Ngorongoro Rhino Lodge

Overview

Rhino Lodge was formerly the home of Ngorongoro’s first conservator, Henry Fosbrooke, Assistant District Officer of the Loliondo district of the Maasai homeland. It was Henry who first attracted popular attention to the area with his book “The Eighth Wonder” and began the movement that eventually led to the status of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rhino Lodge has kept its rustic, old-fashioned charm, and now offers affordable lodging for guests wanting to experience the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding area.
Rhino Lodge is also located in close proximity to the main entrance and road descending into the crater floor. When staying over, you will be able to enjoy an early breakfast to ensure that you can make the most of your time at the Crater.

Guest Information

• Climate and clothing
  Because of the high altitude (2,200 metres above sea level) the nights can be chilly. Each room has its own wood-burning stove to keep guests warm. We will also provide you with a hot water bottle. Remember to bring some extra warm clothing with.
• Meal times
  To ensure that you can get an early start into the crater we offer breakfast between 06.00 and 09.00 in the mornings (An earlier breakfast can be arranged on request). You can order a special lunch box to enjoy in the Crater. Please order these the night before. Dinner is served between 19.00 and 21.00. Tea and coffee are freely available at all times. Drinking water: Please do not drink the tap water. There is a jug of filtered water in your room to enjoy.
• Electricity and WiFi
  We pride ourselves in operating as an ‘eco-lodge’, which means that we are not connected to the Tanzania national supply grid. We generate all our power through generators. Electricity is therefore a valuable resource and we request you please to be careful how you use it and moderate your consumption. A generator is operating from 05.00 to 08.00, and from 16.00 to 21.00. We kindly request you to charge any electronic equipment only during these times. After 21.00 the generator is switched off and a limited amount of electricity is available from our storage batteries for lighting. The voltage is 220 volts. If you do have a ‘power bank’ please remember to bring this with.
  Please note that we do have free wifi available in the restaurant area. The speed is however limited and not suitable for downloads or uploads.
• Hot water
  Shower water gets heated by an electric heater close to your room. Please be mindful of using hot water sparingly as hot water is shared with neighbours and not in unlimited supply.
• Games
  We have a selection of games available such as ‘Bao’ (a Tanzanian speciality which our staff will explain to you), draughts, Scrabble and playing cards.
• Dangerous Animals
  After dark please be careful and never walk around the grounds unless you are accompanied by a member of our staff. One of lodge Askaris (watchmen) will accompany you to and from the dining room. They are also on duty throughout the night should you require assistance.

Accommodation

• With 24 comfortable ensuite rooms, a cozy living space, friendly local staff and delicious African-inspired meals, Rhino Lodge offers an affordable stay with panoramic views over the montane forest and distant Mount Oldeani. Guests regularly encounter wildlife such as elephant, buffalo and waterbuck at the lodge, which you can view from your room’s private deck.