Rhino Lodge is situated approximately 48.2 kilometers from Lake Manyara Airport, which takes about an hour by car. It’s a short 12.2-kilometer, roughly 22-minute drive from the Loduare Gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Located just a few hundred meters from the crater rim, the lodge provides an ideal starting point for exploring the Ngorongoro Crater and its nearby attractions.

The lodge features 24 comfortable en-suite rooms set in a cozy, rustic environment. Although it doesn’t overlook the crater directly, it offers an affordable stay with stunning views of the mist-covered montane forest and distant Mount Oldeani. The well-maintained grounds are frequented by local wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, hyenas, and occasionally Marabou storks, which can be spotted from the private decks of the rooms.

Rhino Lodge is conveniently located near the main entrance and the road leading into the crater, providing easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater’s floor. Guests can enjoy an early breakfast to maximize their time at the Crater. The lodge, once the residence of Henry Fosbrooke, the first conservator of Ngorongoro, has preserved its charming, old-fashioned appeal. Fosbrooke’s book, “The Eighth Wonder,” helped bring attention to the area and contributed to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The lodge comprises 24 semi-detached rooms arranged in two L-shaped rows around a central courtyard. Each room features a wooden deck overlooking the montane forest, with colorful Maasai blankets adding a vibrant touch to the whitewashed walls. For warmth, especially at the high altitude of 2,200 meters, rooms are equipped with wood-burning stoves and hot water bottles.

In the bar and dining area, two large fireplaces create a welcoming atmosphere for guests to gather and share their experiences. The restaurant serves delightful African-inspired meals, and after dinner, Maasai staff may perform traditional dances. The restaurant’s deck offers a great view of the surrounding grasslands and forest, making it a perfect spot for morning coffee.

Guests at Rhino Lodge can choose from various activities, including a visit to Oldupai Gorge to trace early human history, exploring the Shifting Sand Dunes, learning about Maasai culture at nearby bomas, hiking around the Empakai Crater, or tackling the active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai, for those seeking an adventurous challenge.