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 lodge offers a unique blend of safari opportunities, peace and tranquility, wildlife discovery, and ornithological richness. There's an unprecedented range of high-adventure sports which include mountain biking, canoeing, and forest walks, while cultural choices include tours of the neighboring villages and dance displays of the local ethnic groups.
Grouped around a central vanishing horizon pool, 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 the 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 of Lake Manyara National Park are the pool bar and observation point.
Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara's unique bird life, the architectural motif melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai bomas, while the vibrantly-colored wall frescoes depict the colorful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. Dotted around the grounds, all with views over the lake, are a series of circular, two-story, white-washed rondavels (traditional circular buildings with conical thatched roofs) which house the rooms.
The unique accommodation includes a choice of rondavels that are strung out along the edge of the cliff so as to allow for maximum views. Each spacious circular room has its own small veranda, while the interior decor 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 bead work.
Standard room facilities include one king-sized or two twin beds for a double room. Triple rooms are available upon request. Telephone and Wi-Fi access, laundry, valet, and shoeshine services, mineral water and toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, and snack are available.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Regularly voted as one of the best hotels in the world, this unique lodge in Tanzania clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater on earth. Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the crater 600 meters below.
Hugging the contours of the jagged crater rim, this luxury safari lodge takes its inspiration from the world-famous, two-million-year-old, and prehistoric and paleolithic site of Olduvai Gorge which lies close by. Linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its walls are decorated with stylized prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flaring torches. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight.
Decorated with cave paintings, the rooms are strung around the crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheater far below. The location, the service, and the luxury accommodation set-up make Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge the ultimate destination for a unique safari experience in Tanzania.
Standard room facilities include direct-dial telephone and Wi-Fi access, babysitting, laundry, valet, and shoeshine services, mineral water and toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, 24-hour room service, safe and hairdryers (from the reception area), 24-hour medical service, and children's meals and beds.
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge and commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, this lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Winner of numerous awards from world travel press, it is possibly the finest venue the Serengeti has to offer. Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, the lodge has been designed to blend completely into the living landscape.
On the very edge of the ridge is a vanishing horizon pool which looks out over the endless plains after which the Serengeti is named. Also situated close to the Olduvai Gorge, the lodge has been styled to offer a showcase of cultural performance, and heritage and traditional art which is best illustrated by the lavish Makonde carvings that decorate both the rooms and the stunning domed dining room.
A series of traditional domed rondavels are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. As for wildlife, the Serengeti National Park offers not only all the members of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), but also the great annual migration of over one million wildebeest and their attending cast of predators.
Standard room facilities include telephone and Wi-Fi access, babysitting, laundry, valet, and shoeshine services, mineral water and toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, snack and drink room service, safe and hairdryers (from the reception area), 24-hour medical service, and children's meals and beds.
