10 Days Glaciers Wilderness Argentinian Patagonia El Calafate Argentina

Overview

Perched on the rim and affording spectacular views of the world famous Ngorongoro crater floor below, the ivy-clad Ngorongoro Serena Lodge offers good rooms, friendly service, well run facilities and delicious food.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is actually built into the rim of the crater itself, with the foliage-covered native stone of the lodge blending into the surrounding hillside. The views of the crater will certainly take your breath away: the 75 rooms, bar and restaurant all overlook the picturesque valley below. The rooms have attractive wooden floors and are decorated with ancient cave art. Each features modern en suite bathrooms, patios and heating as the temperatures can significantly drop here at night.

The main building contains a large restaurant, bar, gift shop, TV area and an attractive outside decking area, perfect for relaxing while admiring the view. There are buffets for breakfast and lunch but an a la carte menu is available for dinner.

Beside the exciting safaris within the crater, there are numerous walks and activities one can do from the lodge including visits to local tribal villages.

Within Ngorongoro crater is a diverse ecosystem representing nearly every habitat found in East Africa. Open grasslands are inhabited by wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah and black rhino; acacia woodland provides cover for leopards; swamps supply the food for elephants and buffalos; freshwater pools harbour hippos; and a small soda lake is a feeding ground for flocks of flamingos. In addition there are small outcrops of rocks which give shade for lions and even an highly arid area of shifting sand dunes.

Overview

Embodying all that is great in East Africa bush camping, Serengeti Safari Camp is a gem of a lodge. Six beautifully equipped safari tents provide accommodation for just 12 guests creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Candlelit bush dinners, good standards of service and some of the best guides in Africa all go to complete the safari experience. The lodge switches its location throughout the year putting it in the very best position for the migration. For this reason the camp is one of the best options for those hoping to view some of the most spectacular events of the migration such as river crossings.

The camp itself is actually quite simple but the quality of food and service is first class. There are two communal tents, one is a comfortable lounge and the second is the dining tent where delicious and well-presented dinners are taken. Breakfast and lunch are usually taken out in the field. There are six private and spacious guest tents, each with a table and chairs and large double bed. Behind the beds is a changing area, sink, towel rack and bucket shower with hot water available on request. Storm lanterns powered by solar power provide lighting and there is a torch and alarm for emergency attention.

The locations of the camp around the park have to be agreed well in advance with the park authorities – thus the unpredictable route of the migration means that sometimes a drive is necessary to reach the best spots for wildlife observation.