Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge 2025 — Reviews, Rates & Family Guide
Overview of Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is a family-friendly lodge located on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara. Its cliff-edge location provides stunning panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding wildlife. The lodge combines traditional African-style architecture with modern comforts, offering guests a comfortable and memorable safari experience.
The lodge is particularly known for being safe and suitable for families. Children can enjoy a variety of activities on-site, while parents can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. From your terrace, it is often possible to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, and hundreds of bird species, making wildlife viewing convenient and exciting right from the lodge.
Guest Reviews
Many visitors to Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge appreciate its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful views, and safe environment. Guests often highlight the lodge’s comfortable cottages and the ability to view wildlife from the property. Families specifically enjoy the child-focused activities, which help keep children entertained while parents relax.
Some reviews note that, compared to other Serena properties in the region, this lodge is slightly simpler. However, most guests feel that the combination of comfort, wildlife access, and scenic views makes it a worthwhile choice for a safari experience. Online review platforms such as TripAdvisor provide up-to-date insights and experiences from past guests.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Photo gallery
These are real photos from our clients on their Tanzania safaris. They show the wildlife, landscapes, and special moments you can experience on your own safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
As your safari experts at Tanzania Safari Experience, we recommend Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge for families or travelers seeking a safe and comfortable safari experience. Its cliff-edge cottages offer breathtaking views of Lake Manyara, while the variety of activities—from game drives and canoe safaris to cultural village visits—ensures every guest is entertained.
Families will particularly appreciate the child-friendly facilities, babysitting services, and secure environment, making it easier to enjoy both adventure and relaxation. For those exploring Northern Tanzania, combining a stay here with nearby parks such as Ngorongoro and Tarangire provides a well-rounded safari experience.
Tip: To make the most of your stay, plan early morning or late afternoon game drives to catch wildlife at their most active and bring your camera for unforgettable moments.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge Highlights
- On a cliff overlooking Lake Manyara
- Well equipped African-style lodge
- Village walks & traditional dances
- A unique and scenic natural environment
- Family rooms & babysitting on request
- Canoeing & mountain biking available
At a glance
- Tanzania
- Safari Accommodation
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Location & Access
The lodge is located near Mto Wa Mbu, a convenient point for exploring the Northern Tanzania safari circuit. It sits on the escarpment, providing elevated views of Lake Manyara and the surrounding plains. The lodge is unfenced, which means wildlife occasionally moves through the property. Guests are escorted after dark to ensure safety while moving around the lodge, allowing visitors to experience the natural surroundings without worry.
Its location also makes it easy to combine a stay here with visits to other popular parks such as Tarangire and Ngorongoro, making it ideal for travelers looking to see multiple wildlife destinations in Northern Tanzania.
Activities at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
The lodge offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Guests can take game drives into Lake Manyara National Park to spot lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and flamingos. The park is also known for its unique tree-climbing lions, a rare sight that many travelers look forward to seeing.
For those who enjoy water activities, the lodge offers canoe safaris on the calm lake waters, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Guests can also enjoy guided nature walks along the escarpment, where they can learn about local flora and fauna while experiencing the landscape up close.
For more adventurous travelers, there are mountain biking trails around the escarpment and the national park. The lodge also offers fly-camp safaris for overnight bush experiences, providing a closer connection to the wilderness. Those interested in local culture can visit nearby villages, interact with the communities, and enjoy a traditional meal amid banana plantations.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors staying at the lodge can explore several nearby destinations:
Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and diverse birdlife
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A short drive from the lodge, offering breathtaking views of the crater and abundant wildlife
Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and striking baobab trees
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are often the best times to see active wildlife, as animals are most visible during these periods.
Family-Friendly Features
The lodge caters to families traveling with children. Activities include board games, sports, educational programs, and wildlife viewing trips suitable for younger guests. Babysitting services are available, allowing parents to enjoy quiet time or a romantic evening while children are safely supervised. The combination of activities, safety, and location makes it a convenient choice for families seeking both comfort and adventure.
Safety at the Lodge
Because the lodge is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, guests should follow basic safety guidelines. Staff escort guests after dark, and children should always be supervised during outdoor activities. Guests are encouraged to follow lodge advice regarding interactions with wildlife, keeping doors and windows secured when necessary. These precautions ensure a safe and enjoyable stay while still allowing for an authentic safari experience.
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- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
Yes, the lodge is very family-friendly and offers a range of activities to keep children entertained. From educational programs and board games to supervised wildlife excursions, children of all ages can enjoy their stay. Babysitting services are also available, allowing parents to relax, enjoy a quiet meal, or take part in adult-focused activities.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is located in a wildlife-rich area and is unfenced, so animals can roam nearby. To ensure guest safety, the lodge staff escort visitors after dark, and children should always be supervised during outdoor activities. Following staff guidance and basic safety precautions allows guests to enjoy the wild surroundings without risk.
The lodge offers a wide range of activities suitable for all interests. Guests can take game drives into Lake Manyara National Park to see elephants, lions, hippos, and flamingos. Canoe safaris on the lake provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, while guided nature walks along the escarpment give a closer look at local flora and fauna. For adventure seekers, mountain biking trails and overnight fly-camp safaris are available. Visitors can also explore nearby villages for cultural experiences and traditional meals.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is approximately a 2–3 hour drive from Arusha, making it easily accessible for travelers on Northern Tanzania safari circuits. Its location allows for convenient access to other parks in the region, such as Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it a great base for exploring multiple destinations.
Yes, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, early morning or late afternoon game drives often provide the best chances of spotting these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.
The lodge can be visited year-round, but wildlife viewing is often best during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources, and the weather is generally sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities.