Lodge Overview

Perched on an elevated crest of the Ngorongoro highlands, with sunlight gleaming off its stately whitewashed buildings, lays the grand venue that is The Manor at Ngorongoro. The setting for this Lodge is stunning, and your first glimpse of The Manor against the misty backdrop of the Ngorongoro highlands is one you will always remember. Morning fog melts in the afternoon sunshine, revealing blue highland skies that contrast with the rich red tone of the fertile earth here. Neat rows of verdant coffee plants weave orderly patterns around the surrounding green hillside, while blue and purple hills roll into the haze of the distance.

The Manor is one of those places that seems suspended in time, somehow transported to modern days from a grander era gone by. Distinguished furnishings and expansive spaces beget an old-world class of luxury and comfort. With soaring spaces, fine details and ample amenities, The Manor is able to capture stately grandeur and opulent luxury on an expansive scale, without the slightest nuance of pretension. Casual elegance is the theme here, with the charming ambience of a traditional African coffee plantation and equestrian stable combined.

Magnificence abounds in the Ngorongoro highlands, and the Lodge compliments this grandioso theme in every stately detail. The white of the stucco buildings stands out in stark contrast against the bright colors of the property including rainbow of flower gardens, red brick pathways and blue highland sky. The soaring white wall that comprises the front facade of each villa gleams in the changing light to reflect the varied moods of the day, transforming from the muted grays of a misty morning to a blazing white in the afternoon sun to rosy glow in the evening twilight.

Beauty is easy to find here. But amenities and activities certainly aren’t lacking! Whether you are looking for a spa treatment or horseback ride, The Manor can deliver! Modern luxuries such as high speed internet and a projection TV/theatre room are modern conveniences that are certainly welcome, abet unexpected, in this theme of an era gone by..

Location

The Manor at Ngorongoro is located within the 1,500 acre Shangri-La estate of the Ngorongoro highlands, nestled between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park.

Accommodations

Accommodations here consist of 20 rooms: 18 private guest rooms situated into groups of two per cottage, plus a private family villa (the Stable Cottage) that houses an additional 2 bedrooms plus extra living spaces and loft.
The common areas of the Lodge include a huge main building that houses the majority of the guest facilities, including a living room, bar, dining room and terrace, library with wireless internet, game room and home theater. Horse stables, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a world-class spa are all part of the luxurious amenities also onsite.

Red bricks made from indigenous clay are constructed into charming pathways that link the common areas to each of the white-washed stucco cottages. Each guest cottage, which is accessed by a handsome equestrian-style stable door, is a private haven of unapologetic luxury and comfort. A fireplace forms the centerpiece of each room, built into a partial wall that divides the master suite into a separate living room and elevated bedroom.

Rich fabrics and fine linens further define luxury in the space. A writing desk, oversized sofa, upholstered chair, and rocking chair provide endless options to unwind with a glass of complimentary sherry. An oversized bed, blanketed with posh fabrics and pillows, entices the weary safari traveler to sink into bliss.
The luxury continues into the en suite bathroom, which is adorned by a double vanity, oversized porcelain bathtub and delightful rainfall shower. Heated tile floors, controlled by each guest through a simple thermostat dial on the wall, provide sublime warmth in cool temperatures. Attractive shutters open wide to allow the cool breezes of the highland air to spill refreshingly in and throughout the space.

The common areas of the Lodge echo the same theme of casual elegance. Shadows cast by the soaring shade trees chase each other across a sprawling green lawn brightened by flowers that surround the main building. The interior of the main building is all about space and light. The grand hallway is capped by two oversized entrances that face one another across an expansive room, allowing abundant light and ample breezes to spill freely inside. The ceiling vaults above the sprawling wooden floors, adorned by a grand chandeliers that overlook a myriad of elegant furnishings and cozy nooks where you could easily lose yourself in a good book. A living room and bar T’s off to one side, while a dining area encompasses the other wing.

Warm, earthy tones of sepia, mahogany, moss and cranberry characterize the living room, which is further accented by the rich textures of the smooth wooden floor, carved furniture, aged leather sofas and jewel-toned rugs. Open fire places provide central gathering spaces, radiating soft light and warmth. A grand piano sets off the open space between the living area and the bar. A private library near the bar is lighted by tiffany lamps and further adorned with a large writing desk. Wireless internet is another convenience that is also available here.

The dining room is the epitome of elegance, furnished with dining tables draped in linen and surrounded by upholstered chairs. A series of French doors open out to an al fresco dining verandah which provide the perfect space to enjoy casual meals. Evening dining is a more formal affair, held inside underneath softly glowing chandeliers as firelight glints off the sparkling porcelain and silver cutlery.

A basement below the main hall, accessed by an interior staircase, provides a separate haven of casual elegance and modern comforts. This sunken area is further divided into three separate spaces: one is a dedicated game room complete with pool table, the second an adjacent eating area and wine cellar, and a third room contains high-tech media equipment, boasting overstuffed leather furniture that can swallow you whole and a giant projection television screen on the far wall.

The grounds themselves are just as majestic. Chirrups of birds sparkle in the sunlit breeze and glimpses of their bright plumage flash in the shady branches above. Butterflies gently flit through the gardens like mobile flowers off their stem. Although plant life thrives in the cool environment and fertile farmland of the Ngorongoro highlands, no small amount of effort goes into maintaining the pristine condition of the gardens here. Well manicured lawns bleed into tangled flower beds of roses and bougainvillea, and the citrus aroma of lemon sage wafts on the breeze. The abundant herb gardens aren’t just for show either, as the kitchen uses plenty of fresh herbs in preparation of The Manor’s delicious meals.

Food and Drink

Dining at The Manor is all part of the elegance here. Expect delicious food here, and plenty of it: hearty breakfasts, delicate lunches and exquisite evening meals.

Breakfast consists of eggs, sausage and/or bacon cooked to order, as well as a variety of cereals, cold meats, fresh fruit, yogurt, and rolls, toast and pastries. Breakfast is traditionally served between 7-10am, but timing is flexible and can be arranged at anytime at request.

Lunch is served anytime after 12pm, usually consisting of a starter, followed by a light main course dish, salads and freshly baked bread, and then a light desert or fresh fruit.

Dinner is served after 7pm. Guests sit at private tables and order off an a la carte menu. The menu is rotated daily, and consists of various choices of fare. Courses include a tantalizing starter, a delicate salad, cream or broth based soup, a main meal consisting of meat (beef, pork or chicken) paired with vegetables, and a decedent dessert to finish the meal.

Water, tea, coffee, beer, and selected wines are all included with the meal.

Special Features

• Easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park
• Sleeping accommodations consist of 20 guest rooms
• Handicap accessibility (2 wheelchair-friendly rooms)
• The Stable Cottage includes two separate bedrooms, sleeping loft and play area for children and additional living spaces
• Main building consists of lounge, living room, bar, formal dining room, casual dining space and veranda, fireplaces, home theater and game room
• Wireless internet available in Library on complimentary basis
• Beverages are complimentary (soft drinks, beer, selected wines and spirits)
• Laundry services are complimentary
• Babysitting services available
• Room service available
• In-room digital safe
• In-room hairdryer
• Fireplace in each guest room
• 24/7 electricity
• Breakfast served at flexible times (prearranged the evening prior)
• Lunch served at 12pm
• Dinner served after 7.00pm
• Private dining available
• Credit cards accepted
• Well stocked safari boutique and gift shop
• Equestrian stables and horse-back rides
• Swimming pool
• Spa and wellness center
• Telephone in the rooms
• Guided walking safaris