Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Review – A Luxury Experience

Perched on the cliffs of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is set amidst the scenic views of the Lake Manyara National Park. Just 130 kilometres from the town of Arusha, this wildlife wonderland is home to everything from famous tree-climbing lions to over 300 migratory bird species. 

My wife and I stayed in the luxurious Losimingori Suite during our visit, which gave our surroundings an extra touch of class. We dined three times a day in the elegant yet traditional Flamingo restaurant located in the lodge and spent alternate days enjoying exciting bush dinners, which were hosted by the lodge.

In this article, I'll share my best insights on the type of accommodation and amenities you can expect at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, activities you can enjoy as well as exploring the rich culture of the area. 

Let's dive in. 

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Review

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is set around an infinity pool with its edges disappearing into the horizon. The traditional rondavel style accommodation and authentic Masaai culture-inspired décor provide a unique luxury safari experience.

Witness the magnificent wildlife or spend time with the family partaking in the educational games and drives in Lake Manyara. Whatever you end up doing, you'll definitely appreciate why Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is so highly ranked among Tanzania's best hotels and exclusive safari accommodation.

Location And Views At Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Set in the heart of Lake Manyara National Park, the lodge provides a truly immersive wilderness experience. Guests wake up to spectacular views from their bedroom’s veranda where they can marvel at the pinkish hues of the flamingoes and the blues of the lake set against the endless savannah.

The lodge is just a short two-kilometre drive down a private dirt track from the main road, which leads you straight into the reception area – a village-like set-up of thatched rooms. Whether you peer down into the national park over the pool edge or take time to look at the cultural architecture and ornaments that decorate the dining areas – Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is truly captivating. 

Amenities At Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers world-class amenities and services to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

• Outside dining terrace overlooking the scenic pool-side bar and sun deck. 
• Reception area including a gift shop, central dining room and hotel bar. 
• Tented conference room.
• Business center. 
• Wi-Fi.
• Babysitting service.
• Free onsite parking as well as wheelchair access to all public areas. 
• Guest services such as a barber and hair stylist, currency exchange, laundry, dry-cleaning services and complimentary coffee.

Rooms At Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Inspired by local architectural traditions, the rooms are built in a circular shape with stone walls and thatched roofs. The lodge offers 67 bedrooms including one executive suite, 41 twin rooms, 12 triple rooms, and 13 single rooms.

The standard chalets are double story, white-washed “rondavels” situated on the edge of a cliff and boast incredible views. Each room has a veranda or balcony with an en-suite bathroom. The traditional décor is mesmerizing and includes hand-woven rugs, beadwork and brightly coloured wall art to mimic the diverse birdlife. 

The Losimingori Suite, aptly named because of its magnificent views of the Losimingori Mountain, is hidden by a private entrance. The room is made up of a king-sized bed, an en-suite bathroom and a fully stocked minibar. There is a luxurious sitting room as well as a balcony that allows you to soak in the breathtaking views. 

As an added bonus, guest can enjoy a complimentary spread of fruit and wine upon entering the suite. Room prices start from US$250 per night for a standard double chalet or US$675 per night for the executive suite.

Fine Dining At Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

The Flamingo restaurant replicates a traditional Maasai boma, serving buffet-style meals in the dining area or on the garden terrace. Guests are entertained by a live cooking setting where they can not only watch their food being prepared but join in on a cooking class to learn how to prepare these dishes themselves. 

A short stroll from the lodge will take you to the location of the bush dining area where you are treated to a full English breakfast in the shade of the indigenous acacia trees. The local chefs add to the experience by preparing the meal on charcoal stoves in front of you. 

The bush dining area also offers a dinner under the stars, kicked off with cocktails around the campfire while watching traditional dances. 

To immerse yourself in the local culture, you have the option of enjoying a village lunch that’s run by the local community. Guests will be guided around the village and lunch will be served in a clearing among the banana plantations.

The bush dining experience as well as the village lunch needs to be organized with the lodge and will be charged at an additional cost. 

Activities At Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

If it’s relaxation you’re after, you can choose all kinds of activities from lounging around the scenic pool to getting treated at the lodge’s spa. 

To add adventure to your stay at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, there’s the option of a mountain-bike down the Rift Valley Escarpment into Mto Wa Mbu village. Hotel guests can also enjoy a forest and bush walk led by a qualified naturalist, day and night safari drives, and a canoe ride on Lake Manyara.

To experience a taste of the local culture, you can sign up for Swahili language lessons, visit local markets, or take a Tuk tuk ride through the villages. 

As a family-friendly lodge, there are also activities for children like educational games, safari drives, and walks that teach children to care for the wilderness by planting trees. Parents can also request a babysitter at any time of the day. 

Conclusion

I hope my Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Review helps you visit this luxury safari destination in the near future. You're guaranteed a lifetime of important conservation lessons and unforgettable experiences during your trip.