The only lodge situated within Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is tucked within a mahogany, wild mango and fig tree forest. In the far south of the park, away from the busier park gate – this lodge is the sister lodge to the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Klein's Camp and Grumeti River Camp. All of these lodges offer high quality service, guiding and luxury; Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is certainly no exception.
The Tree Lodge has a stylish contemporary design – yet also retains a natural feel that means it hasn't become divorced from the surrounding bush. The main lodge has thatch roofs, polished wooden floors and makes use of neutral colours. Yet minimalist furniture, soft lighting and well placed African carvings result in a smooth and sophisticated atmosphere.
The lounge and dining area are set on a split level. The lounge has comfortable sofas positioned around coffee tables upstairs. Then tables and chairs for dining are downstairs, in front of the open kitchen.
The lodge's ten tree houses are reached via soft woodchip paths, and are tucked into little cleared corners of the bush. (These are raised up slightly on stilts, but perhaps not what most people would think of as 'tree houses'.) Each feels incredibly private, and from the outside the thatch roofs and reed walls fit beautifully into the natural surroundings. However once inside, the rooms are divine luxury with a crisp modern style. Each has a comfortable lounge area, vast king-sized bed, claw-foot baths and outside shower – these rooms are exceptional and perfect for a little indulgence. (Read more about the tree houses here …)
However the main reason for staying at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge isn't simply for the creature comforts – it is also for the excellent safari activities on offer. Head out daily on a morning or afternoon safari drive – or perhaps take a packed lunch out with you and head out for the entire day.
If you feel like trying something different, the lodge can also arrange for you to do safari walks and night drives. Safari walks are a supplement of U$20 per person, whilst night drives which can last up until 11pm are an additional U$85 per person. The park authorities need 24hrs notice to guarantee these activities, so to avoid disappointment we would be happy to arrange either of these in advance for you.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge also offers wonderful in-room massage treatments by a professional masseuse.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is certainly stylish and luxurious, but it is not over the top and still feels very warm and welcoming. This may be in part because of the understated style, yet when we were last there (September 2007) we felt that it was largely to do with the team. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the food and service exceptional. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has mastered the delicate balance between opulent and unassuming.
Ideal length of stay: Spend two nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and use it as a base to explore remoter parts of the park; longer if you want time to relax at the lodge itself.
Central facilities: The lounge and dinning area at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge are both situated in one large open-plan structure. The large banda has a solid wood-paneled back wall, but is completely open around the sides and the front. A high thatched ceiling is cleverly crafted out of banana leaves and palm tree fronds.
There are two levels within the banda – the upper level houses the lounge and the lower level is where you will find the open-plan kitchen and dining area.
The lounge area has a number of large comfortable sofas that are modern in style – with sharp clean lines and muted colours. Each then have a bright mint green cushion to add a touch of interest.
A low wooden coffee table sits between them, dotted with interesting wildlife books and books about Lake Manyara. Some were even written by CC Africa's own team as field guides to the surrounding area.
The lounge is adorned with African carvings, which add a rustic feel to what is an incredible well designed and stylish room. The lounge also achieves a very homely and cosy feeling – even though it is completely open on three sides.
To the side of the lounge is a well stocked drinks cabinet – where you can ask the waiter to prepare you a cool drink or cocktail.
Just below the lounge area – is the spacious dining room. Along the back wall is an open plan kitchen, where the chefs prepare food in front of you. Then modern table and chairs are set out across the wooden floorboards.
In front of the lounge and dining area is a large boma – an area that is artistically fenced off by tall bits of wonderfully gnarled wood. Traditionally in Maasai culture, a 'boma' is an enclosure around the family home where the cattle are kept. Here one is used as an outdoor dining and barbeque area – decorated with old disused dhows, terracotta pots and natural artifacts from the bush. At night, this area has a fire burning in its centre, and storm lanterns dotted around the edge – it is a wonderful place to enjoy dinner sitting out under the stars.
Down a short path and tucked discreetly into the bush, you will find Lake Manyara Tree Lodge's swimming pool. Dotted around the curved pool, there are a number of comfortable sun loungers sitting on wooden decking. There are also some shady umbrellas for when it gets a little too warm in the sun.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge also has a shop which is open throughout the day. It is situated under the lounge area and there are a number of interesting curios from all over Africa for sale. Also on offer are more practical objects such as backpacks and toiletries.
Directions: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is within Manyara National Park, 48km south of the park gate.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is brilliantly prepared in the open plan kitchen at the side of the dining area. It is nothing short of what you would expect from a top restaurant in Europe – so it is quite remarkable to think that it is produced in the middle of the bush.
Breakfast is very flexible – you can eat something before your morning activity, take a packed breakfast with you or have an early brunch when you return to the lodge. If you choose to have breakfast or brunch at the lodge, there are a vast array of cereals, dried fruit, yogurt, fresh bread and pastries as well as a cooked breakfast on offer. A packed breakfast will then include a selection of the above, but without the cooked breakfast.
Then in the early afternoon, you can either have lunch at the lodge or have a packed lunch, depending on what you might have chosen to do in the morning. If you have lunch at the lodge there is usually a buffet selection of light dishes to choose from. If you have a packed lunch – Lake Manyara Tree Lodge will put together a tasty sandwich, and nibbles such as samosas, boiled eggs, fruit, biscuits and cakes, all of which are homemade.
Before dinner cocktails are available in the lounge and delicious nibbles are passed around. Dinner is then from 7pm and guests can move from the lounge to their table when they are ready – there are no set times as such.
The tables for dinner are usually set out under the stars, and storm lanterns create a cosy and romantic atmosphere. A waiter will escort you to your seat and tell you what the options are for dinner. Each course has two options to choose from, and then three courses will then be served to your table.
Each of the courses is delicious – you can expect a varied menu of international cuisine. When we were last at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, our starter was pâté with lightly toasted bread and caramelized onion chutney, the main course was a very tender steak cooked to perfection, followed by a chocolate fondant.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are included except for premium champagnes and imported wines and spirits.
Special interests
Honeymoons: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a high quality lodge which is perfect for a special occasion. In the heart of the bush, the rooms are large, very private and beautifully designed. The camp itself is very romantic and the service is fantastic; honeymoon couples will be made to feel very special.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Honeymoons
Wildlife: Lake Manyara National Park is a relatively small park – only 330km², and the majority of this is covered in water. However, it has a fantastic quantity of wildlife and big game. The park also has the added advantage of allowing night drives, which allow for chances to see the nocturnal inhabitants of the park.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife
Children
Attitude towards children: There are no age restrictions as such, but the camp feels that Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is quite wild. Therefore children should be mature and around the age of eight or more to enjoy the experience. Furthermore, that children are the responsibility of their parents at all times and should not be allowed to walk around the camp without supervision.
Age restrictions: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is happy to accept children of all ages, though recommend that safaris are better suited to mature children over the age of eight.
Activities: There are no special activities or services for children at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Equipment: There is no equipment for children at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Generally recommended for children: No
Notes: Big game does wander through the camp periodically and so children need to be closely supervised at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is intermittent mobile phone reception at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. There is also a landline and internet, and though this is really for lodge use it can be used if requested. To use the phone there is a charge of $10 a minute for an international call.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All the team managers at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge are first aid trained, though there is also a doctor and a mini dispensary at the camp.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are askaris (guards) in the camp to escort you around the camp at night. This is purely due to the wildlife.
Extras
Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included.
Money: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge are not able to offer any currency exchange.
Accepted payment: You can settle your tab at the end of your stay, using any card including Amex. However there is a 5% charge for this service and you need to spend over $30. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge will happily accept travellers' cheques for which there is no charge. They will also happily accept cash in US dollars and Tanzanian shillings.
We want you to understand more about Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Lodge homepage A spread-out website that seems better than it is - but still this is CCafrica's full blurb on their lodge.
