Rhino Lodge

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 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, the comfortable ensuite rooms with forest views, the cozy living space, friendly local staff and generous African-inspired meals offer guests a warm welcome home.

There are 24 guest rooms, all with verandah overlooking a stretch of high montane forest. Each room has its own shower, loo and hand basin. To keep away the cold each room has a wood-burning stove, and hot water bottles can be filled if you want one.

In the bar/dining-room there are two large fires which are a natural focus where guests like to meet and exchange stories of the day.  Hot, tasty food is available from the buffet. And after dinner Maasai staff may entertain you with some traditional dancing!

Rhino Lodge works very closely with the Ngorongoro Pastoral Council, the main governing body of the Masai people in the area. Almost half of our staff are Masai and the other half, Iraqw, a local tribe that inhabit the north of Tanzania. Supplies are all sourced from the local communities, including fresh vegetables and fruits that are used to conjure up a wholesome, home style cuisine. Everyday, on the premises, Masai ladies from nearby homesteads come to sell their wares to our visitors and spend their days here crafting beautiful jewelry and other collectible items.

Besides working with these communities, Rhino Lodge is very conscious of its impact on the environment. It tries to create as minimum an impact as possible by using environmentally friendly systems in its operations.

It’s non intrusive construction style allows wildlife to come very close to the lodge and within easy viewing distance of guests. Rhino Lodge is also supporting -other organisations in the area that strive to safeguard the environment and wildlife of this World Heritage Site.

Safari&Beach have really enjoyed visiting this spot and feedback from our guests has always been very positive.  It is not luxury but offers real value and a genuine Africa experience – quite apart from being perfectly located so close to the Ngorongoro crater.

Stop Press: Rhino Lodge is transfering ownership and will be closed for refurbishment from November 2024.