Maramboi Tented Lodge is perfectly situated in a prime location between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park on the shores of Lake Manyara. This mid-range tented lodge offers a unique setting that combines stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and wide-open plains, where wildlife roams freely. Located about 20 kilometers from Tarangire National Park, it’s ideal for visitors who want easy access to both Tarangire and Lake Manyara while enjoying a peaceful and serene environment away from the busy tourist spots.
Why Stay at Maramboi Tented Lodge?
1. Spectacular Location Between Two Iconic Parks Maramboi Tented Lodge offers easy access to both Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park. Guests can enjoy the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of both parks while staying in a tranquil location on the shores of Lake Manyara, with views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Meru in the distance.
2. Wildlife Encounters Right from the Lodge One of the lodge’s unique features is that you don’t have to leave to see incredible wildlife. Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and even elephants frequently roam the lodge’s grounds. The salt flats near Lake Manyara attract large herds of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography directly from your tent or the lodge’s pool deck.
3. Comfortable and Spacious Tents The lodge offers spacious tent-style accommodations with all the modern comforts. Whether you’re lounging on your private deck or enjoying the lodge’s communal areas, you’ll feel immersed in nature while still enjoying excellent service and hospitality.
Accommodation at Maramboi Tented Lodge
Tented Suites
- Description: Maramboi Tented Lodge has 40 spacious tents that offer an authentic safari experience while ensuring comfort and privacy. The tents are built on raised wooden platforms and feature large private verandas overlooking the plains and Lake Manyara. The canvas tents combine a classic safari aesthetic with modern amenities, making them perfect for those who want a luxury safari feel without the high price tag.
- Facilities: Each tent is en-suite, with a bathroom that includes flush toilets, hot showers, and double basins. The rooms are furnished with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, a seating area, and plenty of space to relax.
- Highlights: The private verandas are the perfect spot to watch wildlife roaming the plains and catch the sunrise over Lake Manyara.
- Best For: Couples, families, and groups looking for a mid-range safari lodge with excellent wildlife viewing and comfort.
Dining and Cuisine
Maramboi Tented Lodge offers a full-board dining experience, with all meals included in the stay. The lodge prides itself on serving a variety of international and local Tanzanian dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Main Dining Area: The open-air dining area is perfectly situated to offer stunning views of Lake Manyara and the surrounding plains. Guests can enjoy their meals while watching wildlife roam nearby.
- Cuisine: The lodge offers a blend of Tanzanian flavors and international dishes. The meals are served buffet-style, with plenty of options for vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements.
- Bush Dining: For a more unique experience, the lodge offers bush dining where guests can enjoy a meal under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
- Sundowners: The lodge also organizes sundowner drinks, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the lake with a refreshing drink in hand.
Activities at Maramboi Tented Lodge
1. Game Drives
Maramboi Tented Lodge offers game drives to both Tarangire and Lake Manyara, two of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. Guests can explore the diverse wildlife of each park, from the famous elephants of Tarangire to the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds, Tarangire also offers sightings of lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and over 550 species of birds. The park’s iconic baobab trees create a dramatic backdrop for game drives.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Known for its beautiful landscapes and flamingo-filled lake, this park is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, buffalo, giraffes, and the famous tree-climbing lions.
2. Walking Safaris
One of the highlights of staying at Maramboi Tented Lodge is the opportunity to go on guided walking safaris. These walks allow guests to explore the plains around Lake Manyara on foot, learning about the flora, fauna, and smaller wildlife that often go unnoticed during game drives.
- Best For: Adventurous travelers looking for a more immersive experience and those interested in learning about the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
- Highlights: Walking among zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests while taking in the vast, open landscape and learning about the ecosystem from an experienced guide.
3. Birdwatching
Maramboi Tented Lodge is located in a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 400 species of birds found in the area, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks, the lodge is an ideal base for those who want to spot a wide variety of birdlife.
- Best Time: The wet season (November to May) is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive in the region and the landscape becomes lush and green.
4. Cultural Visits
The lodge offers cultural visits to nearby Datoga and Maasai villages, where guests can learn about the traditions, customs, and way of life of these local tribes. These visits provide a deep cultural experience, offering insights into how these communities have coexisted with wildlife for centuries.
Facilities at Maramboi Tented Lodge
Swimming Pool
Maramboi Tented Lodge features a large swimming pool that overlooks the plains and Lake Manyara. The pool area is the perfect place to relax and cool off after a morning game drive while watching wildlife gather at the nearby waterholes.
Lounge and Bar Area
The lodge’s main lounge and bar area is designed to offer a relaxed and comfortable space for guests to unwind. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy a drink, read a book, or simply soak in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Sundowners
The lodge offers sundowner experiences, where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while watching the sun set over Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley, creating a magical end to the day.
Best Time to Visit Maramboi Tented Lodge
The best time to visit Maramboi Tented Lodge depends on the type of safari experience you’re looking for:
- Dry Season (June to October): The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, including the lake and nearby waterholes. This is also the time when the elephant herds of Tarangire are most concentrated near the river.
- Wet Season (November to May): While the wet season is less ideal for game viewing, it’s a fantastic time for birdwatching. The landscape becomes lush and green, and migratory birds flock to the area.
Unique Features of Maramboi Tented Lodge
- Prime Location: Situated between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara, Maramboi Tented Lodge offers easy access to both parks while providing a peaceful and serene environment.
- Wildlife at Your Doorstep: Guests can often see wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests, right from their tents or while lounging by the pool.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Few lodges offer the opportunity to experience walking safaris, allowing guests to explore the African wilderness on foot.
- Birdwatching Paradise: With over 400 bird species in the area, Maramboi is a top destination for birdwatchers, particularly during the wet season.
Getting to Maramboi Tented Lodge
- By Road: The lodge is approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha, making it an easy and convenient option for those traveling by car as part of the Northern Safari Circuit.
- By Air: The nearest airstrip is Lake Manyara Airstrip, which is about a 45-minute drive from the lodge. The lodge offers transfers to and from the airstrip for guests arriving by plane.
Final Thoughts on Maramboi Tented Lodge
Maramboi Tented Lodge is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a mid-range safari lodge that combines comfort, great wildlife viewing, and easy access to two of Tanzania’s most famous national parks. Whether you’re interested in game drives, walking safaris, or birdwatching, the lodge offers a variety of activities to suit all interests. With its stunning location, spacious tents, and welcoming atmosphere, Maramboi Tented Lodge promises an unforgettable safari experience for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers alike.