Mwiba Lodge: Our full report
Mwiba Lodge is located on Mwiba Wildlife Reserve which was privatised in 2009 for the benefit of the wildlife ...
... and sustainable tourism. It is arguably the most luxurious lodge in the greater southern Serengeti migration area. The reserve’s private status means that the rigid rules of the national park do not apply here. From January – March it is possible for guests to drive over to the Ndutu area and view the migration herds and slowly, but surely, the wildlife is becoming less skittish.Just north of the Lake Eyasi Escarpment, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve encompasses 240 km² of protected land. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies to the east and Maswa Game Reserve to the west. The location makes Mwiba Lodge wonderfully remote; this is the place to come if you really want to escape.
The pace at Mwiba is unhurried and guests are encouraged to set their own schedules, and spend time just relaxing at the lodge as well as out on activities. Lodge staff are very discreet in their attentive service, and while nothing is ever too much trouble, and someone is always on hand, we did not find the personal butler service to be at all intrusive when we stayed here in 2018.
Accommodation consists of 10 tented suites laid out in a semi-circular formation and connected by wooden walkways. There are five tented suites either side of the main area. Suites 1 to 5 overlook a network of waterholes, and suites 6 to 10 overlook the rocky valley below. The suite interiors are all identical in size and style, and the wooden walkways between two pairs of tents can be connected to create two interconnected family units.
The décor in the suites is impressive. Traditional African artifacts, such as local beadwork work, wooden carvings and animal hides, contrast with natural materials and stylish, modern furniture, such as copper light shades and mirrored tables.
In each tent, the large, very comfortable super king-bed is draped in mosquito netting, with crisp white sheets, multiple cushions and tan suede. The bed can be split to make a twin room. An Evening Breeze cooling system, which is operated by remote control – so you needn’t even leave the bed – helps keep you cool in the hotter months. In addition, there is an efficient air conditioning system in the room, as well as a free-standing fan, so it’s perfectly designed if you struggle in the heat.
Numerous plug socket and USB points are dotted around the room and other useful guest amenities are provided, including plug adaptors, umbrellas, insect repellent and ear plugs. There is a telephone system for contacting the managers’ office or other guest tents.
The thoughtful design continues through to the en-suite bathroom. You’ll find a flush toilet behind a separate door, twin wash basins, a large dressing table and mirror, and antique style free-standing bath tub, as well as a powerful shower and another open-air one outside the tent. Fluffy towels, bath robes and slippers are provided, along with high quality Africology toiletries.
At the other end of the room is a seating area, with a couple of armchairs and a sofa, which can be made up as an additional bed for young children. Antique anatomical charts of local fauna adorn the wall, and coffee table books are laid artfully on the chunky wooden table. There is also a mini bar, tea and coffee station and various bottles of wine, sherry and port.
A large, private, shaded deck area runs along the outside of the suite. Here you’ll find a table and directors’ chairs – you can order dinner on your deck – and two cream leather recliners.
The contemporary African décor extends throughout the lodge’s central area with cream seating, wooden and bronze tables, tan suede stools, basket work and stone carvings. An impressively large stone fireplace is the focal point of the room, with a well stocked bar to one side.
A striking feature of the main area is the beautiful swimming pool area, surrounded by stepped wooden decking, large bean bags and stylish recliners, with the infinity pool seemingly spilling down on to the rocky landscape below. Tucked behind a boulder is a secluded, heated plunge pool, overlooking stunning vistas. If you’re lucky you may see elephants drinking from the Arugusinyai River below.
Near the pool area is the lodge’s wine cellar, carved into the ground, with the stock kept nicely cool by the natural rock. A little further along is the cosy library, which also has a fireplace for cooler evenings, and a good selection of coffee table books, novels and field guides.
Next to the main lodge building is the spa and fitness gym which is open from 7am-7pm. The gym is located in a light and airy elevated room, with multiple long mirrors on one side, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the other, looking out over the surrounding bush. There’s a multistation here, including a treadmill and bike, alongside a wide range of free weights, swiss balls and yoga mats. You can connect your device to the sound system and there’s fridge stocked with complementary energy drinks.
Next to the fitness studio is the lodge’s tranquil spa, the perfect way to unwind after a bumpy game drive. A range of therapies and treatments is on offer, including facials, manicures and reflexology and massages start from $50 for 45 minutes.
Activities at Mwiba are varied, with an emphasis on tailored schedules to suit each guest. Typically you go out first thing in the morning, return for lunch and a siesta and then head out on another activity in the afternoon. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, cultural visits and night drives. It is even possible to organize scenic helicopter flights (with prior arrangement and at additional cost). Each group of guests staying at Mwiba is assigned their own guide, spotter and vehicle, giving you privacy and allowing flexibility on the pace of your game drive, which works particularly well for families.
The lodge is rightly proud of its close connection with its local community, in particular two tribes – the Hadza or Hadzabe, and the Datoga. The nomadic Hadza tribe are indigenous to the area and are one of the last genuine hunter gatherer societies in the world. Lodge guests are given the opportunity to walk with them and while a meeting with them is never guaranteed, the walking guide at the lodge usually has a rough idea where one of the Hadza groups is located. Guests head out first thing on a bush walk, usually lasting most of the morning, and learn about the environment, from the medicinal uses of plants, to animal scat. At some point during the morning, some Hadza folk may join the guests for a part of the walk. This was the case on our walk in 2018, when Hadza people seemingly appeared from nowhere. They showed us how they locate and harvest honeycomb, staying with us for around an hour, and then ran off back into the bush. We continued our walk, which culminated in the most amazing bush breakfast served in a tree house. After some initial doubt before Mwiba’s walking experience, we now feel quite sure that it is both genuine and ethical. However, please do talk to Expert Africa’s specialists for more information if you are interested.
The more sedentary Datoga tribe are located a short drive from the lodge, and it is possible to arrange a visit to one of their villages, where you will be warmly invited into the home of an elder, to learn about their way of life through a translator-guide. Again, we felt this experience was genuine and the Datoga did seem happy for us to be there. It is a good idea to bring some small change with you as they usually have some handicrafts for sale. While there is no pressure to buy anything, it felt nice to us to give something back.
Our view
Mwiba is a very special experience and the service and facilities are first-class. The lodge is wonderfully peaceful and luxurious, and the staff will bend over backwards to ensure your wishes are met: nothing is too much trouble. The location is secluded, with beautiful landscapes and fantastic wildlife, and we were highly impressed with the quality of guiding.
This is most definitely not a lodge if you’re on a budget, or one for hardcore safari purists, but it is ideal if you want to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings, and take part in the activities on the private concession.
Country manager: Tanzania
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- At least three nights.
- Directions
- Fly into Mwiba Airstrip (50 minutes from Arusha Airport) followed by a 15-minute drive to Mwiba Lodge. Ndutu Airstrip is a 2-hour game drive to Mwiba Lodge, and the Ngorongoro Crater is a 3-hour drive to the lodge.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- As we expected, we found the food at Mwiba to be very high-quality, varied and beautifully presented. Dining locations change daily.
The breakfast buffet is typically served from 6.00am until 9.00am and consists of plenty of fruit, fresh bread, cereals, cold meats and hot items cooked to order.
Lunch is typically served at the lodge, but you can also choose to have it out in the bush if you’d rather be out all day. During our stay we ate peri peri prawns, pork spare ribs, vegetable parcels and risotto arancini, served with a selection of mixed salads and freshly baked bread. Dessert was a choice of raspberry panna cotta with cream anglaise or delicious homemade mint ice cream
Dinner is three courses and à la carte, with two or three options for each course. During our stay in 2018 we started with a celeriac and fennel salad, followed by minute steak and fresh vegetables, with an opera cake to finish. On another evening we had zucchini soup to start, followed by tandoori chicken and a rich chocolate mousse.
The lodge can cater for children and most dietary requests by prior arrangement. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Possible with prior arrangement.
- Drinks included
- Included.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Mwiba Lodge.
- Special activities & services
- There are plans to implement a kids club / formal activities in 2019.
- Equipment
- No special equipment at present.
- Generally recommended for children
- Mwiba Lodge welcomes children of all ages, and has plans to implement a kids' club in the near future. However, we do feel that this luxurious lodge has an adult atmosphere and would be better suited to older children.
- Notes
- Children should be fully supervised at all times, due to dangerous wildlife present. Parents should also be aware that the raised decking around the tented rooms is quite high above the ground.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mwiba Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mwiba Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp has 24-hour electricity and there is a back-up generator.
There are USB sockets along with 2- and 3-pin plugs in the rooms for charging batteries and electronics. - Communications
- Excellent fibre optic WiFi is found in the tented suites and throughout the lodge, although guests are encouraged to browse and chat in their own rooms. There are telephones in the rooms for internal and international calls.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All bathrooms are fully plumbed in, with hot and cold running water.
Filtered drinking water provided.
Health & safety
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit on site and a number of staff are first aid trained. The lodge is connected to the Flying Doctors Service for medical emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris (local guards) patrolling throughout the day and night. Guests are always accompanied after dark.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers by suites and central areas.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry service is included. Machine washed and dried, usually a 24 hour service.
- Money
- There are electronic safes in all tented suites. There is no currency exchange.
- Accepted payment on location
- Travellers can pay for any extras with cash or card. All major cards are accepted, including Amex, although there is a 5% surcharge.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
