Reviews of Rhino Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
22 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Rhino Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Interesting Place"
It was nice having a fire in the wood stove each night, that helped." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 2n in Rwanda
"Cosy lodge in the mist"
On the Ngorongoro Crater rim without the expense of a "view" over the crater, which at this season is perpetually foggy. Waterbuck on the "lawn" beside our deck. A relaxed and rustic feel.
Lodge:
Cosy fires in the lounge/dining area, and in your room if desired. Our guide ate with us, which was good.
Wildlife:
Good access to Ngorongoro - first car down there I think. Some really interesting behavioural wildlife watching; a standoff/hunt between a large herd of buffalo with an attacked calf, 5 male lions and 12 hyenas.
Also did a half-day walk on crater rim; had intended a walk up Mt Makarot but grass too long for safety, and this season apparently habitually too foggy for views. Alternative well-organised for us by our guide Aminiel." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
3 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Rhino Lodge review"
I had the option of staying there one night, then moving to the manager’s room for the second night, or staying in the mgr’s room both nights. I viewed both. The room reserved was small and basic, with two single beds. After being escorted to the mgr’s room past the clothes lines, propane tank and staff lodging I was shown the mgr’s room. With a fireplace, livingroom area, couch, and a porch obviously I was very pleased to stay there the two nights!
The setting, dining area and food were all very nice. The staff was exceptional. I preferred the smaller, cozier atmosphere at Rhino to a larger, more commercial place with more amenities, and would highly recommend it, My room rating below is based on the room I would have stayed in." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Great budget-friendly choice above the crater"
The managers of the lodge are extremely welcoming and friendly. The rooms are spacious and clean, with brightly colored blankets and nice patios overlooking water buck and even marabou stork. The bathroom was extremely basic- nothing was wrong with it, but it could've used a bit of bleach, and the hot water came and went depending on how many other guests were using it. This wasn't a big deal, however, as we got 2 really good nights sleep here and loved the setting.
The food is what sets Rhino Lodge apart- it was buffet style, so there was always something for everyone, and it was really tasty. The picnic lunch that was packed for us was our favorite of the trip, and beat out picnics from other more "high end" accommodations.
I was sorry to leave here, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a stopover that is pleasant and as a bonus, budget-friendly." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Enjoyed the resident wildlife"
The resident animals made the visit interesting. We saw waterbuck and a Malibou stork on the grounds here. Our driver amost walked into an elephant after dark.
We enjoyed the hot showers after our day at Manyara. Laundry was included in the price of the lodge which we appreciated. Food was excellent.
We appreciated the cool evenings and knew we could have a fire, in the fireplace, in our room if needed.
We would have liked to stay here longer." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
"Rhino Lodge review"
An attractive single storey lodge with Simple comfortable rooms, with balconies and a wood burning stove. A very attractive large dining room with a large central fireplace with sofas has a really nice feel to it. Overall a very good stop over and means you can get into the crater nice and early." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
"Rhino Lodge Review"
Again, our marvellous guide Silvanus made the trip into the Ngorongoro Crater an unforgettable experience. The views from the rim were breathtaking. Silvanus seemed to have eyes like a hawk and without him we would not have noticed the Black Rhino for instance. We also saw numerous lions and hippos." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 8n in Zanzibar
"Basic but good value and excellent position"
"Simple but effective"
1) Location - on top of the crater means you are in a greater location for an early morning start, we were one of the first cars into the crater and it made a massive difference
2) Setting - has beautiful grounds and the surrounding areas which meant you saw wildlife right outside your room. It is true you are not overlooking the crater but I did not think that this was a massive drawback
3) Personal touches - loved the wood fire stoves in the room, the very friendly staff and owners
4) Food - both breakfast and supper were very good with a range of food offered which set you up for the day ahead.
Overall this is not the most glamorous or fashionable place to stay, but for us that is not what we wanted on this trip. Instead you got the feeling that they cared very much about their guests, the surrounding area and not creating eyesores in this perfect landscape (which cant not be said for a number of the more fashionable / expensive options within the crater)." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Recovery at Rhino Lodge"
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Other lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands
The Highlands is a unique camp near Olmoti Crater, north of Ngorongoro, offering drives, walks and cultural visits from a beautiful remote setting.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
