Rhino Lodge is a new and incredibly unique property which offers something quite refreshing within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It opened in September 2007, and rather than being a luxury lodge for tourists it is actually a very simple lodge aimed mainly at local Tanzanians.
At all times, international visitors can only occupy half of the lodge and the rest is reserved for Tanzanian citizens. The lodge was built in conjunction with the local community and has the ideology for making the Crater accessible to those who might not usually be able to stay in any of the other lodges in the area.
The result is a simple lodge that offers plenty of atmosphere, and is a great value place to stay in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The main lodge is built with solid stone walls which are a muted green from the outside, and white-washed on the inside. The floors are highly polished stone and the furniture is simple comfortable sofas or wooden tables and directors' chairs.
The rooms at Rhino Lodge are all situated in a terraced row, around an outside courtyard. In front is a long wooden terrace which faces out into the dense forest on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The rooms are simple, with tiled floors, white washed walls and comfortable beds. Bed throws and curtains made from Maasai blankets add a touch of style, however the rooms still remain quite functional.
The en-suite bathrooms are again quite simple, but spotlessly clean and freshly decorated. There is a hot-and-cold shower, flush-toilet and a sink. There is also a UK-style plug socket in the wall.
From Rhino Lodge you will usually head out on activities with your own private vehicle and guide. It is a great base from which to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, as it's only about 20 minutes' drive from the main descent road to the Crater floor, where you can get close to the abundant big game found there. You can also head out on beautiful walks in the Ngorongoro highlands which last 2 – 3hours.
Rhino Lodge is a simple lodge with a clear ideology – for the more adventurous traveller it is an interesting and economic place to stay. We were impressed with what we saw of it, though it was early days … as we visited in the same month that it opened.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 24 rooms
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: Spend two nights at Rhino Lodge for one day to explore the Crater floor – or stay a little longer to enjoy some walking as well.
Directions: Rhino Lodge is immediately next to the Ngorongoro Crater's rim; around a 3½ hour drive from Arusha, or a 2 hour drive from Lake Manyara.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food at Rhino Lodge is quite simple, yet hearty and filling, and here is plenty to go around.
Breakfast usually consists of plenty of fruit, fresh bread, eggs cooked to your liking and fresh juice. Tea and coffee is also available.
You would usually then take a packed lunch with you during the day, so that you don't have to return to the lodge. Rhino Lodge provides a lunch of sandwiches, fresh fruit, a snack such as biscuits or cake and a drink.
Dinner is then usually a set menu with three courses. The starter is often tasty soup or perhaps a salad. The main courses can vary, between Swahili influenced dishes such as meat or bean stew with rice. Or international fare such as grilled chicken or beef, with vegetables and potatoes. Desert is then fresh fruit or perhaps some ice-cream.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are not included.
Children
Attitude towards children: Rhino Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Rhino Lodge.
Activities: There are no special activities or services at Rhino Lodge.
Equipment: Rhino Lodge has no special equipment for children.
Generally recommended for children: Rhino Lodge is a relaxed and welcoming place that would be a great place for children.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is mobile phone reception at Rhino Lodge.
TV & radio: There is no radio, however there is DSTV or satellite television at Rhino Lodge
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: The laundry is an extra cost, it is hand washed and returned to you within 24 hours depending on the weather.
Money: There are no currency exchange facilities at Rhino Lodge.
Accepted payment: Travellers can pay for any extras in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings cash. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not accepted.
Rhino Lodge review
This lodge was a contrast to the Tarangire lodge, being more basic, but we enjoyed it very much. It had a homely feel about it and the staff were very firendly and helpful. (and provided us with fill...
Nice Evenings at Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge does not have the same facilities as some of the more expensive venues, but what is provided is more than adequate and everything is spotlessly clean. Prospective guests should note that t...
