The magic of Ngorongoro unfolds from the very first syllable of its captivating name. The name itself – Ngorongoro – seems to beckon us on a journey to Tanzania’s volcanic highlands. And then, as if on cue, the breathtaking sight appears: a massive crater formed over two million years ago when a mountain rivaling Kilimanjaro in size exploded and collapsed. This wonder, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, becomes our playground, explored from the luxurious haven of Ngorongoro Lodge Melia.
This prestigious lodge, designed with utmost respect for its World Heritage Site setting, boasts impressive sustainability features like solar-powered electricity and on-site water bottling. Imagine falling asleep to the symphony of nature, and waking up to a natural oasis teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five.
With a bit of luck, you’ll spot them all during your luxurious Bush 2 City Safari. Explore the area’s unparalleled biodiversity on foot or from the comfort of your safari vehicle, guided by your expert Bush 2 City Adventure Safari Director. Cap off an unforgettable day with a scenic picnic or sundowner within the crater itself, which plunges a staggering 2,000 feet. Spanning an impressive 14 miles edge to edge, Ngorongoro Crater holds countless secrets, but your Bush 2 City Master knows all the best spots to witness its magnificence.
Inside Park
104
52
En-suite bathrooms
Not allowed
Non-Smocking Rooms
Escape to a haven of tranquility at the new, intimate Ngorongoro Lodge. Pale wood and hand-woven rugs create a soothing sanctuary, adorned with vibrant local artwork and traditional African motifs. All 52 guest rooms (28 rooms and 24 luxury suites) boast uplifting Maasai artwork, minimalist yet spacious en-suite bathrooms, and show-stopping panoramic windows that frame the verdant Ngorongoro Crater.
Unwind in the lodge’s many outdoor spaces, where you can soak up the endless landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. And for those who crave connection, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Ngorongoro Lodge understands that vacations are sacred spaces for relaxation. Indulge in treatments at The Spa, energize in the 24-hour gym, take a refreshing dip in the gorgeous outdoor pool, or browse the beautiful locally sourced items in the boutique. Culinary experiences abound, with two gourmet restaurants offering international, African, and Asian-influenced cuisine. Enjoy an evening under the stars with a delicious barbecue, or have a private feast on your balcony with attentive room service at your disposal.
Embark on a grand caldera adventure with your expert Bush 2 City guide. Explore the trails and paths of this “African Garden of Eden” aboard a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, enjoying scenic feasts for the eyes along the way. Witness a breathtaking tapestry of wildlife – from a vibrant pink flush of flamingos to playful antelope herds grazing across the grassy plains. The most anticipated encounters, of course, are with the majestic Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – all roaming free within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Deepen your connection with the savannah on a guided walking safari, traversing designated paths within the crater and getting closer to the living, pulsing animal world. For a truly immersive experience, don’t miss the opportunity to visit a nearby Maasai village and learn about the rich culture and traditions of one of Tanzania’s largest tribes.
After a fulfilling day of exploration, unwind with a pampering massage at The Spa, invigorate yourself in the 24-hour gym, or browse the Terrace Boutique, filled with beautiful locally sourced treasures.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp offers an exceptional experience because it is located right inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This prime location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the incredible wildlife that thrives on the crater floor.
The Ngorongoro Crater is truly remarkable, home to a vast population of around 25,000 animals. You can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including zebras, elephants, buffalo, warthogs, hippos, and wildebeest roaming freely within this natural enclosure. Importantly, the crater is also a haven for exciting Big Cat predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and jackals, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Perched on a magnificent ridge overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater, O’ldeani Lodge is a masterclass in architectural dominance. Commanding a 360-degree view of the world’s largest intact caldera, this 40-acre estate serves as your private gateway to the Big Five.
Experience privileged, proximate access to the Crater floor—a theater of ancient volcanic walls where lions and giants roam. This is the heart of the wild, delivered with a level of sophistication and signature hospitality that leaves no room for compromise.
Retreat to a sanctuary where the infinity pool meets the horizon and the spa offers bespoke restoration. Between the thrill of the safari and the serenity of our lush gardens, O’ldeani offers a rare lightness of spirit. It is more than a stay; it is a position of prestige above the African plains.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has 30 beautiful stilted suites that are celebrated for their unique design and luxury. But the lodge is just the start of an extraordinary African adventure to the famous Ngorongoro Crater—a natural wonder that every traveler should see.
Long ago, the Ngorongoro was a volcano as mighty as Mount Kilimanjaro. Today, it’s a lush and peaceful remnant of a huge eruption that may have been seen by our early ancestors in the nearby Olduvai Gorge, where humanity began.
The crater remained undiscovered by outsiders until the 1890s, which is why it’s still so rich with wildlife. The Maasai people, however, knew it well for its abundance and called it El-Nkoronkoro, meaning “Gift of Life.”
