Elewana has announced that the Ngorongoro Explorer Lodge, its second property, is set to open in June 2027.
Located at the highest point of the eastern rim, the property offers one of the most elevated vantage points on the Ngorongoro crater rim, providing privileged bird eye views of the caldera, including spectacular sunrise scenes.
Designed by 2802 Architects, the same firm as Serengeti Explorer, the property has been carefully considered to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. A cleverly intended palate of neutral and dark colours combined with bountiful lush vegetation deliberately framing the buildings, ensure that the crater remains the main attraction.
The contemporary design throughout is impressive yet welcoming and comfortable, with open fire lounges and terraces perched on the crater rim. The interior concept was conceptualised by Jallan Sahba, with the design intended to reflect the dramatic setting and character of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The lodge’s 84 guestrooms – 45 of which will be double, 29 twin, six family and four ADA-accessible – will feature rich fabrics and artefacts, reflecting the surrounding environment and local culture. All rooms will have wall to ceiling glass windows looking out towards the crater.
Multiple culinary outlets including the main restaurant, an outdoor boma-style dining experience, pool bar, terrace bar and coffee bar/café will drawing on local ingredients and cooking methods with a touch of international flare, while a wine cellar with high tech wine preservation methods will allow guests fine wine by the glass.
Wellness facilities will include a spa with four treatment rooms, including one double treatment room, a sauna, rasul chamber, cold plunge, vitality pool and gymnasium, and the lodge’s infinity pool will directly overlook the crater. For events, a multimedia room will be able to host up to 40 delegates.
Built on the site of a pre-existing property, the lodge will not add any additional bed nights to the local area and repurposes materials from the previous lodge site to protect the local ecosystem.
True to Elewana’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the property is incorporating sustainable building technologies and principles throughout its construction and is pursuing EDGE certification with the intention to be official in time for its opening.
