Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge overlooks a series of springs and pools in a rocky gorge in the 50,000 hectare Mwiba Reserve just off the southern tip of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. From its vantage point the lodge has far-reaching views of the immense rugged wilderness in which it is located, as well as the waterholes below it. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Mwiba has ten beautifully designed tented suites, each positioned to make the most of the views and to offer complete privacy. Two pairs of suites are connected by walkways, ideal for families with older children or friends travelling together. The luxurious tents are huge, and have sofa beds for younger children and space for a cot, armchairs, and a writing desk, as well as dressing space, and a large outside deck. The en-suite bathrooms feature bathtubs positioned to give views out into the bush, as well as large inside and outside showers. The lodge has a spectacular mess, built of stone and thatch on several levels, with a lavish dining room, a lounge and bar, a library, a wine cellar, and a pool on the outside deck below. The lodge also has a lovely spa and a gym.
Eating & Sleeping
The chefs are flexible and can accommodate separate meal times where possible, providing child friendly meals such as pizza, burgers, pasta, chicken tenders and toasted sandwiches. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. A babysitting and listening service can be arranged at the time of booking and this is normally carried out by a butler or housekeeper. There is no set fee for this service but a small tip is encouraged as a gesture of goodwill.
Wildlife & Activities
Wildlife viewing at Mwiba is excellent, with many animals visiting the springs below the lodge. Day and night wildlife drives with a private guide as well vehicle and walking safaris allow guests to explore further, and the species that might be seen include lion, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, giraffe, eland, warthog and zebra. Walks with Hadzabe and visit with the Datoga tribe can be arranged, and offer fascinating insights into the lives of these traditional tribes in a remote and rugged part of Tanzania. Sundowners, meals in the bush, and picnics are lovely ways to enjoy the wilderness, while fly-camping is also an option; there are numerous places where you can sleep under the stars, including the top of the escarpment overlooking the Rift Valley and Lake Eyasi.
Specifically for children …
While there are age restrictions for walking safaris (16+) and night drives (8+), the camp staff and guides are very child friendly and provide a range of suitable activities including:
● Bow and arrow making and then an archery competition with the Hadzabe.
● Watoto Porini – kids’ wilderness school where they learn about wildlife and tracking .
● Playing football.
● Making a fire using natural resources in age old bush techniques.
● Cookie baking and decorating.
● Make your own pizza in a charcoal oven.
● Arts and crafts using natural materials from the bush such animals masks or binoculars.
● Swim overlooking the Arugusinyai river.
● Making S’mores (toasted marshmallow biscuits).
● Casting spoor.
● Datoga visit – Head out to a traditional Datoga village, and experience the way they live. Learn their dances, and share some experiences with other children from a completely different culture.
