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Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge

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Traveler (778)
Room & Suite (272)
Dining (76)
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About

#7 of 16 lodges in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Location
4.4
Cleanliness
4.3
Service
4.4
Value
4.2
Travelers' Choice
Rhino Lodge is ideally located on the edge of the Ngorongoro crater rim. The Lodge was originally the home of Ngorongoro’s first conservator, and its developers have maintained the house’s original rustic, low-impact style and natural setting. Rhino Lodge offers a perfect base from which to explore the Ngorongoro crater and its surroundings. Game drives into the crater, and, for the more adventurous, walking safaris in the forest reserve and visits to nearby Maasai villages, can all be arranged from the lodge. And, on return after a long day, 24 comfortable en suite rooms with forest views, a cozy living space, friendly local staff and generous African-inspired meals offer guests a warm welcome home.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Internet
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
Show more
Room features
Fireplace
Private balcony
Bath / shower
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mountain View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tanzania
Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
Traveler Insights
This summary was created by AI, based on 34 recent English reviews.
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Nestled in a serene, natural setting near the Ngorongoro crater, the Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge offers a rustic, budget-friendly stay. Many guests praise the hotel's cleanliness, particularly noting the satisfactory hot showers with excellent water pressure. The rooms, described as cozy but basic, offer an added charm with fires lit at night. However, some visitors warn about issues with soundproofing and lack of internet. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere, including animal sightings from private balconies, earn rave reviews. Despite some finding the amenities basic, the lodge's value for money is deemed satisfactory by many travelers.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Rustic
Rooms
Cozy
Value
Budget-friendly
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory
Location
Secluded
Travelers often mention the hotel's location as being in a tranquil, natural setting with a close proximity to the Ngorongoro crater.
  • Allen F
    Allen F
    Mar 2023 15 contributions
    ...After hot days in the Crater, we enjoyed the very cool temperature at this location...
  • Genesis
    Genesis
    Feb 2023 7 contributions
    ...The location is unbeatable- extremely close to the Ngorongoro crater...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    Beautiful location in the Ngorongoro area near the crater...
  • soda4077
    soda4077
    Oct 2022 84 contributions
    ...The real charm of this place is the location, you are truly in nature, you can spot zebras and gazelles and the gorgeous skies at night with multitude of stars from the common deck or your room’s balcony...
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Atmosphere
Rustic
Many guests enjoyed the welcoming, rustic atmosphere, particularly appreciating the fireplaces and animal sightings from the balconies.
  • Catherine Gayno... B
    Catherine Gayno... B
    Jul 2023 15 contributions
    ...It’s a pity there wasn’t more comfortable seating round the lovely fireplace in the dining room but I guess there just isn’t the space... The balcony overlooking the lush gardens is a bonus with Waterbuck grazing just feet away...
  • Cris B
    Cris B
    Jul 2023 6 contributions
    ...Our room had a fireplace and it was very nice and cosy to have it turned on!...
  • Allen F
    Allen F
    Mar 2023 15 contributions
    ...The lodge was so quiet, the rooms were cool, spacious, very comfortable...
  • Mario and Catia
    Mario and Catia
    Feb 2023 18 contributions
    ...It could be more appealing, the bathroom was very precarious, it wasn't comfortable and everything could be a little more careful, with a more attentive and typically African decoration (because we love all African art)... The balcony was wonderful, with the visit of the animals!... The restaurant area is simply beautiful, welcoming, with a fantastic atmosphere with the fireplace lit, the food is delicious, we ate so well!...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    ...Lovely, cozy room with big balcony and nice bathroom with hot water...
  • Timothy T
    Timothy T
    Jan 2023 8 contributions
    ...Dinner was served at 7:30pm in their dining room which was beautifully appointed and had a huge fireplace in the center of the room...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    ...Yes, it is simple but clean and with some specials to highlight. We particularly liked the atmosphere in the dining room with the stove in the middle, the excellent food from the buffet (we are vegetarians) and above all the very good vibes from the crew...
  • Anonymous-Atlanta
    Anonymous-Atlanta
    Dec 2022 83 contributions
    ...The rooms were average sized, with porches looking in to the forest...
  • Robert H
    Robert H
    Nov 2022 13 contributions
    ...It’s terrace overlooks the forest and lounge is cozy with a huge, central fireplace...
  • Dinah L
    Dinah L
    Nov 2022 209 contributions
    ...The room has 2 chairs & table, fireplace and ensuite...
  • SylvieDaC
    SylvieDaC
    Oct 2022 58 contributions
    ...The environment is very nice, the dining room is spacious with a large chimney and a beautiful garden where you can see zebras and other wild animals!!!... Regarding the room, trout was a nuit tinny and old fashioned but well equipped for cold night :)...
  • Amyation
    Amyation
    Oct 2022 131 contributions
    ...The rooms were cozy with a wonderful view and they built us a little fire at night to stay warm... Great food and loved the great room with fireplace for eating and relaxing...
  • Jerome_Fabienne
    Jerome_Fabienne
    Oct 2022 25 contributions
    The rhino lodge is a really nice place to stay...
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Rooms
Cozy
Travelers describe the rooms as cozy and comfortable, but basic and dated. They appreciate the fires lit at night, but mention issues with soundproofing and lack of internet.
  • DandJandFam
    DandJandFam
    Aug 2023 167 contributions
    ...The rooms are fairly old and basic - an unusual feature was the knock on the door in the evening and a staff member came in with hot coals what were put into a heater...
  • Rebecca W
    Rebecca W
    Aug 2023 27 contributions
    ...The room was quite small but had a lovely balcony with 2 chairs where you could sit and watch the animals go past... There is no internet in the rooms (unlike other places we stayed on safari) but internet is available in the restaurant...
  • robertlourens
    robertlourens
    Aug 2023 113 contributions
    ...As the area can get cold, they have fires in the rooms which they will light for you...
  • Catherine Gayno... B
    Catherine Gayno... B
    Jul 2023 15 contributions
    Myself, husband and two adult sons stayed in the Rhino Lodge for one night after a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater... The comfortable rooms are very cold in July and though the fire had been lit during dinner it had gone out before we went to bed...
  • jel73
    jel73
    Jul 2023 49 contributions
    ...The rooms are basic and there are no mosquito nets... The rooms get cold at night in July, so the staff will light the fire in your room for you and there are lots of blankets too...
  • Wanderlust3773
    Wanderlust3773
    Jul 2023 12 contributions
    ...Unfortunately the wood burning stove in the room did not seem to heat the room up and died down quickly...
  • JeanL
    JeanL
    Jul 2023 121 contributions
    Stayed at the Rhino Lodge to acess the Ngorongoro Crater, the room was a bit old looking and dated but comfortable... Friendly staff with great service, would recommend staying there...
  • Cris B
    Cris B
    Jul 2023 6 contributions
    ...Our room had a fireplace and it was very nice and cosy to have it turned on!...
  • Allen F
    Allen F
    Mar 2023 15 contributions
    ...The lodge was so quiet, the rooms were cool, spacious, very comfortable...
  • Mario and Catia
    Mario and Catia
    Feb 2023 18 contributions
    ...There is no soundproofing as you can clearly hear everything from the rooms next door, everything they say, when they go to the bathroom, etc. It is very embarrassing to know that everything can be heard from the other rooms... We would go back if the rooms were updated, as compared to the restaurant they are way below what we paid (€480 for one night)...
  • Michelle R
    Michelle R
    Feb 2023 27 contributions
    ...We stayed for 2 nights, and were in 1 triple room, which was 3 twin beds... It's certainly more of a "budget" stay, so you share hot water (our neighbors in the room next to us used all the hot water one morning, leaving us with cold showers) and the rooms are sparse, with limited WiFi only available in the dining hall, but our stay was quite pleasant and great for close proximity to the crater to get off to an early start for morning game drives!...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    ...Lovely, cozy room with big balcony and nice bathroom with hot water. The room can get chilly during the night, but every room has a small heating stove and a fire was made for us before bed time, making the room even more cozy...
  • John T
    John T
    Feb 2023 27 contributions
    ...Our room looked out over the bush and we saw waterbuck and water buffalo...
  • Timothy T
    Timothy T
    Jan 2023 8 contributions
    ...The staff were all very friendly on arrival and helped carry all of our bags into our rooms. The rooms are very nice and we had a deck that looked out onto the back of the property... Dinner was served at 7:30pm in their dining room which was beautifully appointed and had a huge fireplace in the center of the room... During dinner the staffed asked if we would like to have the wood stove lit in our rooms and while we ate they went and built fires in each of our rooms so they were warm when we returned (outside temp was around 55 Fahrenheit during the night)...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    ...To top it all, the ignoted the fire in the stove in the room so that the chilly night was quickly forgotten...
  • Nish
    Nish
    Nov 2022 5 contributions
    ...Rooms are clean , fire place is lit at night however it doesn't last all night and its freezing by the time its early morning...
  • Jerome_Fabienne
    Jerome_Fabienne
    Oct 2022 25 contributions
    ...As it gets a bit cold at night, they have the option to start a fire in the rooms...
  • Amyation
    Amyation
    Oct 2022 131 contributions
    ...The rooms were cozy with a wonderful view and they built us a little fire at night to stay warm... Great food and loved the great room with fireplace for eating and relaxing...
  • SylvieDaC
    SylvieDaC
    Oct 2022 58 contributions
    We stayed 1 night in this hotel during our safari... Regarding the room, trout was a nuit tinny and old fashioned but well equipped for cold night :)...
  • Karthi S
    Karthi S
    Sep 2022 8 contributions
    ...Clean rooms , heating facilities ...
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Value
Budget-friendly
Travelers indicate that the hotel offers a budget stay with basic amenities, but the value for money is deemed satisfactory due to its location and price point.
  • Sofie
    Sofie
    Aug 2023 6 contributions
    ...The rooms are basic but okey for one night...
  • Wanderlust3773
    Wanderlust3773
    Jul 2023 12 contributions
    ...Otherwise overall it was a positive stay and I would recommend it particularly at the price point it was...
  • Mark and Ness
    Mark and Ness
    Jun 2023 4 contributions
    We stayed at Rhino lodge as part of a booked private safari...
  • Michelle R
    Michelle R
    Feb 2023 27 contributions
    ...It's certainly more of a "budget" stay, so you share hot water (our neighbors in the room next to us used all the hot water one morning, leaving us with cold showers) and the rooms are sparse, with limited WiFi only available in the dining hall, but our stay was quite pleasant and great for close proximity to the crater to get off to an early start for morning game drives!...
  • Mario and Catia
    Mario and Catia
    Feb 2023 18 contributions
    ...We would go back if the rooms were updated, as compared to the restaurant they are way below what we paid (€480 for one night)...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    This was the cheapest hotel we booked for our three week Kenya/Tanzania trip, so we didn‘t expect too much. Yes, it is simple but clean and with some specials to highlight...
  • Anonymous-Atlanta
    Anonymous-Atlanta
    Dec 2022 83 contributions
    Our family (2 parents, 2 adult kids) stayed here after a drive around the crater...
  • Dinah L
    Dinah L
    Nov 2022 209 contributions
    ...The room has 2 chairs & table, fireplace and ensuite...
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Cleanliness
Spotless
Guests appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms and the provision of hot showers, with some mentioning the excellent water pressure and heating facilities.
  • Priyank S
    Priyank S
    Aug 2023 4 contributions
    ...The shower had a Mercedez Benz logo on it and it was honestly one the best showers I've ever had because of the water pressure...
  • Wanderlust3773
    Wanderlust3773
    Jul 2023 12 contributions
    ...The shower was the best we’d had on safari - hot with great pressure...
  • Catherine Gayno... B
    Catherine Gayno... B
    Jul 2023 15 contributions
    ...The shower was very good if you can brave the freezing bathroom...
  • nyalpi
    nyalpi
    Jun 2023 178 contributions
    ...Even had bath mat (unlike most other hotels)... Really good to have filtered drinking water rather than relying on bottled water!...
  • Allen F
    Allen F
    Mar 2023 15 contributions
    ...The lodge was so quiet, the rooms were cool, spacious, very comfortable...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    ...Lovely, cozy room with big balcony and nice bathroom with hot water...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    ...Yes, it is simple but clean and with some specials to highlight...
  • Dinah L
    Dinah L
    Nov 2022 209 contributions
    ...Good hot showers for 24hours Both dinner & beakfast are served in the restaurant with fine dining ambience...
  • Nish
    Nish
    Nov 2022 5 contributions
    ...Rooms are clean , fire place is lit at night however it doesn't last all night and its freezing by the time its early morning...
  • soda4077
    soda4077
    Oct 2022 84 contributions
    ...The bath has hot shower too even early in the morning!...
  • Amyation
    Amyation
    Oct 2022 131 contributions
    ...Hot shower and comfortable bed...
  • Karthi S
    Karthi S
    Sep 2022 8 contributions
    ...Clean rooms , heating facilities ...
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Service
Attentive
Travelers consistently praised the hotel's staff for their friendliness and attentiveness, noting their readiness to provide services like lighting fires and preparing meals.
  • Rebecca W
    Rebecca W
    Aug 2023 27 contributions
    ...We didn’t book this lodge ourselves, it was booked by our safari company (Tanzania Roadside Expeditions)... There is no internet in the rooms (unlike other places we stayed on safari) but internet is available in the restaurant... Dinner was served from 7pm and it was a buffet style dinner... There was a lack of choice and as always I would have preferred an a la carte option... During dinner service, the staff will go to your room and make a fire - this is good as the elevation is about 2000m above sea level and therefore it gets very cold at nighttime... The bed has plenty of blankets and so you won’t get cold...
  • DandJandFam
    DandJandFam
    Aug 2023 167 contributions
    ...The rooms are fairly old and basic - an unusual feature was the knock on the door in the evening and a staff member came in with hot coals what were put into a heater...
  • robertlourens
    robertlourens
    Aug 2023 113 contributions
    ...As the area can get cold, they have fires in the rooms which they will light for you...
  • jel73
    jel73
    Jul 2023 49 contributions
    ...The rooms get cold at night in July, so the staff will light the fire in your room for you and there are lots of blankets too...
  • JeanL
    JeanL
    Jul 2023 121 contributions
    Stayed at the Rhino Lodge to acess the Ngorongoro Crater, the room was a bit old looking and dated but comfortable... Terrific hot shower to shake off the cold temperatures in the morning... There was a small wood burner to heat the room at night that the staff would light in the evening whilst you were at dinner... Friendly staff with great service, would recommend staying there...
  • Catherine Gayno... B
    Catherine Gayno... B
    Jul 2023 15 contributions
    ...The shower was very good if you can brave the freezing bathroom. The bed was comfortable with plenty of blankets to keep us warm... The staff were not as friendly as all the other places we stayed but as most of the guests probably only stay one night there is no time to get to know anyone... For the convenience to the Crater, I would still recommend the Rhino Lodge...
  • Jordan B
    Jordan B
    Jul 2023 30 contributions
    ...The staff even lit the wood stove in our room for us...
  • nyalpi
    nyalpi
    Jun 2023 178 contributions
    ...Even had bath mat (unlike most other hotels). Very good restaurant, nice variety of food, delicious, good service... Really good to have filtered drinking water rather than relying on bottled water!...
  • Allen F
    Allen F
    Mar 2023 15 contributions
    ...The lodge was so quiet, the rooms were cool, spacious, very comfortable... It is managed by Willem from South Africa who was very friendly and engaging and makes sure all the guests are having a good stay...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    ...The room can get chilly during the night, but every room has a small heating stove and a fire was made for us before bed time, making the room even more cozy. We also found hot water bottles in the bathroom and plenty of blankets in bed to keep us warm... All staff extremely friendly and service-minded...
  • Timothy T
    Timothy T
    Jan 2023 8 contributions
    ...The staff were all very friendly on arrival and helped carry all of our bags into our rooms... Dinner was served at 7:30pm in their dining room which was beautifully appointed and had a huge fireplace in the center of the room... During dinner the staffed asked if we would like to have the wood stove lit in our rooms and while we ate they went and built fires in each of our rooms so they were warm when we returned (outside temp was around 55 Fahrenheit during the night)... We departed at 6:00 am to go to the crater and the staff were already up with breakfast waiting...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    ...We particularly liked the atmosphere in the dining room with the stove in the middle, the excellent food from the buffet (we are vegetarians) and above all the very good vibes from the crew. To top it all, the ignoted the fire in the stove in the room so that the chilly night was quickly forgotten...
  • Denise M
    Denise M
    Jan 2023 5 contributions
    The staff at Rhino lodge were very friendly and happy...
  • Anonymous-Atlanta
    Anonymous-Atlanta
    Dec 2022 83 contributions
    ...Our family (2 parents, 2 adult kids) stayed here after a drive around the crater. Like everywhere else we stayed, the staff was at your service... The meals were good, served buffet style... The staff has a TV room (the rooms do not have TVs, nor is such really called for), which came in handy as many of the guests wanted to watch the World Cup finals, which they did with the staff, making for a cozy, very international, gathering...
  • Dinah L
    Dinah L
    Nov 2022 209 contributions
    ...Good hot showers for 24hours Both dinner & beakfast are served in the restaurant with fine dining ambience... Chef Samuel and his staff presented a delicious cake with Hakuna Matata Bhwana song then followed by Happy birthday... Many thanks to Chef Samuel and his team for giving me an unforgetable birthday celebration...
  • soda4077
    soda4077
    Oct 2022 84 contributions
    This is an honest place, staff may not go above and beyond but they are all very friendly, well trained, and you will be very comfortable with everything important thing you need... The bath has hot shower too even early in the morning!... A special mention to Jackson who offered us snacks as they could not provide us lunch( mis communication with tour agency)... It was also very nice of the property manager ( Aussie by nationality) to come by and speak to us... I would recommend everyone to stay at least a night here...
  • Theo M
    Theo M
    Oct 2022 10 contributions
    ...The Manager and the team were very friendly and had our breakfast ready at 5:30 AM as well as our Lunch boxes for the day...
  • Amyation
    Amyation
    Oct 2022 131 contributions
    Great short overnight stay at Rhino Lodge. The rooms were cozy with a wonderful view and they built us a little fire at night to stay warm... The chef and staff were super attentive and friendly... Hot shower and comfortable bed...
  • SylvieDaC
    SylvieDaC
    Oct 2022 58 contributions
    ...Staff is very helpful and the manager is very nice and kind and kelps you as much as he can to make your stay memorable...
  • Karthi S
    Karthi S
    Sep 2022 8 contributions
    ...Great service , excellent staff and a good place to stay to see the Crater. Clean rooms , heating facilities ...
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Amenities
Satisfactory
Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms with heating facilities and fireplaces, private balconies, and the spacious restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. However, some found the amenities basic and outdated.
  • Priyank S
    Priyank S
    Aug 2023 4 contributions
    ...It was very cool to have zebras and water bucks grazing around you as you drink your afternoon tea... The amenities are basic and meet all your needs... The shower had a Mercedez Benz logo on it and it was honestly one the best showers I've ever had because of the water pressure... It did get cold at night, and the wood-burning fire and the heavy duvet kept us warm... Wifi is only available in the main restaurant area, and this is common in lodges in and around the national park areas...
  • Rebecca W
    Rebecca W
    Aug 2023 27 contributions
    My husband and I stayed here for 1 night as part of our safari trip... The room was quite small but had a lovely balcony with 2 chairs where you could sit and watch the animals go past... During dinner service, the staff will go to your room and make a fire - this is good as the elevation is about 2000m above sea level and therefore it gets very cold at nighttime... The bed has plenty of blankets and so you won’t get cold... We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the bar and outside views from it due to minimal time at the lodge but photos from it look lovely!...
  • robertlourens
    robertlourens
    Aug 2023 113 contributions
    ...As the area can get cold, they have fires in the rooms which they will light for you... The restaurant was excellent with a good choice of food... There are some really nice views around the site...
  • jel73
    jel73
    Jul 2023 49 contributions
    ...My husband, son and I stayed here for one night after being on safari in the crater. The lodge is high up, but only about 30 minutes from the crater gate... You can sit outside on the veranda just feet away from grazing waterbuck and buffalo... Dinner was very nice in the ample restaurant... Plenty of choice, including for me as a vegetarian... The rooms get cold at night in July, so the staff will light the fire in your room for you and there are lots of blankets too... None of us were cold - in fact, we were so comfortable that we slept through our alarm and were last in for breakfast!...
  • JeanL
    JeanL
    Jul 2023 121 contributions
    Stayed at the Rhino Lodge to acess the Ngorongoro Crater, the room was a bit old looking and dated but comfortable. It had a very comfortable bed and pillows, all important for a good nights sleep before an early rise in the morning for the safari... Terrific hot shower to shake off the cold temperatures in the morning... There was a small wood burner to heat the room at night that the staff would light in the evening whilst you were at dinner... Off your room there was a small balcony where you could witness animals coming into the open camp... The restaurant was very spacious with a double sided fire place, and served buffet food with excellent selections of very tasty food... Friendly staff with great service, would recommend staying there...
  • Jordan B
    Jordan B
    Jul 2023 30 contributions
    My husband and I stayed here before doing a safari in the National park... The staff even lit the wood stove in our room for us... The food was very tasty and the dining area was beautiful... This lodge has a very spacious porch that overlooks a yard where we saw Cape buffalo and waterbuck...
  • Catherine Gayno... B
    Catherine Gayno... B
    Jul 2023 15 contributions
    Myself, husband and two adult sons stayed in the Rhino Lodge for one night after a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge is perfectly placed near the Rim and South Gate... The shower was very good if you can brave the freezing bathroom... The bed was comfortable with plenty of blankets to keep us warm... The balcony overlooking the lush gardens is a bonus with Waterbuck grazing just feet away... For the convenience to the Crater, I would still recommend the Rhino Lodge...
  • Wanderlust3773
    Wanderlust3773
    Jul 2023 12 contributions
    We very much enjoyed our stay at this lodge before seeing the wildlife in the crater. The grounds were lovely and the sunset view on the restaurant deck by a glowing fire was really special... The shower was the best we’d had on safari - hot with great pressure... We were there when it was cold at night and in the morning but had many blankets to warm us...
  • Michelle R
    Michelle R
    Feb 2023 27 contributions
    ...We are a family of 3 (father and 2 adult daughters) and were quite pleased with our stay at Rhino Lodge. We stayed for 2 nights, and were in 1 triple room, which was 3 twin beds... The meals served were very nice, and the deck off the dining hall was a great place to get a close up experience of buffalo and gazelle in the early morning and evening!... It's certainly more of a "budget" stay, so you share hot water (our neighbors in the room next to us used all the hot water one morning, leaving us with cold showers) and the rooms are sparse, with limited WiFi only available in the dining hall, but our stay was quite pleasant and great for close proximity to the crater to get off to an early start for morning game drives!...
  • Elisabet G
    Elisabet G
    Feb 2023 9 contributions
    ...Lovely, cozy room with big balcony and nice bathroom with hot water. The room can get chilly during the night, but every room has a small heating stove and a fire was made for us before bed time, making the room even more cozy... We also found hot water bottles in the bathroom and plenty of blankets in bed to keep us warm... Big restaurant with very good food... All staff extremely friendly and service-minded...
  • Mario and Catia
    Mario and Catia
    Feb 2023 18 contributions
    ...The balcony was wonderful, with the visit of the animals! The restaurant area is simply beautiful, welcoming, with a fantastic atmosphere with the fireplace lit, the food is delicious, we ate so well!... We would go back if the rooms were updated, as compared to the restaurant they are way below what we paid (€480 for one night)...
  • John T
    John T
    Feb 2023 27 contributions
    ...Our room looked out over the bush and we saw waterbuck and water buffalo. The food is tasty and plentiful and the deck of the dining area is good but we wished we'd found the lounge area behind the Reception sooner...
  • Timothy T
    Timothy T
    Jan 2023 8 contributions
    ...The staff were all very friendly on arrival and helped carry all of our bags into our rooms. The rooms are very nice and we had a deck that looked out onto the back of the property... We went to the restaurant around 6pm for drinks and sunset on their deck that had an incredible view with wildlife all around (waterbuck and Cape buffalo were notable that night)... Dinner was served at 7:30pm in their dining room which was beautifully appointed and had a huge fireplace in the center of the room... Their bar had more options than the other places we had stayed during this trip including some Tanzanian dry red wine which we enjoyed... During dinner the staffed asked if we would like to have the wood stove lit in our rooms and while we ate they went and built fires in each of our rooms so they were warm when we returned (outside temp was around 55 Fahrenheit during the night)... We departed at 6:00 am to go to the crater and the staff were already up with breakfast waiting...
  • Denise M
    Denise M
    Jan 2023 5 contributions
    The staff at Rhino lodge were very friendly and happy... It was lovely watching the waterbuck from the small verandah at our room... The dining area was a bit warm with the two fireplaces and it was a bit Smokey outside due to the wood on the outdoor fire...
  • SaschaRohner
    SaschaRohner
    Jan 2023 65 contributions
    ...Yes, it is simple but clean and with some specials to highlight. We particularly liked the atmosphere in the dining room with the stove in the middle, the excellent food from the buffet (we are vegetarians) and above all the very good vibes from the crew... To top it all, the ignoted the fire in the stove in the room so that the chilly night was quickly forgotten...
  • Anonymous-Atlanta
    Anonymous-Atlanta
    Dec 2022 83 contributions
    Our family (2 parents, 2 adult kids) stayed here after a drive around the crater... They have a nice patio outside the restaurant bar to view the wildlife (which was on the grass down below)... Basically: the restaurant and patio were comfortable in a nice setting looking to the forest... A couple of entree's, rice, veggies, fruit and either cake or fruit cocktail for desert... The rooms were average sized, with porches looking in to the forest... Each had a charcoal heater for cold nights (not apparent they provide tons of heat, but not much is needed, if any)... The staff has a TV room (the rooms do not have TVs, nor is such really called for), which came in handy as many of the guests wanted to watch the World Cup finals, which they did with the staff, making for a cozy, very international, gathering...
  • Dinah L
    Dinah L
    Nov 2022 209 contributions
    ...We stayed in a twin bed room with balcony view. The room has 2 chairs & table, fireplace and ensuite... There are extra wool blanket which we did not use as the bedding is warm and comfy... Good hot showers for 24hours Both dinner & beakfast are served in the restaurant with fine dining ambience... Meals are buffet style with a good spread of items...
  • Robert H
    Robert H
    Nov 2022 13 contributions
    ...The lodge is very well located, on the rim of the crater, and sits tucked into the forest with incredible views... It’s terrace overlooks the forest and lounge is cozy with a huge, central fireplace...
  • Jerome_Fabienne
    Jerome_Fabienne
    Oct 2022 25 contributions
    The rhino lodge is a really nice place to stay... As it gets a bit cold at night, they have the option to start a fire in the rooms...
  • SylvieDaC
    SylvieDaC
    Oct 2022 58 contributions
    ...Staff is very helpful and the manager is very nice and kind and kelps you as much as he can to make your stay memorable. The environment is very nice, the dining room is spacious with a large chimney and a beautiful garden where you can see zebras and other wild animals!!!... Regarding the room, trout was a nuit tinny and old fashioned but well equipped for cold night :)...
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Reetesh Ghosh wrote a review Nov 2023
New York City, New York67 contributions
This was our 2nd game park in our 14 day road trip from starting Arusha (Tanzania), through Tarangire, Serengeti, crossing the border at Isebania Kenya, to Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Mt Kenya and flying out of Nairobi Aug 23-25: Rhino Lodge on Ngorongoro was spectacular. It is up in the hills and it gets cold. Ngorongoro is a micro system by itself. You will see game all over. It is surreal. Keep Dramamine if mountain driving gets you or the kids uneasy. We had the breakfast buffet and dinners here...both buffets. Good food and they have a bar. Start our day early here
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: start the day early, use the fire place at nights. they will light it for you
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Theresa wrote a review Nov 2023
London, United Kingdom5 contributions
Wonderful place! I loved the view and rustic and authentic atmosphere. The beds were comfortable and the service was great. Very friendly staff and gokd food. I loved the seating area near the fireplace the most. Make sure to carry a fleece jacket or pullover! We stayed here on our last day on safari, organized by Tanzania Horizon Safaris and their team. Our guide Sabas was amazing and so knowledgable. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Bring some warm gear!
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Companion44076682574 wrote a review Nov 2023
2 contributions
For "lodge" type accomodations, Rhino Lodge fit our needs perfectly. Staff was friendly, and helpful. Location was good, right on the rim of the Ngorogoro Crater that we were visiting the next morning. Budget fit our needs. Food was served buffet style and provided enough options to satisfy. Not a complaint, but an observation, power was turned off at 9 pm and stayed off until dawn. Works OK since you know in advance.
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Date of stay: November 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Jennifer Runnacles wrote a review Nov 2023
5 contributions
+1
"The lodge is beautiful. In the middle of the mountain, surrounded by vegetation and animals. My sister and I stayed for 1 night, and we loved it. The food was delicious, and the staff's attention was wonderful. I would recommend it to any friend or family member visiting. The place itself exudes a lot of peace and is relatively close to the starting point for the crater."
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Date of stay: November 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Middle priced. The place is so beautiful. Nothing to envy to a 5 stars. I'd definetely reccomend it!
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Swati Shial wrote a review Nov 2023
Mumbai, India252 contributions
+1
The room are average . The dining area is the highlight which has a good view. The dining room is huge and has a buffet service. Each table to allocated to one family and the name is mentioned on the table so one needs to sit accordingly. The rooms price is very high. The hotel is close to Crater gate but doesnt have a view if the Crater. The Crater gate is some 20-25 mins drive. The food is good.
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Dont take the rooms closer to reception as they dont have a good view. Try to get the rooms...
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PJBK wrote a review Oct 2023
22 contributions
The rooms are small, the food was good. The highlight of this lodge is the location at the Crater rim and animals come up to it. We had a ground level patio, water buck and cape buffalo were there in the morning.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: This is a basic lodge. The people were nice. The conserve energy so time to charge devices is...
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OzAlexis wrote a review Oct 2023
Sefton Park, Australia54 contributions
Arriving from the Serengeti we found this lodge cool and comfortable. The rooms were well appointed and the shower good. They provided a laundry service that got my load of washing done in under 12 hours (we left after breakfast the next day) The restaurant is good, with a bar stocking a Tanzanian wine which was an interesting experience. Staff friendly and helpful, understanding our Australian accent with little difficulty.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: The bar is ‘open when you are’ and as one of the few spots with wifi it’s worth a visit for the...
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Marielle G wrote a review Oct 2023
8 contributions
+1
Located in the middle of nowhere. Solitary. Good local food (buffet), great service. Simple but comfortable rooms. Surrounded by nature. Primitive in a good way. Quiet, green, local. Perfect during your safari.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with family
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yogapuck wrote a review Oct 2023
Granby, Colorado15 contributions
We stayed one night at the Rhino Lodge outside of the Ngorongoro Crater for one night in early October. This lodge was in a beautiful setting with very quiet and clean rooms and full bathrooms. The food was served buffet style. We had Defassa waterbuck and zebra grazing around the lodge. We were about 15 minutes from the Crater entrance.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Traveled with family
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Krupa G wrote a review Oct 2023
Fiumicino, Italy8 contributions
My husband and I stayed here for one night after our safari in Ngorongoro crater. Even though we were here for only one night, it truly made a lasting impression for us and we'll never forget our stay here and the staff who helped make it so. We saw waterbucks and zebras right outside our window, which was so special. We relaxed on the deck overlooking some zebra grazing on the grass with a bottle of local Tanzanian wine. The staff was even kind enough to bring out a basket of popcorn for us! The food was beyond amazing and they had a variety of options in the buffet. The lodge is less than 10 minutes away from the crater entrance, making it an ideal location. Thank you to the entire Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge team for helping make our honeymoon trip unforgettable!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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There are more places to choose from in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
ngorongoro rhino hotel ngorongoro conservation area
LOCATION
TanzaniaArusha RegionNgorongoro Conservation Area
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
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NGORONGORO RHINO LODGE - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania)

Frequently Asked Questions about Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.