Meliá announces the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge

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.

Aligned with the brands values in sustainability, the hotel pays special attention to protecting the natural ecosystem of Ngorongoro and preserving the culture of the Maasai tribe. With a modern infrared system, the hotel manages energy consumption in the heat transmission of the systems themselves, making each of them 90 per cent self-sufficient. Additionally, 95 per cent of all products used across the property are acquired in neighbouring villages and the hotel will produce its own water through a bottling plant.

The hotel features 56 guestrooms, including six suites, 17 junior suites and one 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.

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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.

Image credit: Meliá Collection

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.

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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.

Main image credit: Meliá Hotels International