Experience

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge stands as one of Tanzania's most uniquely positioned safari accommodations, perched dramatically on the edge of a 900-metre terracotta escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley. The lodge offers commanding 360-degree views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara National Park and the surrounding landscape 300 metres below. Built in 1996 with innovative architectural design, the lodge seamlessly blends safari authenticity with contemporary comfort, utilizing traditional materials of stone, thatch, and dark wood. During the dry season, wildlife such as bushbuck and dikdik descend from the escarpment to browse in the lodge's cool, shady gardens, providing exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving the property. The lodge's strategic location immediately adjacent to the colourful market town of Mto wa Mbu (Mosquito Creek) offers guests unique access to one of Africa's richest linguistic and cultural areas, where eight major tribes—the Mgubwe, Sukumu, Iraqw, Gorowa, Irangi, Tatoga, Chagga, and Maasai—converge as a trading post.

Accommodation & Rooms

The lodge features distinctive circular, double-storey accommodation units known as rondavels, traditional circular buildings with conical thatched roofs that pay homage to local architectural heritage while offering contemporary amenities. These uniquely designed units are strung throughout the property, accommodating up to 145 guests in total. The rondavels combine authentic safari ambiance with modern comforts, featuring private facilities and views of the surrounding landscape. Room options cater to various traveller needs, with family-friendly configurations available. Children under 2 years sharing with 1-2 adults are accommodated complimentary; children aged 2-12 sharing with 2 adults receive 50% of the adult rate; children requiring their own room are charged 75% of the adult rate; and young adults aged 13-17 are charged 75% regardless of sharing arrangements. Extra beds are available upon request at US$185 per person per night, and complimentary cots are provided for children aged 0-3 years, subject to availability.

Dining

The lodge features the Flamingo Restaurant as its central dining establishment, serving delicious international and local cuisine with a veranda offering picturesque views over Lake Manyara. The culinary experience extends beyond the main restaurant, with the lodge arranging special bush dinners by lamplight and traditional sun-downer cocktails served around a campfire in the evenings. The kitchen produces both savoury dishes and desserts to international standards, accommodating various dietary preferences. The dining venue serves as both a gastronomic hub and a gathering place for guests to share safari experiences and cultural insights.

Activities

The lodge offers an extensive array of activities designed for diverse interests and activity levels. Game drives through Lake Manyara National Park are the primary safari experience, with evening three-hour night drives available at 7:00 PM in open game-drive vehicles with professional guides and spotters (starting at £50/US$75 per person for groups of two). Nature and bird walks allow guests to explore the diverse ecosystems on foot, while cycling safaris provide an alternative perspective of the landscape. Canoeing on the alkaline lake offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. The lodge also features wellness activities including beauty therapy, massage services, and body stretch lessons. Cultural experiences include Swahili language lessons, traditional instrument lessons, cooking lessons, and village tours. Recreational activities such as jogging, water-colour painting, and archery round out the activity portfolio, ensuring entertainment for guests of all ages and preferences.

Location & Getting There

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is located in Mto wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania, approximately 130 kilometres from Arusha. Road transfers from Arusha take approximately 2.5 hours, with the lodge situated 2 kilometres off the main highway down a private track. The lodge features an adjacent airstrip offering convenient air access, with meet-and-greet and transfer services provided for arriving guests. The strategic location positions the lodge as an ideal base for exploring Lake Manyara National Park and combining visits with nearby attractions such as Ngorongoro Crater, making it an excellent addition to broader Tanzania safari itineraries.

Safari Assistant

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Safari Assistant

Find Your Perfect Safari