Ngorongoro Lodge Melia

OVERVIEW:

We don’t often recommend the larger hotels, but Ngorongoro Lodge Melia is stunningly located – and if you fancy a little bit of 5-star luxury on your safari, this is a good place to have it! Melia is a great addition to the bigger properties that offer crater views, far exceeding in quality the Sopa or Serena. It certainly has a few too many straight lines and an international style that in other locations we would try to avoid, but the crater itself is quite touristy. This is due to its abundance of amazing resident wildlife in such a small game area (where you can see the Big Five), and its proximity to Arusha. So staying in a larger property here can make sense, especially since game drives on the crater floor only take place in the morning – this leaves you the afternoon to either explore the rim on foot, enjoy a cultural adventure, or sample the stunning hospitality of Melia’s 5-star charm! Follow this with sundowners on the lodge’s wonderful terrace, with exceptional views of the vast caldera – and it’s actually a great option for Ngorongoro, where looking out over the crater can be a large part of the experience. Apart from when staying in a big city, it’s probably the only larger property we’d recommend as a good idea while on safari. And then you have the perfect counterbalance, with a true wilderness experience in more intimate camps awaiting you in the Serengeti!

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

With its prime position and views as far as the eye can see over the legendary volcanic landscape, Ngorongoro Lodge Melia certainly delivers on location. With good access onto the crater floor, you will spend mornings game driving to see the Big Five and the numerous other creatures who have made this fascinating confined ecosystem their home. The hotel is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Lake Manyara airstrip, which is the best way to arrive. If you’re driving from Arusha then it takes about 3 hours. It is usual to stay for only two nights at the crater, and you can explore the crater floor on a half or full day’s game drive, depending on your itinerary and onward flights.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT NGORONGORO LODGE MELIA: 

This is a state-of-the-art 5-star hotel, with beautiful open-plan lounges, modern in design yet furnished with little safari touches in keeping with Tanzanian traditions – as best they can, given the property’s size! There’s a plethora of different room types, too many to list. All are super-comfortable, with double or twin bed options and amenities including a coffee machine, mini-bar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a shower. If you want to include Melia as part of your trip, it’s best to chat with one of our specialists about which room type will suit the needs of your group and budget. For families, there are some excellent interconnecting rooms, and the lodge offers stunning suites for honeymooners with private terraces overlooking the crater.

A real highlight of Ngorongoro Lodge Melia is the dining options, and the beautiful outside locations where you can enjoy the fine cuisine, with views of the crater. The terrace is so great, it’s where you’ll want to spend most of your time! The food is inspired by traditional African cuisine with some Asian twists thrown in, offering the range that you’d expect from a larger property – there really is something for everyone. After your early morning game drive, you’ll return to the hotel for a splendid lunch, and then the afternoon is yours for further expeditions around the crater or to make the most of the first-rate wellness centre and enjoy some pampering – so you’re ready for early evening drinks on the terrace as the sun sets over one of the best views in the world.

ACTIVITIES AT NGORONGORO LODGE MELIA:

The main activity here is game driving on the crater floor, but there’s also plenty to do around the crater rim and surrounding area. With your afternoons free, it’s a chance to engage with some of the traditional Maasai and see more of  The Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

• Expertly guided game drives

  – The Crater is home to all Big Five species – lion, black rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Other sightings can include spotted hyena, golden jackal, hippo, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, wildebeest, and very occasionally leopard. There’s plenty of excellent birdlife too – raptors, waterbirds, songbirds, and many other groups of feathery friends.

• Guided Crater rim nature walks

  – Guests can take part in walks along the Crater rim and hikes in the forests, all in the company of a ranger and a Maasai. For the more adventurous, you can go slightly farther afield and visit the Olmoti and Empakai craters. The latter two may require extra time to include, so please discuss this with one of our consultants.

• Cultural experiences

  – You can visit a local Maasai village and meet the people of Ngorongoro. Approximately 100,000 Maasai still live in the region and you’ll see their way of life, learning how they craft, dance, cook – this is always a rewarding thing to do. You can also visit Olduvai Gorge – the museum there exhibits fascinating ancient fossils from the surrounding area.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.