Ngorongoro Melia Lodge

The first lodge ever built in the crater, this iconic safari retreat has been meticulously renovated. It masterfully combines the timeless elegance of original fireplaces and wooden ceilings with the sleek comforts of modern luxury. The lodge now stands as a stunning example of African Modernism while preserving its rich history.

Details

Suspended on the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with sweeping panoramic views of the crater floor, is the Ngorongoro Melia Lodge. Cloaked in morning mist and dense forest, this brand-new luxurious lodge blends in beautifully with its natural surroundings. As your land rover navigates the rocky road leading up to the lodge, keep an eye open for resident buffalos known to leisurely munch on leafy greens – right in the lodge’s backyard!

Ngorongoro Meila Lodge is the newest lodge on the rim of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Construction at Melia Lodge was completed in 2023 after 3 years of extensive renovations of the former Wildlife Lodge property. The Wildlife Lodge was the first property built in the Ngorongoro Crater in the early 1960s and has the #1 location on the entire rim of the Crater.

The views from the property are indeed truly jaw-dropping with a feeling reminiscent of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. This luxurious venue is certainly all about VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Make sure to bring a pair of high-powered binoculars to spot wildlife down on the crater floor below. Sometimes you can spot buffalo, hippo and elephant near the swamps and even rhino out on the plains.

Ngorongoro Melia Lodge consists of 26 standard rooms (215 square feet) called ‘The Rim Rooms’ and an additional 24 Suites of various sizes and configurations. Each room is decorated with local artwork and has a separate bathroom that boasts a contemporary vanity, hairdryer and walk-in shower. Accommodations at this lodge are heated, making for a very comfortable “climate controlled” stay in spite of the lodge’s lofty elevation and correspondingly low temperatures, especially at night.

The main lodge area consists of 3 restaurants and bars, an outdoor viewing deck, infinity swimming pool, spa and boutique, and a 24-hour gym. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Crackling fireplaces inside the common areas add warmth to the “mountain lodge” atmosphere, and are especially cozy since the temperatures outside can be quite chilly at this elevation.

Gaze at the jaw-dropping views of the crater floor offered from majestic picture windows that line the lounge and dining room, or better yet from the seclusion of your room; each individual room offers its own stunning view of the retired volcanic cauldron below. From its ideal hilltop location, the lodge’s panoramic visual of the crater and sparkling soda lake below is both breathtaking and surreal.

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Cheetah	Yes