Serengeti, Tanzania
Mwiba Lodge
Boulder-perched safari lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania
Opened
2013
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Auberge SafariBoulder-perched safari lodge
The lodge rises directly from a granite kopje above the river gorge, where wildlife gathers at natural springs below.
“The vast infinity pool, overlooking the endless, wildlife-strewn plains of the southern Serengeti, is an unexpected treat at Mwiba Lodge.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Canvas and wood suites tucked among granite boulders, linked by raised timber walkways.
Remarkable
Every party receives a dedicated safari vehicle, private guide, and complimentary massage treatments.
Remarkable
Guided walking safaris and honey foraging excursions led by indigenous Hadzabe hunter-gatherers.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
Ten tented suites set among massive boulders and ancient acacias, with linen-dressed sofas and soaking tubs with incredible views.
“The ten tented suites perch high above the acacia tree-dotted plains, each packed with all the classic mod-cons you'd expect, as well as amenities you might not in the middle of the bush – a full spa, gym, private jacuzzi and a communal infinity pool.”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a granite outcrop overlooking the Arugusinyai River gorge, set within the private Mwiba Wildlife Reserve.
1 of 5
The rooms
Canvas walls let in the night sounds of the bush, and soaking tubs look straight across the river gorge.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The slate-lined infinity pool looks down toward freshwater springs, where waterbuck and elephants gather at the riverbed.
The jacuzzi and gym
A heated hydromassage jacuzzi sits tucked among granite boulders, and the thatched stone gym opens through glass doors.
At the table
Meals rotate across lantern-lit timber decks and the stone dining room, and evenings bring drinks around the campfire.
How it began
The surrounding reserve was established as a wildlife buffer zone, with lodge revenues funding community conservation and anti-poaching patrols.
Serengeti
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.