drinks
03The bush lunch, inside the caldera
04A private gazebo dinner, under the stars
05The terrace, for a crater view cocktail
The Crater Bar — Sundowner Views
Location
Between Serengeti and Tarangire
Ngorongoro Lodge sits within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, positioned as a natural midpoint between the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.
The lodge is roughly 156km from Meliá Serengeti Lodge and 164km from Gran Meliá Arusha, both part of the same collection.
Manyara Aerodrome, the nearest airstrip, is approximately 52.5km from the lodge.
The property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, reflecting its five-star classification.
The lodge’s sustainable design integrates closely with the surrounding conservation area and Maasai culture.
Fly
Manyara Aerodrome is the nearest airstrip, roughly 52.5km from the lodge.
Drive
The lodge sits approximately 164km from Gran Meliá Arusha, which connects to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Arrive
Check-in from 14:00, checkout by 12:00.
MeliáRewards
Exclusive Member Discounts
Book direct through Meliá and unlock exclusive MeliáRewards discounts on your stay at Ngorongoro Lodge.