Meliá Hotels International has announced the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection. Located in northern Tanzania in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the newly renovated hotel is the brand’s fourth property in Africa and belongs to The Meliá Collection. The hotel sits within the protected Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 1,969-foot-deep crater. More than 25,000 wild animals live along the crater and is known for its various hominid species.
The hotel’s renovation has paid 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 percent self-sufficient. Additionally, 95 percent of all products used across the property are acquired in neighboring villages and the hotel will produce its own water through a bottling plant. There are 60 guestrooms including six suites, 17 junior suites and one villa—all with views of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Rooms are defined with accents of traditional patterns and artwork from neighboring villages. All guestrooms include local bathroom amenities and hand-made features, such as traditional Sanaa wall art.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the nature of Tanzania, the Lodge provides a variety of unique tours, exhibitions, shows and excursions. Guests can discover Ngorongoro Crater with a full-day Game Drive and observe Tanzania’s 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, 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. Guests can float in a hot air balloon, touring the skies above the Ngorongoro Highlands and Lake Victoria.
Ngorongoro Lodge’s food and beverage offerings are inspired by its surroundings, where guests can experience intimate dining throughout The Crater Grill, Lounge and Bars. Inspired by traditional African cuisine with Asian influences, The Crater Grill prepares the best selection of local fish and poultry with a 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.
For wellness offerings, the amenities at The Spa provide guests with a wide range of treatments and luxurious massage techniques. 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 properties of Africa’s diverse nature.
Tip: In addition to the experiences and excursions offered at Ngorongoro Lodge, Meliá Hotels International also provides an exclusive travel itinerary for guests looking to explore the beauty and nature across Tanzania. The luxury itinerary spans six days and five nights starting at Gran Meliá Arusha located in between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks where guests can take in the views of Mount Meru. Explorers will then move on to Ngorongoro Lodge for a two-night stay where they will part take in a traditional Game Drive inside the Ngorongoro Crater. From there, travelers will continue over to Meliá Serengeti Lodge, a property surrounded by wildlife and an infinite sky of endless land. The itinerary will end with some rest and relaxation on Zanzibar Island at Meliá Zanzíbar where guests can enjoy white sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of an unforgettable African holiday.
For more information, visit www.melia.com.
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