dhruvgupta

Hi,
As I get quotes for a Dec 07 safari, I'm find out that staying at Wildlife lodges throughout the trip is about $100 per person per night cheaper than staying at Serena.

Has anyone stayed at Wildlife lodges? What is the catch?!

Calo

I stayed at Lobo Wildlife Lodge in July/06. The lodge is in the stunningly beautiful eastern part of the Northern Serengeti. It has a unique location on top of a massive kopje which has been cleverly incorporated into the design of the common areas of the lodge. At about 35 years of age, the lodge is in serious need of refurbishing which I understand is in the works - along with long overdue refurbs at the other properties owned by Hotels and Lodges Ltd. Others may be able to comment on when the upgrades are expected to be completed.

dhruvgupta

I hear that the wildlife lodges are being renovated. But how are the facilities otherwise - particularly the bathrooms?

santharamhari

Dhruvgupta,

I cant comment on their facilities, i have never been......

But, i remember reading somewhere here on fodors a while ago, that their Serengeti location in the Seronera is the best for that particular game drive route. Maybe someone on these boards can provide more info?

Hari

Calo

dhruvgupta,
I was disappointed in our room at Lobo. There were a number of things that were either broken or didn't work...lamp and window come to mind. Our bathroom was old and worn with only a trickle for a shower. Having said all of that, I wouldn't have changed our experience at Lobo for anything. It provided lots of laughs and memories, and added positively to our trip in many other ways.

As Lobo is the only Wildlife lodge I've stayed at, I hope others can comment on the Seronera Wildlife Lodge where you're apt to be staying in December.

atravelynn

My experience with Wildlife Lodges, including Lobo and Serena is from a decade ago. I thought they were just fine with tasty food in a beautiful setting with wildlife hanging around. My room was quite comfortable. I am always impressed with the level of comfort and luxury found in the wilderness locations of Africa.

I'd return to Wildlife lodges again, especially to make a safari more affordable.

Serena is a step up and I've enjoyed their Mara lodging.

There is no secret or hidden catch, Serena is just a cut above Wildlife with a cost to match.

If you prefer the best possible accommodations available at a location, then Wildlife might disappoint. But the animals don't care where you stay and it's not like they run out to greet those at expensive lodging and hide from those staying at places few notches down.

Leely

Agree 100% with Lynn. Wildlife Lodges are fine, maybe a shade rough around the edges, but fine. I have noticed that they seem a little mismanaged/disorganized, but I haven't had any problems. Bathrooms fine.

I've stayed at the Wildlife Seronera; as Hari mentions it has a fantastic location. Lions all over the place. When we were there it was only about 1/2 full, so I can see where it might feel a bit crowded otherwise.

I've stayed at the Wildlife at the Crater twice, and the view is stunning, but it was full both times and felt it.

If the rest of your itinerary is camping as our first safari was, this will feel like the Ritz. You will be thrilled with showers with running water, soft beds, etc.!

allycb

Hi,
Have stayed at Wildlife lodges at Lake Manyara, Lobo and Seronera, (Sept 2005). They are absolutely fine - no frills, but everything was clean and worked, and I found the food to be good. We stayed at the Sopa lodges in the Crater and Tarangire. They are definitely up a notch from the Wildlife lodges - rooms are better, food is better.....and I believe that the Serena lodges of a higher standard than the Sopa. I guess it depends on what sort of standards you are looking for. I agree with the previous comments - the Lobo lodge has an excellent location, and I personally really enjoyed being in this part of the Serengeti.

dhruvgupta

Thanks all! I think I'm going to use the Wildlife lodges to keep it affordable.. As you say, the animals wont care where I stay .

atravelynn

If Wildlife lodges permit a private guide, that would be an excellent tradeoff in my opinion.

dhruvgupta

I'm not sure I understand - what do you mean by "wildlife lodges permitting a private guide"?

Leely

I think Lynn means that if staying at Wildlife lodges would allow you to take a private safari (i.e. with your own vehicle and guide, not a group trip), she recommends doing so.

I'd choose that option as well. While the Wildlife lodges are not luxe, they are in excellent, excellent locations for game viewing.

dhruvgupta

Yes - as far as I can tell, there you can do private safaris while staying at Wildlife lodges. And thats what I'm going to go for.

Thanks!

climbhighsleeplow

I agree that Wildlife lodges have great locations. I stayed at Seronera and Lobo many times.
http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/Wildlife.htm
http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/Lobo.htm

The catch (if any) has more to do with the chain as a whole - difficult to deal with from a vendor point of view, unreliable booking system, untrained staff. It is possible to show up with a voucher in hand but no record of the booking at the reception!

I think the rooms, food, etc are fine considering the price.

I don't understand the discussion about private vs. group at the Wildlife Lodge.

It is a Full Board facility. It is expected that clients show up with their own transport (guide + transport in most cases). Group vs. private has nothing to do with it!

santharamhari

Dhruvgupta,

I think you made a good choice.....get a head start on the Sereonera circuit...the other cars coming from the Sopas and the Serenas will hv to travel a bit longer to do the same circuit......i say this, because no off-roading anyways......

Hari

Patty

Eben,
The private vs group discussion is about budget, i.e. if the client has a limited budget and has to choose between option A) private safari staying at Wildlife lodges or option B) group safari staying at higher priced lodges. Others are advising option A.

climbhighsleeplow

Aah, I see. Thanks Patty!

In that case my vote is for option A (private at Wildlife Lodges!)