Mara Mara Tented Lodge
A Gateway to the Serengeti's Wild Heart
Overview
Imagine waking to the sounds of the Serengeti, the Mara River murmuring in the distance, and the promise of adventure just beyond your tent. This is life at Mara Mara Tented Lodge—a luxurious, eco-friendly retreat nestled in the scenic northern Serengeti.
The lodge’s prime location near the Mara River puts you at the center of the Great Migration’s most dramatic moments. From July to October, you’ll witness wildebeest crossings that have played out for millennia—a spectacle of life, death, and survival that defines this extraordinary place.
Yet Mara Mara offers more than wildlife. It offers a sanctuary of comfort and style, where elegant tents, warm hospitality, and stunning views create an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. Whether you’re here for the migration or simply to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Serengeti, this lodge welcomes you home.
A Prime Location for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Mara Mara Tented Lodge occupies an enviable position in the northern Serengeti, strategically situated to give guests front-row access to one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Migration.
The Drama of the Mara River
From July to October, millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse these plains, their ancient instinct driving them toward the fresh grazing of the Maasai Mara. The journey brings them to the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait and predators gather in anticipation. The river crossings are moments of pure drama—thundering hooves, surging currents, and the ever-present tension of survival.
Your lodge’s proximity to these crossings means you’re perfectly positioned to witness this spectacle, often with far fewer vehicles than other areas. Your expert guides know where to be and when, maximizing your chances of experiencing this unforgettable event.
Year-Round Wildlife Wonders
Beyond migration season, the northern Serengeti remains a wildlife-rich paradise. The area is home to:
The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo
Large predator populations including cheetahs and hyenas
Giraffes, zebras, and countless antelope species
Over 500 bird species making the region a birder’s paradise
Whether you visit during the migration or in another season, Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers a perfect base for exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Serengeti.
Luxury Tented Suites with a View
Mara Mara Tented Lodge features 15 spacious, elegantly designed tents, each thoughtfully positioned to provide sweeping views of the Serengeti landscape. From your private perch, the wilderness unfolds in all its glory.
Design in Harmony with Nature
The tents are perched on elevated wooden platforms, raising you above the ground while keeping you intimately connected to the sights and sounds of the bush. Large windows and private terraces frame the endless views, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Your Private Sanctuary
Each tent offers:
King-sized or twin beds dressed in plush linens for restful sleep
Luxurious interiors with a writing desk and comfortable seating area—a true retreat after days of adventure
En-suite facilities featuring hot showers, double sinks, and eco-friendly toiletries
Thoughtful design that balances modern comfort with authentic safari style
The Terrace Experience
Step onto your private terrace and let the Serengeti work its magic. Morning coffee here means watching sunrise paint the plains in shades of gold. Afternoon rest offers a chance to spot wildlife moving in the distance. Evening sundowners become rituals as the sky ignites and the first stars appear.
Whether you’re preparing for another day of exploration or simply savoring a quiet moment in paradise, your tent at Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers the perfect sanctuary—a place where luxury meets the wild, and every view is a masterpiece.
Dining and Relaxation
At Mara Mara Tented Lodge, every meal is an experience to savor—a celebration of exceptional flavors, stunning views, and the warm hospitality that defines your stay.
Dining with a View
Meals are served in the main dining area, where large windows and an open design frame panoramic views of the Serengeti. As you dine, your gaze may wander across the endless plains—giraffes moving in the distance, acacia trees dotting the landscape, the ever-changing light painting the savannah in new hues with each passing hour.
Culinary Excellence
The lodge’s talented chefs take pride in creating freshly prepared dishes inspired by both local and international flavors. Using quality ingredients, they craft meals that delight and satisfy—the perfect complement to your safari adventures.
Breakfast fuels your day with fresh fruits, hearty options, and Tanzania’s renowned coffee.
Lunch offers a delicious interlude, with lighter fare that refreshes without weighing you down.
Dinner is the highlight—a memorable meal that might feature local specialties alongside carefully prepared international dishes.
For those seeking a more private experience, dining can be arranged in exclusive settings—perhaps on your own terrace, or in a secluded spot overlooking the plains.
Evening Rituals
As the day’s adventures wind down, Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers spaces and rituals designed for relaxation and connection.
Sundowners on the Deck
Find your perfect spot on the deck as the sun begins its descent. A refreshing drink in hand, watch the sky ignite in shades of orange, pink, and gold. The plains stretch before you, the first stars begin to emerge, and the peace of the Serengeti settles over everything. This daily ritual never grows old—a moment to pause, reflect, and simply be present in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
The Campfire Gathering
As darkness falls, the campfire becomes the heart of the lodge. Guests gather around its warm glow, sharing stories of the day’s sightings—the leopard in a riverside tree, the elephant herd crossing the plains, the lioness with her cubs. The fire crackles, drinks flow, and connections form. Fellow travelers become friends, and the bonds of safari are forged.
Bush Dinners Under the Stars
For a truly unforgettable experience, the lodge can arrange bush dinners in the heart of the Serengeti. Imagine a table set in a secluded spot, candles flickering as darkness falls, the sounds of the African night providing a natural soundtrack. A gourmet meal is served under a canopy of stars, with the occasional distant call of a hyena or the rustle of unseen creatures reminding you exactly where you are.
This is romance, adventure, and fine dining woven into one extraordinary memory—an experience that will stay with you forever.
Unforgettable Safari Experiences
Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers a range of activities designed to immerse you in the wonders of the Serengeti. From thrilling game drives to intimate encounters on foot and in the air, every experience is crafted to create lasting memories.
Guided Game Drives
Explore the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems with experienced guides who know this landscape intimately. In custom safari vehicles, you’ll venture into the heart of one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions, tracking the action and uncovering hidden gems that casual visitors would miss.
What You’ll Discover:
The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo
Cheetahs scanning the plains from termite mounds
Giraffes browsing acacia canopies
Zebras, wildebeest, and countless antelope species
Over 500 bird species adding color and song to every vista
Your guides will lead you to the best spots for wildlife sightings, sharing insights into animal behavior, ecology, and the subtle signs that reveal the hidden stories of the bush. Morning drives capture the park at its most active, while afternoon excursions continue into the golden light that photographers dream of.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
For a perspective that few ever experience, take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As the first light paints the Serengeti in shades of gold and amber, you’ll float silently above the plains, witnessing the wilderness from a vantage point that feels almost magical.
The Experience:
Pre-dawn departure from the lodge, heading to the launch site as the stars still shine
Ascent at sunrise, rising with the sun to drift over acacia woodlands, rivers, and open plains
A bird’s-eye view of wildlife below—elephants moving in herds, giraffes loping across the grasslands, perhaps even predators on the hunt
The serenity of flight, punctuated only by occasional blasts of the burner
The Bush Breakfast
After landing, the adventure continues with a traditional bush breakfast served in the wilderness. A table is set amidst the landscape, complete with linens and a feast prepared with care. Raise a glass of champagne to your adventure, share stories of the flight, and savor the moment—surrounded by the very landscape you’ve just floated above.
This is the Serengeti at its most magical—a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
Bush Walks
For a more intimate exploration of the Serengeti, step out of the vehicle and onto the ground. Guided bush walks offer a completely different perspective, allowing you to connect with the environment in a deeply personal way.
On Your Walk:
Discover the smaller details of the ecosystem—plants, insects, tracks, and signs that game drives often miss
Learn about traditional uses of native plants, passed down through generations
Follow animal tracks and learn to read the stories they tell of the previous night’s activities
Experience the bush at ground level, engaging all your senses as you walk through this ancient landscape
Led by knowledgeable guides, these walks offer a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the intricate details that make the Serengeti ecosystem so extraordinary.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
At Mara Mara Tented Lodge, the commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the experience. We believe that true luxury must honor the land that hosts us—and that preserving the Serengeti’s breathtaking beauty is a responsibility we take seriously.
Powered by the Sun
The lodge operates on solar power, harnessing Africa’s abundant sunshine to meet energy needs while minimizing our carbon footprint. From the lights in your tent to the charging of your devices, clean, renewable energy powers your stay.
Conscious Operations
Water conservation measures are carefully implemented to ensure this precious resource is used wisely
Biodegradable toiletries and cleaning products reduce chemical impact on the delicate ecosystem
Thoughtful design throughout the lodge prioritizes sustainability without compromising on comfort
A Commitment to Preservation
By choosing to stay at Mara Mara, you’re supporting responsible tourism that helps protect the Serengeti’s natural beauty for generations to come. Your presence here demonstrates that it’s possible to experience the wild while actively contributing to its preservation.
Getting to Mara Mara Tented Lodge
By Air:
The lodge is easily accessible by air, with nearby Kogatende Airstrip offering daily flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, and other Tanzanian destinations. The short flight over the Serengeti offers a spectacular introduction to the landscape below. We’re happy to arrange transfers from the airstrip to the lodge.
By Road:
For those preferring to drive, the lodge is located in the northern Serengeti, a scenic journey from other major attractions like the Mara River and Lobo Hills. The drive itself offers wildlife sightings and the chance to absorb the vastness of this extraordinary ecosystem.
Prime Migration Position:
The lodge’s location near the Mara River places you at the heart of the Great Migration’s most dramatic moments from July to October. Yet even beyond migration season, the northern Serengeti offers exceptional year-round wildlife viewing.
The Mara Mara Experience
Whether you’re visiting during the dramatic Great Migration or seeking a peaceful retreat in the Serengeti’s northern reaches, Mara Mara Tented Lodge offers the perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and eco-conscious living.
Here, in one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas, you’ll discover a place where elegant tents frame endless views, where meals are enjoyed under the African sky, and where every moment—from thrilling game drives to peaceful evenings around the campfire—becomes part of a story you’ll carry with you forever.
Welcome to the northern Serengeti. Welcome to Mara Mara.