Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, this excellent lodge offers a unique blend of tranquillity, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. The unprecedented range of high-adventure sports, meanwhile, include mountain biking, canoeing and forest walks, while cultural choices include tours of the neighbouring villages and dance displays by the local Iraqw and sukuma people.

Grouped around a central ‘vanishing horizon' pool (pictured), this highly unusual lodge features a simple timbered reception area, built in traditional African style, which is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond reception lies the central dining room, bar and veranda, below which lies the pool. 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.

The rooms are housed in circular, double-storey, white-washed ‘rondavels' (traditional circular buildings with conical thatched roofs) and are strung out along the edge of the cliff so as to allow for optimum views. Each spacious circular room (below) 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.

Breakfast and lunch
Breakfast and lunch are presented in buffet-style and feature a wide range of international choices. In typical safari style, a ‘full English Breakfast' is offered as well as European options while lunch menus will typically include meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian options.

Dinner
The table d'hôte dinner menus feature a salad buffet, soup, entrée, pudding, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee. Vegetarian options are always available. The majority of meat and dairy products, as well as fruits and vegetables are sourced from the communities that surround the reserve.

Wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
The wine list offers a broad selection of old- and new-world wines, and local and imported beers and spirits. The bar also offers a wide range of soft drinks including an array of freshly-made local fruit juices. Only the finest Tanzanian coffee and tea is served, as well as a wide range of fruit and herbal infusions.