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Guarded by three million year-old granite towers in the magnificent Serengeti National Park, Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp offers the quintessential African Serengeti safari experience. Our elegant tented camp is located on one of the main annual migration corridors for over one million wildebeest, half a million zebras and gazelles and their accompanying cast of predators; the camp also offers close proximity to lions, giraffes, hippos and all of the other fascinating wildlife that inhabits this 14,763 square-kilometre park.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Swahili
Location
Kilimafedha Central Serengeti, Serengeti National Park 255 Tanzania
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We stayed on our safari three nights in this luxurious accommodation. The tents are very stable, spacious, with private shower and toilet and nice, comfortable beds with mosquito nets. There is no saving on sockets, I have never had so many power strips in one accommodation... WiFi works well and the middle of the Serengeti.
You can hear a lot of animals at night, such as the roar of lions, which is extremely impressive. In front of the tent even buffaloes walk around at night, so you get a bit queasy when it is quite quiet and you hear the animals snorting and running around.
You must not leave the tent alone as long as it is dark. After a night, you know why.
The food in the restaurant is great, the staff very friendly and for lunch you get a great lunch box to take away. And the two safaris in the Serengeti were unforgettable experiences.
For me personally, this accommodation was something of the most beautiful and special that I have ever been able to experience with all these impressions in the Serengeti and especially the soundscape at night. This is just madness, not to be described at all, you just want to stay.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
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Location
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Service
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our trip was arranged through Africa Travel Resource and we are so grateful that they included four nights at the Mbuzi Mawe Serena camp, any initial doubts we may have had about staying in a tent in the Serengeti were very soon dispelled, these are tents on an entirely different level, beautifully appointed, set on a tiled floor with immaculate presentation and plumbing, electricity and wi-fi consistent with any hotel I have stayed in. The staff were all so warm and welcoming it would be unfair to name specifics , everybody combined to make our family stay a truly magical experience with the food being of an excellent standard, the packed lunches we were sent off with on our daily game drives were superb and, of course, what a fabulous location, you are literally living in the Serengeti with it's wildlife all around, you have to be sensible and listen to the expert guides who escort you around the site but that is all part of the wonderful experience. I would very much like to think that I will be able to visit again one day. Thank you all.
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Date of stay: November 2022
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Location
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Room Tip:If you want to truly experience Africa do not be put off by the tented accommodation, this is an...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 13 Nov 2022
Dear derekh371 Thank you very much for taking time off your schedule and choose to come to stay at Serena Mbuzi Mawe .You also spared some time to share your feedback about us. We gladly appreciate rating us highly in regards to our Service, the view being priceless and that you had a very great Memorable stay with your family. Thank you once again for sharing and we look forward to welcoming you back again. Kind Regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp Manager.
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This was the second lodge that we stayed at during our 8 day safari. Great lodging and great staff. Lodging under canvas was first class with rainfall showers, full baths and comfortable beds. Excellent food choices. Incredible staff. Great location right next to the kopjes. You could see lions on the kopje from our tented room. Cape buffalo walked around at night and you could hear the hyenas. The walking safari with the naturalist and ranger is a MUST. We learned so much about the animals and environment and climbed the kopjes as well. Thanks Gift and George. The true safari experience. Don’t worry about the animals at night, there is a trained ranger to ensure your safety.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Get box breakfasts and lunches to go to maximize your game drive experience.
Bring insect...
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Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 12 July 2023
Dear FiveDivers, It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations. Thank you once again for sharing such detailed feedback and we look forward to hosting you again Kind Regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp Manager
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When we arrived at Mbuzi Mawe, I felt like I had stepped onto a movie about a safari. Yes we stayed in “tents” but these are tents with real floors, real beds, hot water, and 24-hour electricity (and Wi-fi). At the same time this is very much the wild as when our escort came to take us to dinner he pointed out several African Buffalo less than 5 yards from the doors of our tents and we absolutely heard the lions at night.
Our dinner was excellent - be sure to try the Serengeti Balls (they are amazing chocolate cake balls) - and the local Tanzanian dish was highly flavorful. This was the only place on our safari where we were given the option of picking what we wanted for lunch the following day in some level of detail which was nice.
We had also arranged a brief walking safari. We were accompanied by a nature guide who provided us with an interesting orientation to the flora and fauna of the area and adapted our route when part of the path was blocked by buffalo. We were also joined by one of the park rangers too. The walk was not long or difficult and it was a nice chance for us to see things on foot instead of from a vehicle and is something I would recommend if you have the chance.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Do the walking safari if you can. Listen for the lions at night.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex Maboko, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 14 Dec 2024
Dear T7330RLmariae, We are glad to learn that you had a great moment at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp. The services you have mentioned do pretty much describe what the property offers while the exciting wildlife experience highlights the rich attractions that surround us. We shall be happy to present more dishes, beverages and other services that are themed to the local surroundings when you visit us again soon. Karibu sana!! Alex Maboko Camp Manager
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My Fiancé and I visited Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp for 4 nights in late September 2022 for our very first Safari adventure.
Our experience was exceptional and I am not exaggerating to say that our expectations were exceeded in all aspects.
The camp is situated on a hill amongst the Kopes in the central Serengeti with fantastic views and an abundance of wildlife within sight and earshot. Baboons and Hyrax frequent the camp and during our stay we spotted lions, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, elephant and the Mbuzi Mawe after which the camp is named just metres from the camp borders.
The accommodation is both spacious and luxurious with the tents set on a solid flat foundation for comfort. Electricity in all tents and 24 hour hot water supply for showering.
The staff were helpful and friendly without being overbearing. In particular Newstar and Haji were fantastic. Whilst Eric the assistant manager regularly checked in to ensure there was nothing more that could be done to enhance our stay.
Food was something we weren’t sure what to expect in a safari camp in the middle of the Serengeti but we needn’t have been concerned, it was both delicious and plentiful with a set menu for lunch and dinner each day with a few options for each course. The staff are also always on hand to provide you with an early morning coffee at any time no matter how early (we had 4am before pickup for balloon safari) in the lobby area of the main tent prior to wake you up for the morning game drives.
The communal area of the camp itself is also idyllic with separate lounge, bar and restaurant areas all in keeping with the savannah setting.
There are some reviews here which suggest the service is not great but we strongly and wholeheartedly disagree with this based on our experience. Notably on our final night in the camp, at dinner during our dessert the staff surprised us by bringing my fiancé and I a special cake with Kwaheri (the Swahili word for goodbye) iced on to it. Not only this, but the entire staff - waiters/waitresses, chefs, security and management - came out to our table and sang and danced Swahili celebration and goodbye songs with us. A truly unexpected and special experience that will live long in our memories.
Overall we couldn’t fault the camp or the staff and would highly recommend to anyone considering staying here. We will certainly be back at some point in the future.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 24 Oct 2022
Dear danbC3239YE It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations. Thank you once again for sharing such detailed feedback and we look forward to hosting you again Kind Regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp Manager
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This camp was wonderful in every way. We arrived early evening and dinner was at 7:30, so we hustled our dusty bodies to our lovely tents. Dinner was delicious. The dining room was warm and welcoming and the food yummy! We headed back to our tents for a good night’s sleep. Well, well soon after we hit the pillow at least one male lion decided to make his presence known….letting all within hearing distance aware that where we were trying to sleep was really his territory! He carried on roaring for a couple of hours! That was very exciting!! The next day was a dirty, dusty, ashy drive and we didn’t see many animals. We were back at tents for a tasty lunch. We were very tired. Spent afternoon showering and napping. Our group of 4 went to bar at 5:30 PM. Our ADA tour guide/driver came in at 6:00 PM and he and some staff including the Asst. Manager took us behind dining lodge, behind tents and we soon saw servers, a chef and appetizers warming in stainless server. This is where the Serengeti Cocktails made their presence….orange and passion fruit juices, with Vodka and local Gin. Wow!! Sooooo delicious! They also had a large variety of delicious finger food that we chowed down like it was our last meal. We had so much fun and it's such a lovely memory! We enjoyed this spread during the most gorgeous sunset and we went back to the main lodge for a nightcap. No dinner…too full. Back to tents by 8 PM. We continued to our next camp in the morning, taking with us wonderful memories of Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:They are all great!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 13 Sept 2022
Dear aande1285 It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations and appreciate the time taken to share this amazing review. I am very delighted to hear that you found our property as well as the service impeccable and the Serengeti cocktail you had was so delicious. Thank you very much once again for sharing this amazing review and we look forward to welcoming you back again during your next visit to Tanzania-Serengeti. Best regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp manager
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Great place to stay - the staff were very nice, the food was delicious, and the rooms were great. The location has a lot of wildlife around it so lookout for hyrax and baboons walking around the campground. There's also lions nearby which is very convenient for an early morning game drive to spot some lions. Overall, we enjoyed staying there and had a great time!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 10 Aug 2023
Dear eabk1 It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations. Thank you once again for sharing such detailed feedback and we look forward to hosting you again Kind Regards, Ellieta Mbisse
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We stayed here 2 nights on a cross-country safari. It is built on a rocky outcropping, with spectacular scenery. The tented rooms are very luxurious. The staff are incredibly warm, welcoming, helpful, and eager to please. The food is excellent! I was sick one day and did not go out on the drive with our party. The staff were so caring, bringing me extra water, calling to ask if I needed anything, and the lovely housekeeper cleaned our tent while I slept like a lazy bum. Later I saw the housekeeper, Joyce, walking along the path, singing and dancing. Such joy is beautiful to behold.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 2 Sept 2022
Dear CZTHOMPSON It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations. Thank you once again for sharing such detailed feedback and we look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Best regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp Manager.
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This is my second time staying at this camp. It is a very nice tented camp in a fairly secluded part of Serengeti.
The tents are specious and well appointed. Each tent has two queen size beds, a small sitting area and a separate work station/ desk. Outside the tent, there is a small porch with a sitting area. The bathroom is large with a walk in shower and double vanity sink. The water pressure was good. From the tents, you have nice views of the surrounding area and wildlife is all around this area. I had cape buffalo right outside the tent for 2 nights and vervot monkey playing chase across the top the tent late one afternoon. There are lots of rock hyrax in and around camp as well as klipspringers which the camp is named after. I could hear lion and hyena in the distance. All in all, it gives you and old school safari feel with the creature comforts of home.
Wifi was good.
The common areas are OK but nothing special. They are located in the middle of the camp and there is not much of view. Overall, I didn’t think the common areas were as nice some other tented camps where I stayed but they are adequate.
The food and service here where very good. Even for a fairly remote tented camp Serena does a really good job of giving you several choices with each meal. The quality of the food was also very good. The service at this camp was similar to other Serena properties – excellent.
All in all, a good choice for a Serengeti tented camp.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ellieta Mbisse, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 2 Dec 2022
Dear Robert D It's an absolute pleasure reading about your last stay with us and we are thrilled to hear that we exceed most of your expectations. Thank you once again for sharing such detailed feedback and we look forward to hosting you again Kind Regards, Ellieta Mbisse Camp Manager
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My family and I had an amazing time at the Mbuzi Mawe lodge. The place was clean with all the creature comforts while maintaining the rustic ambiance. The lodge had a nice balcony to enjoy the breathtaking expansiveness of the Serengeti. Food was good too and great service all around. I was able to get an in-room massage which was very good for the price. We celebrated our son’s 9th birthday at the lodge. I had reached out to the hotel front desk to arrange for a cake; the staff made the occasion quite memorable by singing the birthday song in Swahili and bringing the cake during dinner time.
All in all, great lodge and I would highly recommend it.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Alex Maboko, General Manager at Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
Responded 14 Dec 2024
Dear Chickadee200, It's our greatest pleasure to hear that you and your family had memorable moments at the Camp as you also celebrated your son's 9th birthday. The entire team here is trained and take pride in ensuring that all our guests take back home memories to cherish when they depart from the Camp. On your next visit we shall be happy to surprise you with more locally made products and most definitely another version of celebration songs in Swahili. Hoping to host you once again soon. Best Regards, Alex Maboko Camp Manager
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Saint Louis, Missouri73 contributions7 helpful votes
Not sure which airport is closest to Mbuzi Mawe. We flew to Kogatunga (sp?) in NW Tanzania for river crossings. Map shows several airstrips closer to Mbuzi Mawe. We loved the camp there, beautiful setting and lots of wildlife.
Dear Thommo999,
Hope you are doing well and thank you for choosing to stay with us and we are looking forward to hosting you all.
As per your question, Feb is the right time to see the wildebeest calves at Ndutu area and other areas of south Serengeti.
Simon, M.
Camp Manger,
Mbuzi Mawe Serena.
Hello,
We mainly have the type G in our properties. But also, we would be happy to provide a multi-plug which you can request for at the reception and return on check out. Looking forward to have you staying with us.
Hi,
It depends on on how you are getting to the Camp. If you are flying there, the camp is inside the park. because you are inside the park, the main activity is game drives. We have very knowledgeable game drive drivers that will be sure to take you to all the best spots and ensure you get the most of the game drive.
However, if going to the camp by road, there are several stops that you will make along the way. One notable stop with be an over night stop at Ngorongoro and the Ngorongoro crater is one of the best spots in Tanzania. Also, you will stop at the Olduvai gorge another must see spot. Hope that helps, if you need more information, we would be happy to help.
There are more places to choose from in the Serengeti National Park area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$404 - AU$858 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
mbuzi mawe tented camp hotel serengeti national park
LOCATION
TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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