Meliá Hotels International has announced the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection. Located in northern Tanzania in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the new hotel is the brand’s fourth property in Africa and belongs to The Meliá Collection, a group of unique and exclusive hotels with their own distinctive personality.
Location
With the utmost respect for the environment, Ngorongoro Lodge was carefully designed in honour of its unique location. The hotel sits within the protected Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking 26,247 square feet natural oasis and iconic 1,969 feet deep crater. More than 25,000 wild animals live along the crater and is known for its various hominid species. The crater, which formed when a volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is home to the endangered Black Rhino, and one of the densest known populations of lions.
Sustainability
Aligned with Meliá Hotels International’s values in sustainability, the hotel pays special attention to protecting the natural ecosystem of Ngorongoro and preserving the culture of the Maasai tribe. A Nilotic ethnic group, the Maasai reside across Kenya and northern Tanzania. With a modern infrared system, the hotel manages energy consumption in the heat transmission of the systems themselves, making each of them 90% self-sufficient. Additionally, 95% of all products used across the property are acquired in neighbouring villages and the hotel will produce its own water through a bottling plant.
Design
The hotel features 56 guestrooms, including 6 suites, 17 junior suites and 1 villa, all with breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Inspired by the Maasai culture, guestrooms and public spaces feature earthy furnishings and a neutral colour palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning views to take the spotlight. Rooms are defined with accents of traditional patterns and artwork from neighbouring villages. All guest rooms include local bathroom amenities and unique hand-made features such as traditional Sanaa wall art – an ode to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and charity.
Experiences
For those looking to immerse themselves in the nature and beauty of Tanzania, the Lodge provides a variety of unique tours, exhibitions, shows, and excursions like no other. Guests can discover Ngorongoro Crater with a full-day Game Drive and observe Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife such as wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. Guests will be transported around the crater in their own safari vehicle with an experienced guide and a full picnic lunch.
For guests looking to learn more about local Tanzanian culture, the Maasai will open their homes to Ngorongoro Lodge. Guests are welcomed into the boma, the traditional Maasai house, where they are able to see and participate in their cultural activities including traditional dances, house making, creating handcrafted ornaments, and cooking a variety of dishes. For thrill-seeking nature lovers, the Balloon Safari offers a birds-eye view of the famous Ndutu Region with its enchanting scenery. Guests can float in a hot air balloon, touring the skies above the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Victoria. The adventures are endless at Ngorongoro Lodge, including one-of-a-kind experiences intended to educate and inspire.
Food and drink
Ngorongoro Lodge’s food and beverage offerings are inspired by its unique surroundings, where guests can experience intimate dining throughout The Crater grill, lounge, and bar. Inspired by traditional African cuisine with Asian influences, The Crater Grill prepares the best selection of local fish and poultry with an extraordinary fusion of Tanzanian aromas and ingredients. Guests can return from their day and watch the sunset at The Crater Lounge and enjoy a glass of the best East African wines, long drinks, and local fruit cocktails. Throughout the day diners can enjoy the taste of Tanzanian coffee and local teas at The Crater Bar or indulge in a cocktail made from local African liquors such as Gin.
Wellness
For wellness offerings, the amenities at The Spa provide guests with unparalleled moments of relaxation and complete rejuvenation. With a wide range of treatments and luxurious massage techniques, guests will find soothing aromas and emotive musical sounds to ease themselves into complete zen. Spa-goers will also receive an authentic local experience as the selection of natural beauty products commonly used throughout treatments are produced in Tanzania by Inaya Zanzibar, inspired by the remarkable properties of Africa’s rich and diverse nature. Ngorongoro Lodge’s Spa delivers total wellness of mind, body and soul amongst the most breathtaking of settings.
