Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge: A Rift Valley Escarpment Retreat

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge sits directly on the edge of the Mto wa Mbu escarpment, overlooking the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara and the vast floor of the Great Rift Valley. Built in 1996 and grouped around a striking “vanishing horizon” swimming pool, this 4-star property blends traditional African architecture with modern comfort, making it one of the most scenically located lodges in Northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.

Location and Access

Guests staying at this lodge are just 15 minutes from the Lake Manyara National Park entrance gate and roughly 5 minutes from Manyara Airport, making arrival and morning game drives effortless. The lodge is also a convenient stop along the classic Northern Circuit, positioned between Arusha (about 2.5 hours away) and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater gateways. Its escarpment-top position gives every guest panoramic views over the lake, the forest below, and the wildlife that moves through it.

Rooms and Suites

Accommodation is arranged in traditional circular rondavels with conical thatched roofs, echoing local Maasai design. Standard rooms feature handwoven Maasai bead-inspired decor in pink and blue tones, a private veranda, coffee and tea facilities, Wi-Fi, a safe, and an en-suite bathroom. Guests seeking extra space can book the Losmingori Suite, which adds a marble bathroom, a private balcony, a dressing area, a mini-fridge, and sweeping views of the infinity pool and the mountain beyond.

Dining at the Lodge

The Flamingo Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch buffets alongside a table d’hôte dinner menu, with cuisine ranging from African specialties to international favorites, plus vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options. For a more memorable evening, the lodge also arranges bush dinners under the stars, often paired with traditional music and dance performances.

Safari and On-Site Activities

Beyond game drives into Lake Manyara National Park, the lodge offers canoe safaris on the lake (seasonal), guided nature walks, mountain biking along the escarpment, and cultural visits to neighboring Iraqw and Sukuma villages. The park itself is known for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, hippo pools, and prolific birdlife, including thousands of flamingos that gather along the lakeshore.

Amenities and Facilities

The property offers a swimming pool with a pool-side bar, a business center, a gift shop, currency exchange, a beauty salon, laundry service, free on-site parking, and multilingual staff. Families are well catered for, with babysitting services and activities that make this one of the more child-friendly options among Serena’s Northern Tanzania properties.

Why Book Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

For travelers who want dramatic Rift Valley scenery, easy access to Lake Manyara National Park, and the reliability of an established hotel chain, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is a strong choice. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a lodge setting with full amenities over a more rustic tented camp experience, while still keeping wildlife and nature at the center of the stay.

Plan Your Northern Tanzania Safari

This lodge pairs naturally with a wider Tanzania itinerary. See our guide to Northern Tanzania safari lodges for nearby options in Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or check our sample safari packages to build a full trip around a stay here.

For official rates, availability, and the latest property details, visit the Serena Hotels official Lake Manyara page. For park entry fees, conservation rules, and wildlife information, see the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) website.