Serena Lake Manyara Safari Lodge

The Lodge's View Photo #1 of 8 Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of tranquillity, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. Photo copyright Serena Hotels.

Overview

Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the pool bar and observation point. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular two-storey 'rondavels', which house the rooms.

Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara's unique birdlife, the architectural motif melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai 'Bomas' , while the vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depict the colourful intricacy of bird migratory patterns.

The Lodge is in Mto wa Mbu, Northern Tanzania, 130 kilometres from Arusha. By road: transfers by road from Arusha take approximately 2 ½ hours. By air: the airstrip is adjacent to the lodge and a 'meet and greet' and transfer service is offered.

The rooms are housed in circular, double-storey, white-washed 'rondavels' (traditional circular buildings with conical thatched roofs), which are strung out along the edge of the cliff so as to allow for maximum views.Each spacious circular room has its own small veranda while the interior décor reflects the blue of the lake and the pink of its flamingos. Behind each bed hangs a spectacular hand-woven rug, while the furnishings and fittings reflect traditional Maasai beadwork.

The spacious dining room features an interior bar area, a central buffet and both inside and outside seating. Presented in typical Maasai style, it features the use of swirling primary colours on textured white walls, which are embellished with traditional Masai beadwork, gourds and leatherwork.

Our wine list offers a broad selection of old- and new-world wines, and local and imported beers and spirits. We also offer a wide range of soft drinks including an array of freshly-made local fruit juices. We serve only the finest Tanzanian coffee and tea; we also offer a wide range of fruit and herbal infusions.

We are expert in arranging breakfasts, lunches, dinners and cocktails in the bush. We have a number of dedicated sites, which are typically presented with tables, safari chairs, 'bush bar' and a 'bush kitchen', where a broad range of meats, poultry, fish and vegetables are cooked on-site (supplemented by fresh soups, salads and puddings from our hotel kitchens). In the evenings, 'sun-downer' cocktails are traditionally served around a campfire and can be followed by a lamp-lit 'bush dinner'.

The Lodge also features an outside dining area, which is reached by a lantern-lit pathway along the cliff's edge. Here, in a grassy clearing overlooking the lake, atmospheric evening cocktails and outdoor BBQs are held and the area can also be hired for private parties. This is also the venue for displays of cultural dance and music, which are usually held after supper. Private 'sundowners' can also be arranged in an area to the rear of the lodge, where a private bar, campfire, and lamps can be located.