Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the crater 600 metres below.

Hugging the contours of the jagged crater rim, the lodge takes its inspiration from the so-called ‘Cradle of Mankind', the prehistoric site of Olduvai Gorge, which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylised prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight.

Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms (below) are strung around the crater rim; they feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Masai carvings and stylised prehistoric cave paintings. Each room enjoys uninterrupted views over the crater's unmatched splendour.

The split-level rock-built dining and bar area (below) features a wall of windows, which look down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below while double doors lead out on to a broad viewing terrace. Clustered around a glowing central fireplace, the space is decorated with prehistoric cave paintings and lit by torches.