Uncover the Magic: Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge - Your Tanzanian Dream Awaits!
Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge: My Tanzanian Dream…with a Few Hiccups! (A Very Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This review of Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge is going to be less "perfectly polished travel brochure" and more "diary entry from a slightly sunburnt, utterly amazed, and occasionally frustrated human." Because, let's be real, perfection is boring. And let's face it, you're here for the real deal.
SEO & Metadata (Just in Case Google is Watching!):
- Keywords: Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge, Tanzania, Safari Lodge, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool, Dining, Review, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Luxury, Travel, Accommodation, Wifi, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly.
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge! From jaw-dropping views to the sometimes-confusing accessibility, I dive deep into the pros and cons, quirky moments, and whether it truly lives up to the Tanzanian dream. Read for a real take!
Let's Start with the Dreamy Stuff (Because, OMG, That View!)
Honestly? Pulling up to Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge was like stepping into a postcard. The architecture is stunning – all earthy tones and flowing lines that just melt into the landscape. And the view…oh, the view! You're perched on a ridge overlooking rolling hills, often shrouded in mist early in the morning which is where you'd want to go if you are a person who has insomnia. I'm guessing it offers a great sight to ponder during those late-night moments. Think Lion King sunrise vibes, but a whole lot less dramatic (and, thankfully, without any evil uncles).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly.
This is where things get a little… complicated. The lodge says it’s accessible. And, in certain areas, it is. The main reception area? Flat and easy to navigate. The main dining area? Mostly accommodating. But then you run into steps, uneven pathways, and the occasional gravel that’s the bane of any wheelchair user’s existence. So, while it claims accessibility, it's definitely not a fully guaranteed experience. I noticed the elevator, which was very helpful but sometimes felt like a gamble – would it work? And sometimes, the distances between areas, even when accessible, were pretty long. I'm not going to lie, some areas required a bit of a push from the staff, though they were incredibly helpful and kind. It's a work in progress, and potential improvements are needed for full accessibility.
Rooms: Luxurious Bliss (Mostly!)
The rooms? Divine. Absolutely divine. The "Available in all rooms" list below barely scratches the surface:
- Bedding: Extra long bed sounds like an understatement, it's the size of a freaking football field.
- Tech: Wifi [free] in rooms - A lifesaver for posting your jealousy-inducing photos (and keeping in touch with the real world every now and then).
- Amenities: Bathrobes, toiletries, coffee/tea…all the good stuff to keep you feeling pampered.
I was obsessed with the bathtub. Seriously, I spent a good hour just soaking in bubbles while staring out the window. It absolutely made up for the slightly wonky access.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With Some Oddities!)
Okay, this is another area with ups and downs. Let's start with the good:
- Restaurants: The main restaurant offered a buffet (Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant) and a la carte menu (A la carte in restaurant).
- Options: They offered Alternative meal arrangements.
- Extras: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Bottle of water. Yum!
The food was generally good, a mix of international and local flavors. But, and this is a big but, the service could be…slow. Sometimes, finding a staff to actually serve you felt like an expedition of its own. And the layout of the food stations at the buffet could be a little chaotic, making it challenging to navigate, especially during peak hours.
The Poolside bar was great for grabbing a quick drink (Poolside bar), but the snack bar felt a little… limited. A few more options would have been welcome! Coffee shop seemed closed at odd hours, so make sure to grab a cappuccino when available.
The Spa: Pure Bliss (But Don't Forget Your Bug Spray!)
The spa was a highlight. A true haven. The Massage was heavenly, and the steamroom (Steamroom), sauna (Sauna), and pool with view (Pool with view), were incredible. I especially loved the foot bath (Foot bath), a welcome treat after a day of dusty safari adventures. The spa staff were incredibly professional and attentive—a true escape. But PSA: if you're prone to mosquito bites, don't forget your bug spray! I learned that lesson the hard way…
Things To Do, Ways To Relax (Beyond the Spa!)
- The Pool: The outdoor swimming pool (Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool) was GORGEOUS. Think infinity pool, perfect for lounging after a dusty safari.
- Fitness Center: They had a "Fitness center".
- Things to do: There wasn't much to do beyond the pool and spa, so it's really about relaxing and enjoying the views.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
I felt very safe and secure. They were clearly taking hygiene seriously throughout:
- Protection: Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Cleaning: Rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection in common areas.
- Policies: Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Room sanitization opt-out available (if you're brave!)
Services and Conveniences: Mostly Solid
- Always Available: Daily housekeeping, Room service [24-hour]
- Helpful: Concierge
- Extras: Gift/souvenir shop.
For the Kids (A Quick Note):
I didn't travel with kids, but I did see families there, and the Kids facilities looked pretty decent. Babysitting service was available.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Honest Bits
Okay, here’s where I get real.
- The Wi-Fi: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yep, technically true. But the connection was… spotty. Let's just say, downloading your safari photos might take a while. Which is okay, right? You're on vacation! But still…
- The Hot Water: Okay, this was a one-off event. But one morning, the hot water ran out while I was in the shower. I'm talking cold water only. I emerged looking like a drowned rat. Luckily, the staff quickly fixed the issue, and they were very apologetic. But still, it added a bit of a shock to the morning.
- The Loud Birds!: At the time I stayed, there was a cacophony of birds every morning. Seriously, if you're a light sleeper, pack some earplugs or put a bunch of rocks on your head.
In Conclusion: Would I go back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor hiccups, the sheer beauty, the incredible staff, and the overall "special-ness" of Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge won me over. It's not a flawless experience, but it's a genuine one, full of heart and that magical Tanzanian charm. Just be aware of the accessibility challenges, pack some patience for the service, and get ready for a truly unforgettable experience. And whatever you do, don't forget your bug spray. You'll thank me later!
Escape to Paradise: Kavy Hotel Boutique, Cameron Highlands
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, slightly-off-kilter reality of a trip to the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge in Tanzania. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, dodgy Wi-Fi, and questionable fashion choices. This ain't your pristine travel brochure; this is the real deal.
Ngorongoro Oldeani: Lodge Life & Safari Shenanigans - A Messy Itinerary
(Okay, I'm calling it an "itinerary," but let's be honest, it's more of a suggestion. My personality is essentially "wing it and hope for the best.")
Day 1: Arrival & Oh Dear, The Views! (aka, The Glorious Overwhelm)
- Morning (Pre-Dawn, because jet lag): Land in Arusha. Airport shuffle. Customs line. Remember to tip the guy who helps with your luggage, especially if it looks like you've packed your entire life in one oversized suitcase like I did. (Note to self: next time, pack lighter. Yeah, right.)
- Mid-Morning: Drive to the Oldeani Lodge. The drive itself is a revelation! The landscape shifts from flat, dusty plains to rolling hills, and then… BAM! The first glimpse of the lodge. Seriously. Jaw. Drop. The pictures don't do it justice. It's like something out of a movie. Lush green, a million birds chattering, and that view of the Ngorongoro Crater in the distance… I swear, I almost teared up. (Don't judge. Jet lag is a powerful thing.)
- Lunch: Arrive at the lodge. Check-in. This is where it gets good. We were welcomed with such warmth and genuine smiles from the staff. They were so genuinely happy to host us. Gorgeous spread of food. I went for the soup. It was a creamy, delicious masterpiece.
- Afternoon: Lodge Exploration & That Damn Mosquito Net (My Arch Nemesis): Unpack (or attempt to…my suitcase exploded). The room is gorgeous. Seriously. I was obsessed with the balcony. I'll confess, I struggled with the mosquito net. It's beautiful, romantic, and a giant, fluffy, slightly annoying pain in the… well, you get the idea. It took me a solid ten minutes to actually get inside without getting tangled. After a bit of rest, I had a proper look around, taking in the sights, the sounds, the smells (the good ones, mostly).
- Evening: Sunset Cocktails & Wildlife Whispers: Back to the balcony. The sunset! Unforgettable. Drinks (I'm a gin and tonic gal, myself). Chatting with other guests – everyone is giddy with excitement. We shared stories of travel, of life, of the sheer overwhelming beauty of the place. Dinner was divine. The sounds outside… the chirping, rustling…you know there's wildlife around. It adds a layer of mystique. Later, I sat on the balcony and watched the stars. The brilliance of the night sky is enough to make you believe in magic. (And maybe slightly regret not bringing binoculars.)
Day 2: The Safari! OMG, Safari! & The Great Elephant of My Dreams (and Trauma)
- Morning: Rise and Shine (and Pack the Anti-Malarials): EARLY! Like, the sun isn't even fully awake yet. Safari prep: pack a hat, sunscreen, more sunscreen, a camera, water, snacks (essential), and a healthy dose of "OMG, I'm actually doing this!" The lodge provides a packed breakfast. That's what I mean, so many small details make this place special.
- Morning/Early Afternoon: The Ngorongoro Crater Safari - The Animal Kingdom Unleashed: The drive down the crater…breathtaking doesn't even begin to cover it. The sheer scale of the crater is something to behold. It's like a giant, natural amphitheater. Suddenly the animals start appearing. The first thing I saw was a herd of zebras. Then, giraffes, gracefully snacking on leaves. I did not give a damn about any of my social media for a day. The next animals I saw were lions lounging! The lions were so relaxed. I took approximately 1000 pictures. My photographer had a field day taking many more. (Apologies to my bank account for the inevitable photo-related purchases).
- Afternoon: The Elephant of Destiny (and Nervous Breakdown): We had to stop for lunch. The lunch spot was absolutely gorgeous. And then… We saw him. This giant elephant. He was magnificent, regal, and…right in front of our jeep! For a second I felt a wave of fear wash over me. I wanted to run to safety (or cry). But the elephant seemed just as curious as we were. He stared at our jeep. Our guide, a man of incredible calm and experience, just smiled and said, "He's just saying hello." The elephant then casually walked past us, and I swear, I'll never be the same. He was enormous. His presence was overwhelming. It was the sort of moment that sticks with you. Then, we saw a huge pack of playful hippos.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Back to the Lodge & Post-Safari Euphoria: The drive back to the lodge was a quiet mix of awe and exhaustion. A hot shower was a priority. Dinner. The best food I've ever tasted. More star-gazing.
Day 3: Optional Activities (aka, Sleep In & Re-Embrace The Mosquito Net)
- Morning: I opted to sleep. I also opted to enjoy breakfast. I realized how little I had thought about the staff. I wrote a bunch of little thank you notes.
- Afternoon: Relaxing by the pool. Reading. Trying (and failing) to master the art of relaxing. This is where the minor categories blend. I didn't do any of the activities, but I did make some friends.
- Evening: Another sunset. More incredible food. This is where the stream-of-consciousness really sets in. I talked to our guide. I talked to the other guests. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone is touched by this place. The evening, again, passed in a blur of gin and tonic, laughter, and a profound sense of gratitude.
Day 4: Departure - The Bitter Sweet Farewell & The Post-Trip Blues
- Morning: Final breakfast. The goodbyes to the staff. The drive back to Arusha. The last glimpse of the landscape.
- Afternoon: The airport. The flight. The overwhelming sense of… where did that week go?!
- Evening: Land. The return to "reality." The post-safari blues begin to set in. You'll find yourself staring at your photos, replaying the memories, and wondering if it was all a dream. (It wasn't, promise!) Start planning your return!
Important Notes (aka, The Honest Truth):
- The Wi-Fi: Okay, it IS spotty. Embrace it. Disconnect. Read a book. Talk to people.
- The Altitude: It can be a little tricky. Take it easy at first. Drink plenty of water.
- The Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather. Layers are your friend.
- The Mosquito Net (Again): Seriously, master that thing before you get there. You'll thank me later.
- The Lodge Staff: They are genuinely amazing. Tip generously. They deserve it.
- The Animals: They are wild. Respect their space. Follow your guide's instructions. And prepare to have your heart stolen.
This trip to the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge wasn't just a vacation. It was a sensory overload, a chance to connect with nature, a reminder of our small place in the grand scheme of things, and a reminder of how much beauty this world holds.
Go. Now. Just go. And tell me all about it when you get back. I'll be waiting, with a gin and tonic in hand… and maybe a slightly less tangled mosquito net!
Escape to Houston: Luxurious Sheraton West Houston Getaway!
Okay, so, Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge... What's the *vibe*? Before I commit to a credit card payment and potentially, a lifetime of regrets.
Vibe? Oh, honey, it's like… imagine you're a slightly windswept, possibly sunburnt explorer who's stumbled upon a hidden paradise. The lodge itself is a gorgeous collection of stone and thatch, perched on a hillside with views that will literally make you gasp. Initially, I was like, "Alright, this is fancy," *then* I saw the infinity pool, overlooking the valley below, and I thought, "Okay, I can get behind this swanky game. Though, I thought, and what if the pool gets too cold? I have to change into the pool in my room? Okay, fine, I will survive!" But honestly? It's a relaxed fancy. Kind of like wearing a designer sundress with Birkenstocks – comfortable, yet clearly put-together. You feel like you're living in a National Geographic cover photo, only with better wifi (mostly!).
Is it *really* as amazing as those Instagram photos make it look? Like, are the sunsets actually *that* orange?
Alright, let's be honest. Instagram lies. But… the sunsets at Oldeani? They're up there. They are SPECTACULAR. I mean, I'm talking colours you didn't realize existed. That "burnt orange" you see in those pics? Yeah, that's real. It's more like an explosion of fiery hues painted across the sky. One evening, I swear, the whole sky was on fire! I was sitting on my private balcony, gin and tonic in hand, and I just started giggling. Like, actual, uncontrollable laughter. It was ridiculous, beautiful, and a little bit embarrassing. But hey, at least I got a decent photo, even the camera struggled to capture it.
The food… is it just bland safari food, or are we talking actual culinary delights? Because I'm all about the carbs.
Okay, food. This is where Oldeani *really* shines. Forget your generic "chicken and rice" safari fare. I am a carb monster. And they cater to it. The chefs are incredible. One evening, I had this perfectly cooked lamb shank that just *melted* off the bone. Seriously, it was a religious experience. They also had curries with naan bread and those little coconut bites that you just can't say no to. And the desserts? Oh, the desserts! I'm not even a huge dessert person, but I was practically licking the plate. They even catered to my late-night snack cravings (thanks, jet lag!). But don't expect Michelin star perfection every time! I had a slightly iffy soup the first night, but it was easily forgiven. What matters is overall the food is a win.
Speaking of jet lag... How's the sleep situation? Can you actually *rest* up there?
The beds? Oh, the beds are incredible. Like sinking into a cloud made of happiness and expensive Egyptian cotton. Seriously, the linens were so soft, I wanted to take the whole bed home with me. Also, the rooms are spacious with a private balcony. The only issue I had one night was the wildlife. I have never heard such vocal insects I was sure they were plotting to overthrow me and/or the lodge. So I took some earplugs to shut them up and I slept like a baby.
Okay, let's talk logistics. How far is it from Ngorongoro Crater? What's the deal with the drive?
The drive is not bad at all and you can see some great sights. There are a couple of routes to the crater, but it's around a two-hour drive, depending on traffic (and by "traffic" I mostly mean, other safari vehicles, or the occational giraffe crossing the road). Pack some snacks, fill up your water bottle, and be prepared to be amazed. The scenery is gorgeous. The lodge arranges game drives for you, usually starting super early. That means waking up before dawn, which can be rough for us sleep-deprived humans. But hey, seeing a lion wake up literally makes up for everything.
And the staff? Are they as lovely as everyone's saying? Because sometimes, those "amazing service" reviews are a bit… embellished.
Okay, the staff? They're genuinely lovely. Not just "smiley and helpful," but warm, welcoming, and genuinely invested in making your experience unforgettable. From the front desk to the waiters, everyone goes above and beyond. They remembered my name, my coffee order, and even my weird habit of trying to juggle the salt and pepper shakers. They're fantastic and genuinely want you to have a good time. They're also incredibly knowledgeable about the area, which helps a lot.
Anything I should pack that the brochure *doesn't* tell you?
YES! Absolutely. Pack a good book (or three), a comfortable journal, a power adapter, and a seriously good camera. A decent pair of binoculars is also a MUST. The brochure will tell you about the sunscreen, the hat, the insect repellent, and sensible shoes. Take it seriously. Also, and this is REALLY important: pack a sense of humour. Because things *will* go wrong. The wifi will drop out. You'll get a bug in your soup. You'll probably embarrass yourself at some point. Embrace it! Laugh it off. You're in Tanzania, living a dream – even if it's a slightly messy, slightly imperfect one. And that's what makes it magical.
Okay, you mentioned the pool... Is it *that* Instagrammable? Because that's important, you know.
The pool? Oh. My. God. It's… well, it's definitely Instagram-worthy. But the best part is, the people in it are often not bothering to take pictures. It really is a place, where, when you sit in it, that you get lost in it. But the best part, which I didn't realize before my trip, is that I saw the sunset from the pool. And then I tried swimming into the sunset. Which was an incredibly surreal moment that I will not soon forget. I'll also admit, I did take a LOT of photos. Judge me if you must.
So, overall… should I go? You seem to have mixed feeling.
