Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge — Sweeping Rift Valley Views on the Escarpment

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge occupies one of the most dramatically positioned sites on the Northern Circuit: the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment above Lake Manyara National Park, with panoramic views east over the soda lake, its flamingo clouds, the Rift Valley floor and the distant volcanic peak of Mount Losimingori. The lodge was designed to take maximum advantage of this position — the curved architecture draws the eye toward the view, the swimming pool hangs over the escarpment edge, and every room has a veranda oriented toward the lake.

Part of the Serena Hotels group (one of East Africa's most established mid-to-luxury lodge brands), Lake Manyara Serena delivers a reliable, professionally managed experience with full-service facilities: a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar, all operated to the group's consistently high standards. It is a solid, dependable choice for the Northern Circuit — not the most intimate or distinctive property in the Manyara area, but one that delivers comfort, views and service in a proven package.

Accommodation

The lodge has several dozen rooms divided into standard rooms and the premium Losimingori Suites. Both room types are decorated in Maasai-inspired style — earthy tones, bold patterns, hand-carved wooden furniture reflecting the colour and texture of the Rift Valley landscape. Standard rooms have a king or twin bed, en-suite bathroom with hot shower and bath, air conditioning, mosquito netting, WiFi, a mini-bar, and private veranda with lake views. The Losimingori Suites add a separate sitting area, flat-screen TV, and a more spacious balcony. All rooms face the escarpment and lake — there are no rear-facing rooms.

The main lodge area is an elegant, curving structure with floor-to-ceiling glass maximising the Rift Valley panorama. The restaurant serves East African and international cuisine (buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner) and the bar is a pleasant spot for sundowner drinks as the light changes over the lake. The swimming pool is the social hub, positioned at the escarpment edge for one of the more photogenic pool views in Tanzania.

Activities

Game drives into Lake Manyara National Park (15 minutes from the lodge) are the primary activity. The park offers tree-climbing lions, hippos, elephants, flamingos, giraffe, buffalo and over 400 bird species. Cultural village walks in nearby Mto wa Mbu market town give insight into the multi-tribal community at the base of the escarpment. Cycling in the Mto wa Mbu lowlands is popular. The lodge can arrange excursions to Ngorongoro Crater (1.5 hours) and Tarangire National Park (1 hour).

Who Is Lake Manyara Serena Best For?

The Serena is the right choice for Northern Circuit travellers who want a reliable, full-service lodge with great views, a pool and spa at a mid-range price. It suits first-time visitors, group tours, and travellers who prefer the comfort of a branded hotel chain over smaller boutique camps. Families with children are well accommodated.