Overview

Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge is a mid-to-luxury tented safari camp positioned outside Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, serving as an ideal base for exploring the elephant kingdom and accessing the broader northern circuit including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti National Park. Located on the western boundary of the national park, the lodge sits on the shores of Lake Burunge within a conservancy area managed sustainably by the local Mbugwe community. Known for: its lakeside setting with unobstructed water views, strategic location requiring only 20 minutes to reach park gates, and authentic integration of local materials and design principles. Best for: families seeking safari comfort with reduced children's rates, travelers combining Tarangire with northern circuit destinations, and those preferring lodge-based safari experiences over mobile camping.

Accommodation & Rooms

The lodge offers 30 tented suites and 10 bungalow rooms, all elevated on wooden platforms to maximize views and provide natural ventilation. Tented suites feature canvas walls, thatched roofs, and brick en-suite bathrooms combining traditional safari aesthetics with modern plumbing and hot water systems. Each room includes a private wooden veranda offering panoramic views of Lake Burunge and the Tarangire landscape. Bungalow rooms provide an alternative accommodation option with similar amenities and positioning. Furnishings throughout emphasize locally sourced dark wood paired with authentic African fabrics, creating cohesive design that blends with natural surroundings. Room-specific features include individual safes, mosquito nets, and tea/coffee stations. The lodge emphasizes space and comfort, with tented suites designed to feel spacious rather than cramped, allowing guests to experience the outdoor environment while maintaining privacy and security.

Dining & Cuisine

The main lodge building, constructed on a large wooden jetty extending into Lake Burunge, houses the restaurant and bar with a terrace offering panoramic lake views. Dining emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and authentic Tanzanian cuisine alongside international options, reflecting the lodge's commitment to supporting regional food systems. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining area, with options for private or group dining experiences. A bar service operates throughout the day with premium spirits, local beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The waterfront location allows guests to dine while observing bird activity on the lake and wildlife approaching the water's edge. The lodge accommodates dietary requirements and preferences with advance notice, essential for families and guests with specific nutritional needs.

Wildlife & Activities

Tarangire National Park, accessible 20 minutes from the lodge, is renowned as one of Tanzania's premier elephant viewing destinations, with concentrations reaching 3,000+ individuals during dry season months. The park supports all Big Five species (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo) alongside diverse plains game including zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and numerous antelope species. Primary activities include twice-daily game drives (early morning and late afternoon), guided bush walks exploring the landscape and smaller wildlife on foot, and bird-watching opportunities given the region's position on major migration routes. Night drives, where permitted by park regulations, offer opportunities to observe nocturnal species. The lake itself supports fishing activities and bird-watching from the lodge grounds, with over 300 bird species recorded in the region. Cultural visits to Mbugwe communities provide insights into traditional pastoral life and conservation partnerships. The lodge's waterfront location enables sunrise and sunset viewing from the jetty, combining wildlife observation with recreational relaxation.

Location & How to Get There

Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge is located on Lake Burunge's eastern shore, approximately 20 minutes (roughly 30 kilometers) west of Tarangire National Park's main entrance. The lodge is positioned on Tanzania's northern safari circuit, making it strategically located for multi-park itineraries combining Tarangire with Lake Manyara (approximately 1.5 hours south), Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 2 hours northwest), and the Serengeti National Park (approximately 4-5 hours north). The nearest major airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, approximately 2-2.5 hours drive away. Alternative access via Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport requires 6-7 hours overland. Charter flights to airstrips near the lodge offer faster access from regional hubs. The lodge arranges airport transfers via road or charter flight, with road transfers typically taking 2.5-3 hours from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Vehicle access is available year-round, though road conditions may vary seasonally.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from June through October represents the optimal wildlife viewing period, when elephants concentrate around Lake Burunge and remaining water sources in Tarangire National Park, creating exceptional viewing opportunities. During this period, vegetation is sparse, improving animal visibility, and temperatures are mild with low rainfall. November through May represents the wet season, characterized by afternoon rains, lush vegetation, and dispersed wildlife across wider areas. The wet season offers advantages including fewer tourists, lower rates, and enhanced bird-watching opportunities as migratory species arrive. December through February brings the short rains followed by the hottest months (January-February), while March-May constitutes the long rains with variable weather. Each season presents distinct advantages: dry season for concentrated wildlife viewing and ease of access, wet season for birdlife and landscape photography. The lodge operates year-round, allowing flexibility based on personal preferences and travel priorities.

Conservation & Community

Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge operates within a 25,000-acre natural protection area managed by the Mbugwe tribe since 2003, representing a conservation model combining tourism with community stewardship. The lodge emphasizes sustainable design using local materials, dark wood from managed sources, and African fabrics supporting regional artisans. Water systems incorporate conservation practices, and waste management protocols minimize environmental impact. The lodge's partnership with the Mbugwe community ensures that tourism revenue directly supports local livelihoods, education initiatives, and conservation efforts. Cultural visits arranged through the lodge provide transparent engagement with pastoral communities, allowing guests to understand traditional land management practices that have sustained the ecosystem for generations. The lodge's family-friendly policies and emphasis on education-focused activities reflect commitment to developing the next generation of conservation advocates. As part of the Tanganyika Wilderness Camps chain, the property adheres to network-wide sustainability standards emphasizing local employment, community benefit, and environmental protection.

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari

Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari