Rhino lodge 

Rhino Lodge is a relatively large lodge in a great location facing dense forest on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, close to the rim. It’s refreshingly simple with a relaxed atmosphere, and is operated in conjunction with the governing body of the area’s Maasai, to ensure that they benefit from the lodge’s success. Almost all the staff come from the local village, and part of the lodge’s income goes directly to the Maasai community.

The main lodge is built with solid stone walls which are yellow stucco on the outside, and whitewashed on the inside. The floors are highly polished stone and in the main dining room, colourful tablecloths top the tables that are dotted around. Several comfortable sofas surround a large central fireplace; on a previous visit this proved a cosy place to settle after dinner and pit your bao skills (a traditional African board game) against the local Maasai. The room is decorated with Rhino bronzes and buffalo horns and there is a small DSTV in one corner. 

The 24 rooms at Rhino Lodge are situated in a terraced rows around an outside courtyard, with a long wooden veranda on one side, facing the forest. Inside, the rooms are simple, with tiled floors, whitewashed walls and comfortable beds. Bed throws and curtains made from Maasai blankets add a touch of style and colour, and a small fireburner will keep you warm in the cooler months. There is also space to hang clothes, and a small writing desk and dresser where you’ll find a mirror and some bottled water. The result is a simple functional room, with a traditional character. Rooming configurations are very flexible as triples can be arranged in each room and four rooms have a double bed and bunk beds. In addition, Rhino Lodge has two family rooms. 

The en-suite bathrooms are again quite simple, but clean, with a hot shower, flushing toilet and handbasin. A wrought-iron towel rail and loo-roll holder break up the slightly clinical feel and lend some character. There is also a UK-style plug socket in the wall which makes charging batteries possible in the rooms, when the generator is turned on.

The main restaurant is situated at the back of the property overlooking the forest. A large wooden deck wraps around the restaurant on two of its sides which has a few chimineas and a stone fire pit to keep guests warm if they want to sit out in the evenings. The restaurant is designed as simply as the rest of the rest of the property. There are wooden chairs and tables covered by red tablecloths and the only other decoration is some pictures of Rhinoceroses and a few storm lanterns. The main focal points of the room are the two large fireplaces in the center which add warmth in the cooler months.