Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only permanent lodge in the small yet diverse Lake Manyara National Park. Although it is Tanzania’s smallest national park, it is one of the most diverse reserves in the country allowing for an incredible variety of habitats and wildlife. The beautiful Lake Manyara itself covers two thirds of the park, while the rest consists of steep mountainside, swamps, dense woodlands, open grassy areas and hot springs. Renowned scientist and conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton did much of his elephant research work in the park. Children of all ages are welcome.

Accommodation & Facilities
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge comprises ten elegant tree houses including a family tree house, each of which has been built on stilts in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees, discreetly tucked away in the forest. The spectacular tree houses have been crafted from local timber and makuti (palm fronds) and feature contemporary furnishing in neutral colours and textures. The spacious rooms with large windows, king size beds and roll top baths open up on to private verandas and outdoor showers overlooking the lush canopy and allowing guests to truly experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the forest. The family tree house has two rooms interlinked via a small internal entrance area. Each room has its own en-suite bathroom. The main bathroom boasts a freestanding bath and an outdoor shower, whilst the second bathroom features an indoor shower. The suite can accommodate two adults and up to three children. The lodge is also able to provide a limited number of triple rooms. This means that, should parents wish to share a room with younger children, an additional bed will be set up in the parents’ room for children 16 years or younger.

There is a swimming pool and deck area discreetly tucked away in the forest near the mess area.

Eating & Sleeping
The chefs are happy to prepare any foods that children enjoy (e.g. pizza, hamburgers, chicken strips, etc.) at times to suit and will discuss children’s dietary preferences with parents on arrival. Specific dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice. Babysitting is available and provided by the housekeeping staff at US$5/hour to be booked on arrival at the lodge.

Wildlife & Activities
The lodge is located in the remote south-western region of the park, allowing for leisurely tracking of the park’s famous tree-climbing lions and for unimpeded viewing of the flocks of pelicans, flamingos and buffalo cooling in the soda lake. There are an incredible 600 bird species many of which can be seen from the lodge and the treetop canopy walk. Activities from Lake Manyara Tree Lodge include game drives, Masai village visits, birding and picnics on the lake shore.

Specifically for children …
There is a WildChild activity programme here for kids with lots of activities and expeditions planned for them including:
• Learn Masai warrior skills including bow and arrow shooting, spear throwing, and making fire.
• Village cycling.
• Butterfly walk.
• Table tennis.
• Playing soccer with the staff.
• Baking choc chip cookies with the chefs.
• Playing Bau with the butlers and rangers.