The spectacular landscape of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was shaped by a series of volcanic mass eruptions, and the diverse and abundant wildlife species attracts visitors from all over the globe.

The presence of the Ngorongoro Serena Safari lodge provided me with the perfect opportunity to live and work in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. The lodge, my home, was designed and is run with the highest regard for the environment.

Eco-friendly lodge

During the construction, no trees were cut down, pathways were roped off to keep workers out of the bush and the dimensions of the lounge were altered to accommodate a beautiful, old fig tree. The lodge also focuses on local vegetation and has established a tree nursery to return indigenous plants to their natural habitat.

When I settled in Ngorongoro, I learnt about the enchanting Maasai people. Maasai means a speaker of the Maa language and it's believed that they moved into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas in the 17th century after travelling from the northern tip of Africa .

Maasai education

The Maasai are truly unique, as they have firmly held onto their social structure based on age groups and customs. We at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge have supported the Maasai's education by funding the construction of a school, employing casual labour and providing a ready market for their hand-crafted items.

Today I mingle freely with the Maasai, they are my family, my friends. It's just amazing living in the Ngorongoro Crater!

Itinerary

Classical Tanzania with Serena

• Gaze at lions lazing in the sausage trees, hippos wallowing in clouds of pink flamingos, troops of baboons and herds of elephants catching the morning sun.

• After a restful night at Serena Mountain Village, experience a morning game drive at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania . Explore the stunning crater and its wildlife and soak up the amazing views at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, perched at the edge of the crater. Then enjoy a balloon flight across the open plains of the Serengeti with luxury accommodation in the Serengeti Serena Lodge.

• Extend your trip to the coastal town of Mombasa, Kenya, which is home to the most fantastic soft white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs that Africa has to offer. Enjoy a stay at one of Mombasa 's finest hotels, the Serena Beach, located in beautiful tropical gardens, offering exceptional service and standards.

Classical Tanzania - prices from £2179 per person

View more information on Tanzania holidays, Tanzania safaris or Tanzania hotels.

My Africa

Read other inspirational Africa features in our 'My Africa series': Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania