Mwiba Tented Lodge

Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

Mwiba Tented Lodge

Mwiba Tented Lodge is an exclusive safari lodge situated on a private 129,000-acre reserve south of the Serengeti National Park. With just ten suites, it offers a highly intimate safari experience in a remote wilderness area.

Mwiba Game Reserve was established in 2009 as a private reserve. Adjoining the Maswa Game Reserve and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and positioned just north of Lake Eyasi on the Rift Valley escarpment, Mwiba might be considered the southernmost region of the greater Serengeti, though it is far removed from the central Serengeti plains and does not experience the seasonal wildebeest migration (the Ndutu region, however, where the migration herds come to calve between December and March, is easily accessed from Mwiba). Like much of the southern Serengeti, the terrain in this region is rugged and uneven, dense with vegetation, and defined by its boulder-strewn hills and rocky kopjes, in contrast to the open savannah plains of the central Serengeti. Its great appeal is its remoteness – only Mwiba Lodge and its sister property, Mila Tented Camp, occupy the reserve – and the spectacular views it offers of the Rift Valley and Lake Eyasi.

Within this environment, Mwiba Lodge sits atop a rocky gorge formed by the Arugusinyai River. It comprises ten luxurious tented suites, a fabulous swimming pool with a stunning view, a two-storey lounge and dining area, and a separate spa & gym. The lodge is furnished throughout in an understated style, mixing modern furnishings with Tanzanian themes to beautiful effect.

Mwiba has another impressive distinction of being the game reserve featured in the BBC2 mini series, ‘Waterhole – Africa’s Animal Oasis’, with presenters Chris Packham and Ella Al-Shamahi. The waterhole near Mwiba is surrounded by hidden cameras, which reveal a fascinating insight into wildlife behaviour and established hierarchy. Only guests staying at Mwiba Lodge and sister camp, Mila, can visit the waterhole and spend time quietly observing the wildlife.

Mwiba Lodge can be accessed via a private charter flight to Mwiba Airstrip, which is a short 15-minute drive from the lodge. Ndutu Airstrip is approx. 2½ hours’ drive.

Accommodation

Mwiba’s ten tented suites have been carefully spaced apart, taking advantage of the surrounding boulders and vegetation to ensure privacy. Equal care has gone into the interior design, with each suite equipped with a sophisticated cooling system, a lavish king-size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, freestanding bathtub, and a private verandah with a view onto the surrounding wilderness (each suite enjoys a view down into the valley or waters below the camp, where game can often be seen). The rooms are connected to each other and to the central guest areas via wooden walkways. Two pairs of suites can be connected to suit families and small groups.

Facilities

Swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi
Spa & gym
Bar with extensive wine cellar
Lounge and library

Activities

Both half-day and full-day game drives within the reserve are offered at Mwiba Lodge. Mwiba’s location in a private reserve also allows for a number of activities not possible within the Serengeti National Park, including bush and escarpment walks, night game drives, fly camping (at additional cost) and helicopter rides (also at additional cost).

Guests staying at Mwiba Lodge for three nights or more have the option to travel to the Ndutu region, where the migration herds can typically be seen between December and March.

Child Policy

Mwiba Tented Lodge accommodates children of all ages. Each suite is equipped with a sofa bed for younger children, while two pairs of suites feature connecting walkways.