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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"Superb Safari in Crater from Rhino Lodge"
We arrived at Rhino Lodge on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater around 5 and we were greeted warmly by the Manageress.. Being so high up, the Lodge is often surrounded by cloud and mist and it was pretty chilly when we arrived. You certainly need to pile on the layers here and we were glad of our fleeces. We really loved Rhino Lodge. The room was very spacious with a private wooden verandah from which we could see elephants and water buck and lots of gorgeous birds. There was plenty of very hot water for the shower (despite the warning that we might have to wait for hot water) and the tiled bathroom was very clean. You could charge up batteries between 5 and 9pm in your room and there was electric light throughout the night. A log-burner took the chill off the room and hot water bottles gave us a good night's sleep.
Food at Rhino Lodge is served in a lovely big room with a fireplace and superb views. We ate with Zeph our driver who kept us entertained with his stories. Food was self-service with plenty of choice and good quality. You could help yourself to tea and coffee throughout the day which was great.
We had one day in the Crater and it was a marvellous experience. We left at 6am and had a very interesting drive down in thick mist and rain! Nothing prepares you for the majesty of the Ngorongoro Crater when the mist clears and the stunning vista opens in front of you. We did not see a huge amount of game as it was very cold and clearly the animals were sheltering but that did not detract from our enjoyment of just being in this special place. We were expecting loads of other vehicles but it was remarkably free from jeeps probably as we had gone so early.. It was certainly much busier when we left around 3pm and headed back to the Lodge for our second night." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
"Rhino Lodge review"
Convenient access to the crater." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
"Rhino Lodge review"
All in all it was a good experience and very handy for getting to the crater floor nice and early." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
"Rhino Lodge review"
Really appreciated the wee wood stove in the room. Basic rooms but all one needs.
Enjoyed all the animals that visited on the gounds every evening.
Alex tried to be very helpful with the bird identifications." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
"Rhino Lodge review"
All the staff were friendly and helpful, the food was good (although there wasn't much choice, but that didn't bother us). The rooms were clean and comfortable, and everything worked worked. The fact it is fairly small made it feel more homely.
If we go back to Ngorongoro Crater then we'd happily stay there again." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
"No rhinos but De Fasso Water Buck"
Reception area poor, rooms OK but furniture could be better.
The time in the Ngorongoro Crater both days was excellent and most enjoyable.
The trip to Empakai Crater was very interesting for the countryside en rouite and the Masai villages. The crater itself and the soda lake in it were good to see. The walk down to the lake and back was through interesting woodland - but it was quite a hike back up in the heat of the day." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda
"Ngorongoro spectacular"
Although the Lodge was full , there was no noise and the buffet style dining and breakfast ran very smoothly. Although not in the same class as more upmarket lodges the rooms were clean and comfortable and 25mins from the descent road into the crater. The day trip to the crater was excellent and our guide Jackson made a great job of getting around and avoiding the crowds.
6 black rhino and plenty of lion ,hyena, eland were the highlights." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
"Rhino Lodge"
Ngorongoro Crater
Wonderful bush flight from Ndutu to Lake Manyara airstrip including buzz of crater on arrival to Lake Manyara. Jackson our
guide was prompt, professional and a valuable resource for game and bird identification.
Our game drive in the crater was fantastic, had great viewing including (15) of the (22) or so Black Rhinos with sightings of (4) babies with their moms. Once again bringing the right optical equip has paid off, using our scope we were able to view many things that would be disappointing to others with binos only. Our guide Jackson got a kick out of sharing some of the viewing through our scope. Got to see an Egyptian Mongoose coming out of the crater, they are very small and all black." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda
"Excellent location for access to Crater"
Robert our driver from Arusha Airport to Onsea House and for the next two days, was an excellent safe driver and very well informed about and a good spotter of wild life. Very pleasant to be with." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
"Rhino Lodge review"
Buffalo and waterbuck feed on the grass right outside the rooms!" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
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.
