mbalageti safari camp serengeti

Serengeti National Park

Mbalageti Tented Lodge

Lodge location Western Corridor

Uninterrupted views of the Serengeti plains towards the Mbalageti River.

Mbalageti is a beautiful safari lodge on the Serengeti plains that offer incredible sights over some of the most majestic areas of Africa. You can head out onto the plains and witness magical moments of nature before heading back to comfort and serenity at the lodge.

At a glance

Game drives, rooms and tents, take to the skies, nearest airport, explore on foot, treat yourself, stay connected, bring the family, stay together, great value for money in the western corridor.

Set in the west of the Serengeti National Park, close to the Mbalageti River Valley, the Lower Grumeti Woodlands and the Rumania Plains making this a magnificent spot for exploring the area. With 24 unique tented chalets and a luxurious main lodge, you will enjoy adventure and serenity within this beautiful area. Using organic furnishings in its design to help blend in with the surrounding environment and focus on the beauty that surrounds it. Constructed of natural stone, timber and with thatched canopies and pops of colour to create a calming and comfortable environment to be enjoyed.

When you arrive, you will be greeted and taken to the welcome centre before being led to the main lounge to relax. After your orientation, you can enjoy the comforts of the main lodge that is set to the north of the hill. Within the main lodge is the indoor restaurant, terrace, bar, lounge and also swimming pool. You can also head to the onsite gift shop for local gifts. You can also enjoy the indulgence of spa services that will help you refresh and rejuvenate before more of your African adventure. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner within the main restaurant or on the outdoor dining terrace, both with breathtaking views of the valley. Each meal comprises delicious dishes both western and traditional made from local produce. You can also enjoy to-go boxes for heading out on early morning game or balloon safaris.

After a long day out in the African bush, you can head to the 24 tented chalets, the 14 standard rooms, or to the two presidential suites. The tented chalets are situated so you can enjoy either the sunrise and the sunset in comfort, with views of the Mbalageti River Valley or the Dutwa Plains. These chalets are designed beautifully, mixing the natural design of the plains to the needs of the lodge. The back of the rooms are made of local rock, whilst the rest of the chalet is made of tent canvas, which creates a cooling environment to live in. The roofs are thatched to help blend into the environment, making it more likely for animals to be curious. Each chalet has a private veranda with deck chairs that can be used to enjoy the bountiful view of the Serengeti. The chalets comprise a bedroom, separate sitting area and en-suite bathroom, all designed with driftwood furnishings. The bathrooms have beautiful oversized baths that are so inviting after a long day in the bush building up African dust.

Activities at Mbalageti Tented Lodge

Head out on a game drive where you will explore the Serengeti’s western corridor and the central Serengeti. Have the chance to witness the wonder of the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras as they head to new breeding grounds. Your expert guide will take you to the hotspots for wildlife activity and teach you all about the local knowledge of the herds. You may even get to see lions, cheetahs, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. For an additional price, you can enjoy bush walks and balloon safaris . Head out on foot and explore the bush like the animals, learn about medicinal plants, how to track and even build a fire. You will have the chance to get up close with the wildlife, all with the help of your expert guide. Or why not soar in the sky amongst the birds and look down at the travelling herds and hunting predators before you set down for a delicious bush breakfast.

Tripadvisor comments Mbalageti Tented Lodge

Honestly the best place in the Serengeti. We have stayed here on a few occasions and will continue to do so. It is out of the way, but that is a good thing. You are able to have your own private safari while on safari. It is by far the best value in the park. This is for the people who do not want a cookie-cutter safari experience. Take your time, spend an extra day, and just enjoy the lodge. The staff is incredible. The views are second to none and you are not fighting with anyone for a chance to get a view. After trips here, you could not pay me to go back and stay around Seronera. ewlorendo from Melbourne, Australia

Upmarket tented accommodation overlooking the Serengeti plains, excellent food, friendly ever helpful staff, great food - what more could you want. We really enjoyed our stay here in a quieter part of the Serengeti reserve. Lots of game to see and far less Land Cruisers then in the central area. Doc061 from Leeds, UK

Mbalageti Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Great location - show map

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Value for money

Mbalageti Serengeti Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Mbalageti Serengeti – rated 8.9 by recent guests!

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Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi access, Mbalageti Serengeti is located inside the Serengeti National Park. Guests can have a drink at the onsite bar and relax on the terrace. The units in the lodge are fitted with a fan, safety deposit box and bed linen. While some of the units feature a mini-bar, fridge and sofa, all the units are fitted with a wardrobe and mosquito net. The private bathroom found in each unit has free toiletries. A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. Guests can have a meal at the onsite restaurant that specializes in African and international cuisines. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and luggage storage. The property offers free parking. Car rental services are also available at Mbalageti Serengeti as well as business facilities.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Free parking

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.5)

Free Private Parking Available On Site

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Restaurants 1 Restaurant On Site

• Cuisine African • Indian • Pizza • Local • Asian • International
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Traditional
• Dietary options Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Mbalageti Serengeti Great facilities! Review score, 8.9

• Private Bathroom
• Outdoor fireplace
• Outdoor furniture
• Themed dinners
• Walking tours Additional charge
• Game drives
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids' meals
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Private check-in/out
• Baggage storage
• Currency exchange
• Board games/Puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
• Business center
• Fire extinguishers
• 24-hour security
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Designated smoking area
• Smoke-free property
• Packed lunches
• Open all year
• Pool/Beach towels
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Full-body massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa/Wellness packages
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Beach umbrellas
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa Additional charge

Property practice

See availability house rules.

From 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 6 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no cribs available at this property.

All extra beds are subject to availability.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 6 and up are allowed)

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Mbalageti Serengeti accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that a surcharge of 5% applies for all payments made through a credit card.

FAQs about Mbalageti Serengeti

How far is mbalageti serengeti from the center of serengeti national park.

Mbalageti Serengeti is 29.8 miles from the center of Serengeti National Park. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What is there to do at Mbalageti Serengeti?

• Walking tours
• Swimming pool

Does Mbalageti Serengeti have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What type of room can I book at Mbalageti Serengeti?

Is mbalageti serengeti popular with families.

Yes, Mbalageti Serengeti is popular with guests booking family stays.

Does Mbalageti Serengeti have a restaurant on site?

What are the check-in and check-out times at mbalageti serengeti.

Check-in at Mbalageti Serengeti is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

How much does it cost to stay at Mbalageti Serengeti?

The prices at Mbalageti Serengeti may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

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Mbalageti Safari Camp

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 526
• Very Good 112
• Terrible 16
• All languages ( 704 )
• English ( 573 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 52 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 52 )

" You need to be able to walk on uneven, terrain. However, they have carts for transportation if needed. "

" Definitely book a massage before sunset to have the best experience with views "

" Bring good flashlights. Also helpful is if you have a portable power pack to charge your devices when the main power is off. "

" Yes, a friendly ‘heads up’ that the lodge charges 3% credit card fees. It was a surprise god me. "

" Do not stay here- unsafe conditions! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Mbalageti Safari Camp - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos

Mbalageti Safari Camp

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 526
• Very Good 112
• Terrible 16
• All languages ( 704 )
• English ( 573 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 52 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 52 )

" You need to be able to walk on uneven, terrain. However, they have carts for transportation if needed. "

" Definitely book a massage before sunset to have the best experience with views "

" Bring good flashlights. Also helpful is if you have a portable power pack to charge your devices when the main power is off. "

" Yes, a friendly ‘heads up’ that the lodge charges 3% credit card fees. It was a surprise god me. "

" Do not stay here- unsafe conditions! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MBALAGETI SAFARI CAMP: 2024 Prices & Reviews (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) - Photos of Hotel - Tripadvisor

Mbalageti Safari Camp

View prices for your travel dates

Reviews we perform checks on reviews. tripadvisor’s approach to reviews before posting, each tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. if the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines , the review is not published. when the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines . learn more about our review moderation..

• Excellent 526
• Very Good 112
• Terrible 16
• All languages ( 704 )
• English ( 573 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 52 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 52 )

" You need to be able to walk on uneven, terrain. However, they have carts for transportation if needed. "

" Definitely book a massage before sunset to have the best experience with views "

" Bring good flashlights. Also helpful is if you have a portable power pack to charge your devices when the main power is off. "

" Yes, a friendly ‘heads up’ that the lodge charges 3% credit card fees. It was a surprise god me. "

" Do not stay here- unsafe conditions! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MBALAGETI SAFARI CAMP - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices

Mbalageti Safari Camp

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 526
• Very Good 112
• Terrible 16
• All languages ( 704 )
• English ( 573 )
• Chinese (Sim.) ( 52 )
• Chinese (Trad.) ( 52 )

" You need to be able to walk on uneven, terrain. However, they have carts for transportation if needed. "

" Definitely book a massage before sunset to have the best experience with views "

" Bring good flashlights. Also helpful is if you have a portable power pack to charge your devices when the main power is off. "

" Yes, a friendly ‘heads up’ that the lodge charges 3% credit card fees. It was a surprise god me. "

" Do not stay here- unsafe conditions! "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

MBALAGETI SAFARI CAMP (Serengeti National Park) - Hotel Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison - Tripadvisor

• Choose Your Safari
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Seasonal Highlights

• Inclusions & Exclusions
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• Night Game Drive
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• Serengeti Lion Project
• Booking And Flights
• Booking Security
• Flexible Travel & Payment
• Booking Terms & Conditions
• International Flight Routing

Select a region or sub-region to learn more.

Serengeti national park.

• North Serengeti
• Lobo Valley
• Upper Grumeti Woodlands
• Lamai Triangle
• Bologonja Springs

West Serengeti

Ruwana plains, lower grumeti woodlands, mbalageti river valley, musabi plains.

• East Serengeti
• Sametu Marsh and Kopjes
• Barfafu Gorge and Kopjes
• Lemuta Hill and Waterhole
• Lake Natron
• South Serengeti
• The Triangle
• Hidden Valley
• Kusini Plains
• Olduvai Gorge
• Matiti Plains
• Central Serengeti
• Seronera Valley
• Seronera River
• Retina Pool
• Moru Kopjes
• Maasai Kopjes
• Makoma Hill
• Turners Spring
• Simba Kopjes
• Long Grass Plains
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Ground Water Forest
• Acacia Woodlands
• Floodplains
• Lake Manyara
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lake Magadi
• Central Plains
• Lerai Forest
• Rumbe Hills
• Munge Stream
• Mandusi Swamp
• Gorigor Swamp
• Ngoitokitok Springs
• Tarangire National Park
• Tarangire River
• Lemiyon Triangle
• Matete Woodlands
• Silale Swamp
• Burungi Circuit
• Kitibong Hill

What style of lodging are you looking for?

• Migration Tented Lodge
• Lemala Mara River Camp
• Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge
• Taasa Lodge

Mbalageti Tented Lodge

Kirawira tented lodge.

• Sametu Camp
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• Ndutu Lodge
• Lemala Ndutu Camp
• Lake Masek Tented Lodge
• Woodlands Camp
• Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge
• Serengeti Serena Lodge
• Four Seasons Lodge
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• Private Mobile Camp
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• Serengeti Pioneer Camp
• Plantation Lodge
• The Manor at Ngorongoro
• Escarpment Luxury Lodge
• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
• Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
• Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
• Lion's Paw Camp
• Swala Tented Lodge
• Tarangire Treetops Lodge
• Kikoti Tented Lodge
• Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
• Maramboi Tented Lodge
• Mount Meru Resort
• Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Lake Duluti Lodge

• Search by Map
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• Conservation
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• School of St. Jude
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West Serengeti near the Mbalageti River Valley , Lower Grumeti Woodlands and Ruwana Plains

Best Months to Visit

May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Most Known For

• Ideal location for the Migration in May/June
• Superb resident game viewing Jul thru Nov
• Panoramic views of the Mbalageti River Valley
• Bush walks, bush dinners and sundowners

Private Game Drives, Sundowners, Cultural Tours, Bush Dinners

Wildebeest, Colobus Monkey, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo, Crocodile, Topi

Exceptional tented chalets overlooking the Mbalageti River Corridor. This lodge lies right on the thundering path of the northward migration during May and June. The property is perched on a secluded hill half way down the Western Corridor of the Serengeti and encompasses 24 unique tented chalets with thatched roofs, beautiful hardwood floors and private verandas. With its pristine location and timeless luxury, this is one of the most special properties in Tanzania.

Lodge Overview

Accommodations, food & drink, special features.

Watch in awe from your private veranda as a gilded sunrise casts an ethereal glow over the hazy woodlands below. Listen to the echo of a million wildebeest hooves thundering through the famous Mbalageti River Valley . Inhale the earthy aroma of Serengeti underneath a brilliant Tanzanite sky. An indulgence for the senses and fulfillment for the soul - these experiences are the essence of Mbalageti Tented Lodge!

Mbalageti is located in a prime area for exceptional year round wildlife viewing and a multitude of game drive options. Due to its central location, Mbalageti can be used as a base to explore the West Serengeti , Central Serengeti or East Serengeti . With its pristine location, unparalleled service, and timeless luxury, Mbalageti is one of the most special properties in all of Tanzania. We are sure that your stay here will make priceless memories that you will cherish for years to come.

Mbalageti Tented Lodge, also referred to as Mbalageti Serengeti, offers exceptional luxury accommodations in a secluded location half way down the western corridor of the Serengeti. Expect to be impressed, pampered, and inspired by this Lodge's natural beauty, sophisticated luxury, and pristine surroundings. First opening its doors on November 21, 2004, Mbalageti has now cemented itself as a shining star of the Serengeti.

Four years of construction and a "spare no expensive" attitude, combined with a top safari-lodge design team, has created a truly remarkable property. Mbalageti is perched on the crest of Mwamnevi Hill and offers panoramic views of the Mbalageti River Valley and Dutwa Plains below. This remote slice of the Serengeti is incredibly isolated, stunningly beautiful, and allows for a unique 'off the beaten path' safari experience.

The Lodge is named for the seasonal Mbalageti River that winds through a fold of plains and hills that stretches from the Southern Serengeti plains, past the Lodge, and eventually into Lake Victoria. This river forms a natural corridor that the wildebeest and zebra migration follow each year, putting Mbalageti Tented Lodge right in the middle of their thundering path!

The organic furnishings of the Lodge are purposefully and soulfully designed to blend in inconspicuously with the surrounding environment. In these efforts to fuse with nature, luxury is not compromised but rather enhanced. A blend of natural stone and gnarled timber turn common living areas into a delightful extension of the natural world. Thatched canopies offer sunshade over open-air ambience. Splashes of vivid color, eccentric décor, and warm smiles from the staff ensure that nothing about this Lodge is pretentious, but rather aimed for comfort and delight.

What might look anomalous anywhere else becomes art here -antelope bones adorn the dining room and ornate chandeliers of empty Heineken bottles light the inner bar. African masks and furnishings add an exotic flavor throughout the living spaces. Almost everything has been custom made on site, and many of the local artisans who helped build the Lodge still work there, offering a steady stream of creative energy. The reception lounge, gift shop, bar, swimming pool, and dining areas are linked by lingering stone walkways, and guest chalets are generously spaced throughout the property with distance and care to create the ultimate sense of solitude and privacy.

In spite of the delightful common areas, your private sleeping quarters might well be the highlight of your stay at Mbalageti (especially if your package includes one of the exclusive presidential suites!). Each luxurious tented chalet or presidential suite is comprised of khaki canvas and indigenous river stone, and each is well appointed with plush bedding, an opulent en suite bathroom, oversized chair and couch, a writing desk, and a private balcony which affords stunning views of either a Serengeti sunrise or a sunset. Four poster beds are draped in gauze while knotted driftwood furnishings and exotic African prints further enhance the ambience.

If you are staying in one of the property's exclusive presidential suites, you will further enjoy a lavish private dining room, private butler service, a family living room and entertainment center, a complimentary bar, an outdoor master bathtub, a second bedroom with a second en suite bathroom, and best of all an expansive open-air game viewing deck. Whether you stay in one of the presidential chalets or one of the tented chalets, you will surely find the private accommodations at Mbalageti are simply heaven on earth!

Mbalageti Tented Lodge is recommended throughout the year due to its central location and close proximity to an abundance of resident wildlife. During the dry season the lodge is in a great position to explore both the West and Central Serengeti. During the green season, Mbalageti can be a great choice when combined with a lodge or camp in the South Serengeti. It is only a 1.5-hour drive from Mbalageti to the Seronera Valley so one can use Mbalageti as a base to game drive the Central Serengeti year round.

Mbalageti Tented Lodge is highly recommended during the northward wildebeest migration from early May to early July. During this period, the migration is moving northwest along the Mbalageti River Valley, which flows from the plains, through the woodlands and into Lake Victoria. The Mbalageti River Valley links the plains to the woodlands and forms a natural corridor that the great wildebeest and zebra migration follows each year. In a typical year the migratory herds will pass by the Lodge throughout June. However, the exact timing of the migration through the Mbalageti area is completely dependent on rainfall. During drought years the migration may thunder through on the early side in May and sometimes even in July during abnormally long green seasons. November is also an optimal time to be at Mbalageti for the southward migration as some of the migratory wildebeest and zebra accumulate here before making their final southward leap to the Southern Serengeti Plains.

Short walking safaris are available from Mbalageti Tented Lodge. The walks are about 2 hours long. The walks begin at the Lodge and route down Mwamnevi Hill, across a small plain, and to the Mbalageti River. A swing bridge is used to cross the river followed by a short break. The walk then leads down the riverbed under the thick forest canopy and back up to the Lodge. An armed park ranged and two Maasai warriors accompany each walking safari. Game viewing is hit or miss but impala, topi, Thomson's gazelle and giraffe may sometimes be seen plus there is always phenomenal birding along the Mbalageti River.

Mbalageti Tented Lodge (elevation of 4,379 feet) is located roughly in the middle of the western corridor of the Serengeti. Mbalageti is roughly halfway between Seronera in the Central Serengeti and Grumeti in the West Serengeti . The Lodge is situated at the top of Mwamnevi Hill in the greater Mbalageti River Valley and Dutwa Plains. Mbalageti Tented Lodge is roughly a 1-hour drive away or 20 miles southeast of the Kirawira and Grumeti lodges and game circuits. The Lodge is 35 miles northwest of the Seronera Airstrip or a 1.5-hour drive away from the Seronera Valley game circuits.

Well off the beaten path and inconspicuously nestled in acacia bush, other than a discrete road marker over a half an hour away, there are no signs of civilization to reveal Mbalageti's presence until you literally stumble upon the entrance. You will be immediately greeted with friendly smiles and escorted by Maasai warriors to the welcome center. After being led to the open foyer and comfortable lounge, you will be treated to a cool towel, refreshing drinks, and a warm orientation by one of the assistant managers. It is here where you can find a delightful coffee and tea bar, along with a small computer desk offering complimentary internet services.

The main Lodge area, situated at the northern tip of the hill, is simply spectacular. This area consists of the indoor restaurant, outside dining terrace, bar, lounge loft, and an immaculate swimming pool. You shoppers will delight in the exotic offerings of the charming gift shop, an inconspicuous nook that has a floor made of sand. Feel free to indulge in one of the luxurious spa services offered at Mbalageti Tented Lodge, including massage, and may your soul find peace in the stillness and space that is Serengeti.

Guest accommodations at Mbalageti Tented Lodge consist of 2 presidential suites, 24 tented chalets and 14 standard rooms. The standard rooms, built in motel style blocks at the very back of the Lodge, are not usually recommended. The layout of the Lodge runs north to south along the top of Mwamnevi Hill, with half of the chalets on the west (sunset) side and the other half on the east (sunrise) side of the hill.

Presidential Suites

These ultra-luxurious suites offer the finest safari accommodations in all of Tanzania. Each of the two presidential suites is completely self contained and comes equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open air bathtub, private dining room, stocked bar, sitting room, open sided game viewing veranda, and exclusive butler service.

The presidential suite takes the shape of a 'T'. The living area forms the center of the suite, and is basically one long room. This area consists of (from rear to front) the sitting room with couches, library, satellite TV, DVD player, stereo and stocked mini-bar, the dining table in the very center and, lastly, an open sided veranda. This open-air veranda offers superb views of the Mbalageti Valley and comes equipped with a leather couch and game viewing benches that are intricately carved into the handrails - it just doesn't get any better than this.

To the left of the living area is the master bedroom with a queen size bed and master bathroom. Just outside the master bathroom is a private deck with an outdoor bathtub. To the right of the living area is the 2nd bedroom with two twin beds and a 2nd full bathroom with a beautiful indoor bathtub.

The furnishings are posh yet practical and comfortable. Each en suite bathrooms comes with oversized bath towels and robes. Each bathroom also comes fully stocked with a wide range of toiletries for your pleasure and comfort. Beds are draped in luxurious mozzie nets and especially plush bedding to ensure sound safari dreaming. All meals can be served in your private dining room by your personal butler.

Tented Chalets

There are a total of 24 tented chalets with half on the sunrise side of the hill and the other half on the sunset side. The sunrise chalets have great views of the Mbalageti River Valley while the sunset chalets have equally good views of the Dutwa Plains. Each chalet offers fine luxury accommodations.

The chalets are actually just semi-tented as each has a back wall made of local rock while the fronts and sides are under traditional canvas. The chalets are under thatched roofs with beautiful hardwood floors and each has a private shaded veranda with safari deck chairs from where you can admire the views. The chalets are spaced far apart along each side of the hill ensuring complete privacy and tranquility.

Inside each spacious chalet there is a bedroom with a separate sitting area with a love seat, couch and writing desk. The bathrooms are well appointed with beautiful driftwood furnishings and a glorious bear claw bathtub. You may choose from either double chalets (1 queen bed) or twin chalets (2 twin beds). Triples are also available for 2 adults and 1 child via a convertible or fold out sofa bed. Two of the chalets are honeymoon suites and have an outdoor bath instead of the indoor bathtub and a larger veranda. Each en suite bathrooms comes with oversized bath towels and robes. Each bathroom also comes fully stocked with a wide range of toiletries for your pleasure and comfort.

Beds are draped in luxurious mozzie nets and especially plush bedding to ensure sound safari dreaming. Turndown service is conducted in the evenings and a coffee/tea and cookie tray is delivered to your chalet each morning at your prearranged wake up call time.

Mbalageti Tented Lodge is owned by the Sandhu family, a Tanzanian family from Mwanza, which is on the southeastern shore of Lake Victoria. This is their one and only safari lodge and they have been developing the Mbalageti concept for many years.

Meals at Mbalageti are delicious. You have a choice of eating inside the main restaurant or al fresco on the outdoor dining terrace, while you gaze over a breathtaking view of the valley below.

Breakfast consists of a variety of items including eggs (cooked to order), pancakes, potatoes, bacon, yogurt, and an assortment of fresh fruits as well as your choice of coffee or tea. Breakfast boxes 'to go' are also available for you die hard morning safari enthusiasts.

Lunch is usually served buffet style on the dining terrace, and consists of a variety of freshly prepared items to suit any palate. Picnic boxes 'to go' are also available for those individuals wishing to enjoy more time game viewing. Lunch boxes consist of your choice of tuna, chicken or veggie sandwiches, juice box, fruit, muffins and a chocolate bar, and are ordered from a proper menu the night before.

Dinner is always delicious at Mbalageti Tented Lodge! This main meal is themed on a 3-day rotation including African night with traditional foods, Thai night with live cooking on teppan tables, and carnivore night with a selection of several different BBQ skewers and accompanying pasta, vegetables and soups. There is also an ample variety of beer, wine and spirits available.

If you are staying in one of the exclusive presidential suites, meals can be served via butler service in your private dining room. Beverages (beer, house wine, spirits, soft drinks) are included in the presidential suite safari package.

• Private game drives inside the Serengeti's western corridor and the famous central Serengeti
• Full day game drives to the remote Gol Kopjes
• Picnic lunches
• Bush dinners at an additional fee
• Sundowners at an additional fee
• Swimming pool
• Spa treatments including massage at an additional fee
• Bush walks at an additional fee
• Well stocked safari boutique and gift shop
• Internet access (complimentary)
• Safari loft stocked with books and games
• Full housekeeping services
• Laundry services at an additional fee
• Balloon safaris, soaring high above the pristine Serengeti plains that ends with a champagne breakfast cooked in the bush at an additional fee
• Private butler service with meals served in private dining room (included with presidential suite package only)
• Fully stocked bar with a wide range of beer, house wine, spirits, and soft drinks (included at no cost in presidential suite package only)

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31244 Palos Verdes Dr. West, Suite 239

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Hours: Daily 8AM - 8PM PST

P.O. Box 2189

Arusha, Tanzania

+255 752 225 554

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• Terrible 16
• All languages ( 704 )
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• Chinese (Sim.) ( 52 )
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" You need to be able to walk on uneven, terrain. However, they have carts for transportation if needed. "

" Definitely book a massage before sunset to have the best experience with views "

" Bring good flashlights. Also helpful is if you have a portable power pack to charge your devices when the main power is off. "

" Yes, a friendly ‘heads up’ that the lodge charges 3% credit card fees. It was a surprise god me. "

" Do not stay here- unsafe conditions! "

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MBALAGETI SAFARI CAMP (R̶M̶ ̶3̶,̶0̶3̶7̶) RM 1,526: UPDATED 2024 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 1,000 Photos (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) - Tripadvisor

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Mbalageti Lodge

About Mbalageti Lodge

Mbalageti Lodge (also known as Mbalageti Serengeti Tented Camp, or simply Mbalageti Serengeti) stands on ...

... Mwamyeni Hill, overlooking the vast Dutwa Plain, in a quiet part of the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park. It has uninterrupted views of the Serengeti plains towards the Mbalageti River and is a lovely spot to be located in the Serengeti, and ideal if the wildebeest migration is in this area. Mbalageti is smaller than the large 'Serena' and 'Sopa'-type hotels which are found in many of northern Tanzania's safari areas – and yet it is slightly larger than many of the smaller safari camps. The latter typically take 16-20 guests and, we admit, tend to often be our favourites. However, despite its slightly large size ... we really like Mbalageti! It's well run, tastefully constructed and decorated, and it has great views over the Serengeti. What's more – there's a genuine feeling that it gives good value for money: the standard rooms are relatively cheap, and the tented chalets, whilst more costly, are lovely and spacious.

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Traveller reviews of Mbalageti Lodge

3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.

Arrived 21 Jun 2013, 4 nights

"Good lodge let down by poor staff attitude"

Overall rating: Poor

Arrived 12 Jul 2009, 3 nights

"Mbalageti Lodge review"

Overall rating: Good

Arrived 18 Jun 2009, 3 nights

Overall rating: Excellent

Arrived 27 Jul 2008, 3 nights

See all Mbalageti Lodge reviews

Expert Africa's gallery

When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 33 pictures of Mbalageti Lodge to get the candid view.

Mbalageti Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mbalageti Lodge.

When to go to Serengeti Migration Area

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mbalageti Lodge in Serengeti Migration Area

Tanzania in January

January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present. Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

• Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
• Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
• A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
• The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
• Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Tanzania in February

February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower. The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

• Hot and dry weather.
• Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
• Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
• Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
• The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Tanzania in March

The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti. Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

• Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
• Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
• Parks are quiet and rates are low.
• Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
• March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

Weather in March

Tanzania in April

April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers. Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

• Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
• Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
• Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
• Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Tanzania in May

As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River. Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

• Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
• Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
• The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
• Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
• The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

Weather in May

Tanzania in June

The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months. The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

• A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
• The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
• Wildlife may be dispersed still.
• Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

Weather in June

Tanzania in July

July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River. In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

• Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
• Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
• The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
• Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
• To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Tanzania in August

August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day. August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

• Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
• General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
• An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
• Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
• Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

Weather in August

Tanzania in September

September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on. You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

• Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
• Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
• The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
• Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
• Prices remain high.

Weather in September

Tanzania in October

At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp. There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

• Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
• Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
• Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

Weather in October

Tanzania in November

In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers! The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

• Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
• Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
• Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
• The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

Weather in November

Tanzania in December

December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups. Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

• Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
• Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
• Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
• Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
• The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

Weather in December

Other areas in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam

Ngorongoro Crater

Mafia Island

Tanzania Coast

Lake Manyara

Mahale Mountains

Pemba Island

Mikumi & Udzungwa

Fanjove Island

Rubondo Island

Lake Natron

Lupita Island

Tanzania fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Mbalageti Lodge

Flights to Tanzania

How to get to and within the country

LGBT travel in Tanzania

Attitudes, the law & our experiences

Privately guided safaris

Safari with a private guide in your own 4WD

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Info to maximise the experience

Tanzania general info

Essential travel information

Tipping in Tanzania

Expectations & guidelines for tipping

Weather & climate

The best time to visit Tanzania

Excursions from Mbalageti Lodge

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mbalageti Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Three hours - approx. one hour flight

As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.

Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area

Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Olakira Camp

Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.

Sayari Camp

In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.

Nomad Serengeti Camp

Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.

Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.

Namiri Plains Camp

Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.

Lamai Serengeti

Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.

Ubuntu Camp

Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.

Kati Kati Camp

Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.

Ndutu Safari Lodge

Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.

Serian Serengeti

Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.

Klein's Camp

Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.

Kimondo Camp

Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.

Serengeti under Canvas

Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.

Grumeti River Camp

Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.

Lemala Kuria Hills

Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.

Lemala Mara-Ndutu

Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.

Lemala Nanyukie

Lemala Nanyukie is a comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.

Lemala Ewanjan

Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.

Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.

Lobo Wildlife Lodge

The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.

Kusini Camp

Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.

Serengeti Serena

The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.

Serengeti Walking Mobile

This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.

Serengeti Sopa Lodge

Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.

Singita Mara River

Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.

Serengeti Green Camp

Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.

Migration Camp

Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.

Mkombe's House Lamai

Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.

Faru Faru Lodge

On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.

Sasakwa Lodge

On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.

Kirurumu Migration Camp

Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.

Sabora Tented Camp

Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.

Olmara Camp

With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.

Ndutu Kati Kati

Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.

Olduvai Camp

Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.

Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.

Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.

Esirai Migration Camp

A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.

Mwiba Lodge

Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.

Nimali Mara

Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.

Four Seasons Serengeti

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.

Lake Masek Tented Camp

Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.

Seronera Wildlife Lodge

Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.

Mara Kati Kati

Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.

Kirawira Camp

Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.

Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.

Taasa Lodge

Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.

Nimali Serengeti

Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.

Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp

Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.

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Mbalageti Safari Camp Ltd

Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the Western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, the largest and most famous national park in Tanzania.

One of the main attractions is the annual migration of the wildebeests and its large number of lions, cheetahs and herds of giraffes and zebras.

The Mbalageti Serengeti is situated on the Mwamveni hill and offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the Serengeti plains and the Mbalageti River. Entering from the Mwanza-Musoma highway, through the Ndabaka gate (1.5hrs) or from Naabi gate from Arusha

Exclusive family suites

The exclusive family suites have 2 bedrooms. One with a king size bed and one with a twin bedded solution. The suites are our most luxury accommodation, with TV Lounge & Dining Area

All Ex-Suites have mineral water, bathrobes, slippers, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, whistle, binoculars, safe deposit box, an emergency light and satellite Tv.

Tented Chalet

The Tented Chalets are situated 12 each on either the Sunrise or Sunset side of the hill. They are semi- tented with a back wall of local rock and wooden floor. Decorated with a true ‘ bush theme’, the Tented Chalets are giving your guests a real safari living experience.

All Chalets have both shower and bathtub, some of our Chalets with the bathtubs on the veranda. The Chalets are located far apart to ensure privacy and exclusivity. Extra treats can be arranged and charged supplement.

All Chalets have mineral water, bathrobes, slippers, flashlight, umbrellas, walking stick, whistle, binoculars (on request), safe deposit box and an emergency light.  The Tented Chalets are in harmony with nature.

Lodge Rooms

The Lodge Rooms (Standard Type) are not Tented but in a block building. The rooms are comfortably offering all amenities and are beautifully decorated. All Standard Rooms have en suite bathroom with a shower and its own veranda.

The Standard Rooms are located approximately 500 meters from the main building.  We offer Doubles and Twins, no Triple Rooms available.

Our Standard Rooms are more of a “one night stop-over” or a budget option for the travellers. All Lodge Rooms have mineral water, flashlight, umbrellas, and walking stick.

Tanzania Safaris

About serengeti.

• Things to See & Do

Africa has the best safari destinations in the World

Mbalageti is located off the beaten track in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park. Situated on the Mwamveni hill, the lodge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Mbalageti River and Serengeti plains. The lodge boasts the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra as the main attraction, with scores of these animals filling the plains.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp

Set amongst light acacia woodland to the south of the Serengeti West area of northern Tanzania, Nomad Mbalageti Camp is a high specification mobile tented facility, with guest accommodation in 6 tented rooms and providing access to good range of safari areas. Open May-Jun. Minimum age 8.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp is located in the Serengeti West area.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp is located in the Serengeti West area of northern Tanzania.

The Serengeti is a very substantial national park, the undisputed highlight of the wonderful Northern Tanzania safari area and surely the greatest wildlife reserve in East Africa.

A common misconception is that the Serengeti is a vast endless grassy plain, but in reality it comprises a wide range of different scenery and ecosystems.

The area is best known for it massive wildebeest migration, which is a rolling year-round spectacle. In addition it is the most productive area in Africa for lions and cheetahs.

The Serengeti is well worth visiting at any time of year, usually as part of a longer overland safari through the region, usually staying in two or three different sub-areas.

Serengeti West

Serengeti West, commonly referred to as the 'Western Corridor', follows the course of the Grumeti River from the central part of Serengeti for 100km out towards Lake Victoria. 

It is pretty area with reasonable range of resident wildlife year round, but is most commonly visited during Apr-Jun then the main migration herds tend to pass through on their way north.

During April the herds should be moving north in huge columns, with the wildebeest in rut. 

During May and June they should be arriving into this Western Corridor area, eventually massing and crossing the Grumeti River. 

This may not be quite the level of spectacle as the crossing of the Mara River in Jul-Oct, but it can make for an impressive sight as there are still plenty of crocodiles in this modest stream.

Outside the migration season, especially during the Jul-Oct dry season, the Western Corridor becomes a relatively quiet backwater, with enough resident wildlife to remain interesting.

Set amongst light acacia woodland to the south of the Serengeti West area of northern Tanzania, Nomad Mbalageti Camp is a high specification mobile tented facility, with guest accommodation in 6 tented rooms and providing access to good range of safari areas.

Getting there

The property is usually accessed as part of a 6 to 12 night private guided overland safari through the region.

The camp usually features in between the Ngorongoro Crater and other Serengeti areas.

If the camp is at the start or end of the safari, then it can be accessed by light aircraft into the nearby Grumeti Airstrip, which has daily flight connections with Kigali (for gorillas in Rwanda) Manyara, Tarangire, Ruaha and Selous (for more safari), Zanzibar (for tropical coastline), Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi (for international arrivals and departures).

From the airstrip it is a vehicle safari of around 30 minutes into camp, with a good chance of early animal sightings along the way.

We usually include all the connecting transport for your trip unless  you specifically ask us not to.

The camp is centred on a tented mess, leading out to a campfire area.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp is owned and operated by Nomad Tanzania, one of the leading safari companies in East Africa, the owners of which are committed to both an earthy, authentic, high quality approach to safari and a very strong conservation ethos.

We have worked very closely with them since their inception and consider them to be great partners in our shared mission to deliver conservation in Africa through sustainable tourism.

Their properties include ...

Katavi : Chada Camp Mahale Mountains : Zoe's Camp Ngorongoro Crater : Nomad Entamanu Camp Ruaha : Kigelia Camp Selous : Sand Rivers Camp Serengeti Central : Nomad Moru Camp Serengeti Mara : Nomad Lamai Camp Serengeti Mara : Nomad Mkombe's House Serengeti Mara : Nomad Wogakuria Camp Serengeti Southwest : Nomad Masek Camp Serengeti West : Nomad Mbalageti Camp Tarangire : Nomad Kuro Tarangire Camp

Nomad Mbalageti Camp is commonly combined with others from the same stable. We generally prefer to mix it up a little and combine lodges of different ownership, since that tends to provide a much broader range of experiences. However there can be major camp combination discounts which sometimes steer us back in the other direction.

Nomad Tanzania does not sell direct to market, so their camps have to be booked through a specialist safari agency such as our own.

This was the pioneering mobile camp here in the Serengeti, the first to follow the migration around the park, stopping in four or five different locations for a few weeks or months.

The idea was first formulated by Mark and Milly Houldsworth around 1992 and has been much imitated since, there are now at dozens of camps migrating around in this way.

Closed access

This is what is known as a 'closed access' camp, which means that it is only open to vehicles which are under the same ownership.

This is in contrast with many camps in this region which are "open access", which accept vehicles from all other the safari companies.

A closed access camp is usually a great deal more intimate, with more of a family atmosphere amongst the staff and pleasant familiarity between guests. It is usually much more capable of offering a properly authentic safari experience.

This is a really big point for us. We generally try to include as high a proportion of closed access camps as we can in a safari, so please do keep an eye out for this descriptor, it can make a world of difference to your trip.

Short season

This camp actually moves locations to track the migration through the park throughout the year. It operates in this area only during May-Jun, when the migration should be within range.

Animals in camp

One aspect we always appreciate is the amount of wildlife that can come into camp. Here you can expect to see wildlife around most of the day, whilst at night animals often pass right between the tents, including lions and elephants, which can be rather exciting.

Dining options

The food service at Nomad Mbalageti Camp is usually very good quality. Meals are usually served at a single shared table, which is the classic safari experience, either in the main dining area or out by the campfire.

However, private tables and special meals are usually no problem. Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and other variations should not be a problem, so long as you let us know at the time of booking.

Power and connectivity

Child policy

The minimum age at this property is eight years old.

The camp is not specifically geared up for children, is unfenced and could be potentially very dangerous. Adult supervision is essential at all times.

Although the staff and guides will naturally try to tailor the experience to suit all guests, there are no special facilities for children, who are obliged to behave with due consideration for other guests.

There may be higher age limits on certain more risky activities such as walking safari.

Tipping guide

In Africa tipping is definitely not obligatory, but it is commonplace. If you feel that the service provided has been excellent, then you may consider giving tips as follows ...

Lead guide : USD 10 per guest per day Assistant guide or tracker : USD 5 per guest per day Camp staff : USD 5 per guest per day

Staff understand that guests of different nationalities come very different tipping cultures and adjust their expectations accordingly, so you really should tip as you feel comfortable.

Tips are usually given in cash, USD, EUR, GBP and ZAR being the most common currencies. If you are running short of cash or prefer not to carry so much currency, it is often possible to settle tips by bank card.

Guest accommodation is in eight large tented Rooms with indoor bathrooms.

Activities are centred on vehicle safari, with optional trips out to Lake Victoria.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp provides access to a good range of safari areas ...

Vehicle safari

Vehicle safari is usually the best method for viewing wildlife in the bush. The majority of your up-close animal experiences are likely to come about in this way, since the animals are quite habituated to the presence of vehicles and do not feel threatened.

This western part of the Serengeti offers reasonable wildlife viewing year round, but becomes a major migration action area when the herds come through.

During April the herds should be moving north in huge columns, with the wildebeest in rut. During May and June they should be arriving into this Western Corridor area, eventually massing and crossing the Grumeti River. This may not be quite the level of spectacle as the crossing of the Mara River, but it can make for an impressive sight nonetheless, as there are still plenty of crocodiles in this modest stream.

This May-Jun migration period happens to be a low season in terms of visitor numbers and the weather should be pretty good, so it really is an attractive option.

Cultural interaction

It may also be possible to undertake day trips out to Lake Victoria, where there are possibilities for some interesting cultural interaction and the option to go out on a traditional fishing canoe.

The best conditions are generally the May-Jul migration season, although there may be reasons to visit during other months.

The main potential downsides area the high prices, the outdoorsy camp, the limited range of activities, no off-road driving, vehicle traffic and adverse weather conditions Nov-May.

Nomad Mbalageti Camp, like all properties, has a long list of potential downsides. Please do not be unnecessarily put off by this section. Our only intention in raising these issues is to ensure that you get to the best and most appropriate places and that your expectations are met and hopefully exceeded ...

High prices

The main problem with this property from most people's perspective are the high prices during the main safari seasons.

The camps out in the Serengeti are inherently pricey due to the complicated logistics, their small size and the high park fees and taxes that are levied upon them by government.

It is important to realise that Tanzania is not a wealthy country and tourism is the main industry. The park fees that are produced enable a large proportion of the total land area to be maintained under conservation. The taxes go to subsidise infrastructure, education and other government projects across the country.

Relative to other properties in this area, it is certainly towards the top end of the range. There is little disputing the quality here, but there is a very significant premium to pay for the privilege.

Rates during low seasons may be considerably lower, so that may be worth considering. Check the seasonality section above for more details.

It is worth noting that there are sometimes long stay discounts available, as well as discounts for combining with other camps under the same ownership. Please ask us for more information.

Lack of availability

Shortage of room availability is often a major issue when planning a safari. These premium Serengeti West camps are heavily over-demanded during the main May-Jun migration season. It really is best to book a year ahead if you want to be sure to get space in the very best properties.

Outdoorsy camp

This is a seasonal mobile tented camp and is therefore relatively outdoorsy.

The simplicity is very much deliberate, being specifically designed to provide you with a properly authentic safari experience.

The levels of hosting and service are very high and you should be very little discomforted, so long as you are up for this kind of thing.

Limited range of activities

The camp is only able to offer a limited range of activities.

There is only modest walking safari at best. No night vehicle safari due to park regulations.

There is also no ballooning from this particular location as it is too far from the take-off site to get there in time for a dawn take off.

But this is not necessarily a problem, the vehicle safari is very strong and there are plenty of diverse activities at other locations with which this area should be combined.

Shared safari

In this camp separate groups of guests are often obliged to join together when out on safari. This is not necessarily a negative, sometimes it can be a great chance to get to meet some very interesting people and the best camp managers usually work hard to ensure guest compatibility. But some guests do find it to be a considerable negative.

The issue can be officially side-stepped by paying a private safari supplement, but this bumps the cost considerably.

Serious traffic issues

It is a common misconception that the Serengeti is a very busy reserve. Actually this is not true, the park is enormous and visitor densities are not particularly high.

The problem is that vehicle traffic becomes highly focused on a few key areas, meaning that the vast majority of guests get a bad impression of the place because they too are caught up in these hot spots.

Serengeti West area is not usually one of the worst areas for traffic, but during the May-Jul migration season the camps are full and there can be considerable additional traffic spilling out from central areas.

It is not so much the volume of vehicles as the limited road network, which tends to focus the traffic and can lead to significant vehicle clustering on major sightings.

It is easily possible to avoid the worst of the traffic by working with your guide to carefully choose your routes and timings, but if you do choose to spend time in the core areas, then there may well be times when you feel the reserve is rather less wild that you might have hoped.

Adverse weather

There is the potential for significant rainfall, which can really hamper safari activities.

The short rains are centred on November and are usually enough for the landscapes to turn from ochre to green and start to become filled with flowers and baby animals. There is an outside chance that the rains will be torrential and run right on through December, causing significant disruption, something which tends to happen about one in seven years.

The long rains are centred on April and are usually strong and reliable, occasionally spilling significantly into March and May. Although the prevailing conditions remain warm and sunny, heavy rainfall is likely to have significant adverse effects on safari operations most years.

Major compensating factors at these times are the very low visitor numbers (perhaps as low as 1% of high season) and slightly lower camp prices.

During May to August temperatures can drop significantly, but this is rarely an major issue in the safari areas, but can be much more serious in the surrounding highland areas.

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MBALAGETI SERENGETI LODGE

Location: Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, on the Mwamveni hill with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Serengeti plains and the Mbalageti River, 45 minutes drive (35km) from Grumeti airstrip, less than 2 hours drive from Ndabaka gate and 2 hours drive (90km) to Seronera.

Accommodation: Mbalageti consists of 40 guest rooms in suites, chalets and standard lodge rooms, all with bathrooms en suite (shower & bathtub), bathrobes & slippers, a verandah, electronic safes, coffee or tea making facilities (from reception), hairdryers, comfortable beds with mosquito nets and a room for disabled.

Facilities & Services: The restaurant, bar and the swimming pool are located on the edge of the hill with splendid view of the Serengeti; other facilities include a gift shop, a spa, laundry, hot air balloon safari (on offer).

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We have one armed Ranger from Tanapa stationed at Mbalageti Serengeti and a Security team on duty 24hrs a day. Our friendly Security escort the guests to and from their rooms.

Facilities for Physically Challenged Guests

All washroom facilities in the public areas are accessible to physically challenged guests. One Tented Chalet has been prepared with adjustments. Ask for Nr 14 for your elderly or physically challenged guests and we will make sure that they will have a comfortable stay with us!

Our guests may settle payment with cash or Visa/Master credit card (surcharge 3%).

Electricity

Our source of power is Generators, turned on from 05:00 up until 08:00 then switched off. Then back on at 17:00 till 22:30. When the generators are turned off, a backup battery will supply all rooms (limited) power for lights, table fan and USB-charger only Special requests of prolonged electricity through Generator service will be granted at an additional cost for $ 20 per Hour

Transfers and Game Drives – Additional Charges will be applicable on Availability

We offer transfers to and from Grumeti airstrip (40min) and Seronera Airstrip (1.5hours approx.) as well as Game drives on availability of the Vehicle. Note: We subcontract the Vehicle and will require 48 hours’ prior confirmation to arrange transfer or Game Drives Above is not included in the Room Rate, this will be charged extra

Extra activities and Services at Additional Cost

Exclusive Bush Breakfast Group Bush Dinner Sundowner On The Plains Full Day/Half Day Game Drive Air Strip Transfer Board Room Nature Walk Ballon Safaris!

Mbalageti Serengeti P.O Box 775 Mwanza Tanzania Reservations: +255 784 982 211 Camp/Lodge Direct: +255 622 320042

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