Mwiba Lodge : A Comprehensive Report
An intimate luxury lodge perched atop a rocky cliff on the Arugusinyai River and overlooking a stunning waterfall. Mwiba Lodge is a beautiful private property offering privacy and exclusivity while on safari in Tanzania. Mwiba Lodge is the perfect blend of luxury, immersion in to nature and authentic wildlife experiences in one of Africa’s finest conservation Areas – Serengeti National Park. The lodge offers exceptional services with friendly staff dedicated to making one’s stay pleasant and memorable.
Mwiba lodge features bohemian style interiors and furnishings with great artistic expressions that are African inspired and décor pieces that have been locally crafted by artisans in Tanzania. From the lodge’s main area to the suites to the dining area, the lodge has been elegantly decorated with organic elements and stunning trinkets. The lodge is located within a wildlife reserve which is part of the Greater Serengeti Eco-system and the concession border with the Southern Serengeti.
Accommodation at Mwiba Lodge
The stunning lodge features ten tented suites that have a cozy interior with key amenities available in the suite. The suites are spread out across the property surrounded by acacias and some of the suites overlook the Arugusinyai River so you typically get to enjoy calming views of the river from the comfort of your suite. The suites at Mwiba Lodge are spacious, luxurious and elegantly decorated with local crafts, carvings and Tanzanian bead work. Different room types are available so it depends on your preferences which can include single occupancy, double occupancy, twin room occupancy or family occupancy. For families travelling together there are suites with interconnecting rooms so the parents and children can stay in the same place during their safari.
Each suite at Mwiba Lodge consists of;
A large comfortable king sized bed with clean white bed sheets, a duvet, a mosquito net and plush throw pillows.
A spacious En-suite bathroom well stocked with bath essentials and featuring a shower, a bath tub, a flush toilet, clean towels, his & hers wash basins, and mirrors.
Hot and cold running water available throughout the day.
An in-room safe.
A mini bar.
A tea and coffee station.
Insect repellent, ear plugs and an umbrella that you can use to move to the main area or dining area on rainy days.
Charging (220 V) sockets and plug points available in the suite as well as USB points.
Air conditioning and a fan in the suite for hot days.
A telephone.
Bathroom robes and slippers.
A seating area with comfortable sofas, wooden table and chairs.
A private deck overlooking a water hole or the cliff depending on what suite you are staying at. The deck has chairs that are similar to sun loungers and the private deck is a great place to relax after a long day of activity.
A table and two director’s chairs are available on the private deck.
All the suites at Mwiba lodge have been built in a way that prioritizes intimacy, privacy and luxurious comfort while on safari. On arrival at the lodge you are assigned a private butler who is available throughout your stay to attend to all your needs and inquiries.
Facilities and Services at Mwiba Lodge
Private Dining Room – With a warm ambiance the dining area at Mwiba Lodge is beautifully decorated with a touch of African inspired décor, from the wooden tables to wooden carvings and comfortable seating. The food at Mwiba lodge is spectacular and offers a blend of traditional cuisine and fine dining. The well trained chefs are dedicated to preparing delicious and fresh meals. The kitchen caters to all dietary requirements, all you have to do is inform the staff ahead of time. Although Mwiba Lodge has a dining room that is up to fine dining standards, bush meals are rather popular at the safari lodge than sitting in the dining area. We recommend the bush meals as they offer a perfect experience of a meal while being treated to stunning views across the wildlife reserve. The staff set up really nicely for the bush meals. Breakfast is available with a lot of tasty options including omelettes, freshly baked pastries, and fruits. Lunch and dinner is a set menu with great tasty options including meats, fresh mixed salads, soups and great desserts.
Infinity Swimming Pool – The lodge features a large infinity swimming pool situated just a few meters away from the lodge’s main area. The beauty about the pool is that it overlooks the wildlife reserve offering you an expansive view of the area. The swimming pool is a perfect place to relax or take a dive in the pool after a long day of activity. Sun loungers are available and large bean bugs perfect for relaxation.
Spa & Gym – Picture having a rejuvenating massage in the midst of a wildlife reserve after a long day of travel or activity. The spa at the lodge is worth visiting as it offers holistic treatments and rejuvenating therapies by the skilled therapists on site. You can choose to have the treatments at the spa or in the comfort of your suite’s private deck. There is also an onsite gym that is well-equipped with equipment for a great workout.
A Library – Mwiba lodge features a library that is stocked with books about Serengeti National Park, field guides, wildlife books and books about nature. The library is a nice place to stop by to soak up in a book, it is like a mini information center. The library has a great reading ambiance – quiet with cozy chairs and a fireplace.
Wine Cellar – For the wine enthusiasts and lovers the wine cellar is a great place to visit during your stay at Mwiba Lodge. Premium wines are available that have been selected by the Mwiba Lodge team, you can visit the unique wine cellar with the staff who take you on a tour during which you can select your wine of choice to pair with your next meal.
Our Review
Mwiba Lodge is the ultimate remote safari lodge and is what we consider as “an ultimate luxury lodge”. The beauty of Mwiba lodge is its location which is less crowded and is best for visitors looking to stay at a lodge that is less touristy and remote. It offers the perfect feel of being alone in the midst of the wilderness. The spectacular views, the animal sightings, the facilities and the tasty food make a stay at Mwiba lodge one filled with luxury and comfort. A point to note is that the lodge is situated at a reserve adjoining Southern Serengeti so it is a long drive from the lodge to the main section of Serengeti where The Great Migration occurs so you can prepare for that if you are visiting Tanzania during the migration season. If you are not ready for the drive you can stay at a lodge nearby and then visit Mwiba lodge on your last days of safari, the lodge is definitely worth it!
Attractions and Activities
Game drives: Game drives are the top activities while here and can be done twice a day, usually you do the morning and afternoon game drive. Morning hours offer the best sightings mainly because the first hour of daylight provides opportunity to see the predators on the move so it’s best to have an early or packed breakfast from the lodge so that you start out your day much earlier (6am). Spend the day exploring The Serengeti which has a dense population of wildlife and other habitats in the park’s ecosystem that usually have herbivores and predators like lions present searching for the day’s hunt. The game drives also offer one spectacular views of the expansive grassland plains of The Serengeti, a true African spectacle.
Lion seen while on a game drive in Central Serengeti
Hot Air Balloon Safari: The hot air balloon safari in Serengeti offers stunning views of the national park and wildlife in The Serengeti. It is such a magical and fulfilling adventure that takes you around the park while experiencing it from a bird’s view.
Great Migration: The Great Migration is the most popular attraction in The Serengeti and it happens each year. The Great Migration is a magical wildlife encounter that involves visitors watching thousands of zebras and wildebeest as they cross from the Serengeti to the Mara, this unique encounter involves seeing the struggle that animals go through as they traverse the waters filled with crocodiles ready to hunt them. The Great Migration usually happens between June and October and it involves dense numbers of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes travelling long distances from Northern Serengeti in Tanzania up to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The River crossings are not predictable as it is a natural wildlife encounter but it normally happens between the months of June – August.
Guided Safari Walks: The safari walks offer an opportunity to track animals in the wilderness on foot. The safari walks are done with expert field guides who take you on a journey into the bush. It’s a great way to learn and follow closely the animal tracks as well as enjoy the lush magnificent landscape.
Community Visit – The lodge is well associated with the nearby communities, an afternoon can be spent visiting the surrounding communities. The tribes living in proximity with the lodge include the Hadza nomadic tribe and the Datoga tribe. A visit to the Datoga tribe gives you on a glimpse in to the community and their way of life. You also get to visit one of the tribe member’s home to see how they live, learn about their food and their culture.
Sun downers and Bush Meals: Mwiba lodge is a perfect destination for bush meals amidst the wildlife reserve and around the lodge. With its rocky cliffs and outcrops the area offers perfect spots for bush breakfast, a private picnic or bush lunch all while enjoying expansive views of the plains. Sun downers are also another great way to spend your time especially after full day game drives in the park, you get to end the day watching the sunset while sipping on your favorite drink. The lodge staff always arrange the bush meals and intimate picnics for you.
