Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge Review

Although not situated in the actual park, this lodge scores major points for its breathtaking views. On the edge of the escarpment overlooking the lake, the cluster of comfortably furnished en-suite double-story rondavels celebrates the area's legendary birdlife with its avian theme of sweeping cone-shaped thatch roofs and interior brightly colored "winged" frescoes. A stream that attracts all kinds of birdlife runs through the property. Another big bonus for this attractive but not very private lodge is the program of varied activities. You can choose from a microlite plane ride to look at the Great Rift Valley from 1,500 feet up; take an hour-long gentle nature walk; or if you're more energetic, hike in the forest and clamber over rivers, navigate thickly forested hillsides, and get spectacular views over the lake. Exhilarating mountain-bike rides take you down the Rift Valley escarpment and to the lakeshore. A very special outing is a village walk to the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu, which is home to more than 100 different tribes, although estimates vary according to whom you're talking with. However many there are, it's certain that there are dozens of different languages being spoken—this is apparently one of the richest linguistic mixes in Africa. You'll visit individual homes, a school, a church, and the market and end up at a banana-leaf bar with a fruit tasting.