Located in North Serengeti close to the river Mara in the Kogatende Area. Situated in the heart of the Migration from June to November with an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The lodge consists of 20 tents and 4 bungalows with en suite facilities, including family rooms. It is divided into two camps, north and south.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Swahili
Location
45 minutes to the river Mara,Kogatende Area, Serengeti National Park Tanzania
This was a last-minute change to our itinerary. The mobile camp we initially booked with did not open due to Covid. We were thrilled with the change! The Afternoons were warm (mid-90°F), so the pool provided a refreshing break from the heat. Without a pool, the afternoons would have been miserable!! The mornings were cool (low 60s°F). This was the most friendly staff we had our entire trip, and that is saying something because, with one exception, all the lodges and camps where we stayed were friendly and welcoming! Our server Meleji was fantastic! Meals were good and MORE than plentiful! Our tent was huge with plenty of storage for camera equipment and clothes. The very large bed had a sizeable mosquito net that went outside the bedside tables and light switch, so you did not have to get out of the netting to turn off the lights. Sometimes it is the little things that make an impression. The bath area included a large soaker tub, 2 sink areas with plenty of counter space, and a beautiful outdoor shower. There was also a sitting area with comfortable chairs and a writing table. This was the only location that included laundry service in the price of the stay and one of only two properties that would launder women's undergarments. Wildebeests and zebra were right outside our tent every day. The lodge is very close to a migration river crossing, and we were able to see several crossings. Very exciting!!. There is plenty of other wildlife to see in addition to the action-packed river crossing. The only downside of this property (and it is tiny) was that they did not have bourbon for my husband or diet coke. We would stay here again and recommend it highly.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We originally booked the Kati Kati tented camp but were upgraded tot Mara Mara tented Lodge due to the small amount of travelers in Northers Serengeti. And WOW what an experience we had!
The location: Mara Mara is a 20 minute drive to the Mara river were most of the action is and from where you can easily reach other parts of Northern Serengeti. The tented camps are maybe a little bit closer to the river but for us it was a good location. Considering that all tented camps were gone by the time we travelled (from 4th of November) we were happy with the location.
The Lodge and tents It is beautifully built and the tent we had was stunning. it was huge, had a very comfy bed with good mosquito nets (although we did not see mosquitos at all). There was a seating area in the tent, wardrobe and even a bathtub plus an outdoor shower. We also had a very big veranda overlooking the Serengeti.
The food and staff Dinners were fantastic. The food was plentiful and very nice varied. Every day a different soup to start with followed by a fresh salad. The main course had a choice of meat, vegetables, rice, potato and was served at our table. We could take what we liked. They even asked us what we liked to eat since we spent so many nights there. On one evening the prepared us a fantastic vegetarian meal because we asked for it, everything was delicious. We took breakfast and lunch everyday with us in a box they prepared for us.
The staff was lovely, we cannot thank them enough! Everyone went out of their way to make our stay unforgettable. I cannot remember everones name unfortunately but special thanks to: Meleji our waiter who made us laugh so much!!! Meleji you are a great waiter and a born entertainer and we hope to meet you again! And our waiter Dominic with his special cocktail! And the chefs (the lady and the man) who cooked so fantastic.
The gamedrives Last but not least, because thats why you are here?! We had amazing sightings. We were lucky to get some of the last crossings, wildebeest and zebra's crossing the Mara river. With very few cars!! We saw a lion kill directly beside our car at one of the crossings, another time our guide noticed a predator around by the sound of other animals and we found a cheetah in a sprint who killed a wildebeest. In Lamai wedge we found still the migration wich was amazing. so many animals! and we found a large pride of lions just beside the river and spend many hours with them. We also had a few leopard sightings and saw many more lions. And when there were less animals ther is always the stunning landscape of the north!
All in all; we wish to go back here next year if it is possible!!
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Date of stay: November 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A superb location for the migration, close to the Mara River. Huge, luxurious rooms complete with swimming pools and large communal areas. They were taking Covid very seriously when we were there in August - face masks, hand sanitisers etc and we felt extremely safe. Would highly reccommend.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A beautiful hi end lodge overlooking the Serengeti in towards Kenya. The permanent tented rooms are amazing and well equipped. With Bath, outdoor (private shower) wash room, and huge comfortable beds. Wifi and in room power was great. the food at the lodge was excellent and good selection. Box Breakfasts and lunches were available, and pleased they allowed a self selection rather than pre packed. Location is perfect and close to the Mara River for the Wildebeest crossings and large cats, of which this time of year both are plentiful. The Staff were great fun and Anza in particular made is smile with her humour. A beautiful and luxurious camp in the heart of the Northern Serengeti. I loved my 3 nights here.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was the last of 4 camps during a 12 day safari. We had stayed at a sister property at the beginning but knew to lower our expectations since this camp is half the size.
The good: all food other than the house wine was tasty. You can select items for your bagged lunch or return for a custom made hot meal. Breakfast was a buffet that doesn't change but had an egg station. Unlike other camps dinner was served family style with soup, 2 main meats, lots of sides and dessert. This was also the only camp in which eating with our guide was welcomed. The room was very spacious with plenty of hot water in the outdoor shower, which can be fun during nice weather.
The not so good: different from our other camps, our tent here and the restaurant had no decoration or personality whatsoever. We knew this going in but, unlike everywhere else we stayed, the lighting was very dim and the outer window flaps were never closed so it was always cold and dark when sleeping or eating at morning and night. Also, unlike everywhere else we stayed, service was spotty. It improved over time but the first day, check in was disorganized and the waiter in the restaurant forgot several items and seemed unsure what he was doing. Used towels and a burnt out light bulb were not replaced despite request. There were only a few other guests so perhaps that affected things.
Ultimately, if this had been the first place we stayed it would have been fine. Because our experiences elsewhere had been so wonderful, this camp was by itself.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I loved this place so much that we decided to extend our stay. As it is small scale with just a few tents, it creates a cozy atmosphere. The tents are so huge with lovely bathrooms including a bathtub. The outdoor shower is just lovely. Having a shower by moonlight while being surrounded by hundreds of wildebeest is just magical. The beds are super big and comfy. The dining is nicely furnished and the food was delicious. The pool is set in the nature so you enjoy a swim while the migration is passing by. The staff is friendly and very attentive. They knew how to spoil our kids and were helpful in every sense. Because of Covid-19 they have a great deal for Tanzanian citizens and residents. Something not to miss!!! Take this chance!!!
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I recently stayed at Mara Mara Tented lodge and must say the tents are quite modern and spacious. The service/hospitality as compared to the other four lodges I stayed was below average. For example, never was I asked during the dinners how the meal was. I even asked for a soda as I sat for my meal and it was never delivered until the guide said something during dessert. On my last night after dinner I heard a lot of talking, noise and golf carts driving by my tents for about 2 hours. The next morning I learned that some guests tents were robbed of money. Please keep this in mind and use the safe in the room anytime you are not there as there are no locks. Further, the TWC website states “all the drinks including local beers and wines are included”, but upon checkout I was asked to pay $40 for the beer and soda I consumed. I was not shown an invoice and when I inquired was told this was for beverages only. I was not allowed to pay by credit card since the machine was broken and in Arusha (should have been told this at check-in...what if I didn’t have cash?). I asked the manager that drinks aren’t included and simply given the answer “No”. When I paid by cash I was not give a receipt, but later provided one showing Beverages 88,000tsh after raising this concern by email after departure. The reason was the manager was busy at my departure dealing with prior night events, however; she was not busy to collect my money. I was given the reason that drinks are NOT included for all rates despite the website of TWC stating otherwise. So be aware of this and get clarity as I also never was able to get a drink menu when I asked on two separate times. Be cautious if selecting this camp with your belonging in your tent and also beverages being included.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I and my team had great time at Mara Mara tented lodge,We spent three nights there and from Staff,Food,Rooms,WiFi,tented environment so gratefully.We will recommend our clients to use their properties for future trips. Mara Mara Tented lodge much wonderful!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I were determined to still go on our honeymoon after postponing our large wedding and choosing to elope. One of our lifelong dreams was to make it to the Northern Serengeti and see the Great Migration. For this part of the journey we knew we wanted a tented camp but more glamping than camping. Since this was the longest part of our stay in Tanzania it was important that we found a great spot in the down time and Mara Mara didn’t disappoint. The tents were beyond expectation and we loved the outdoor shower. The staff led by Anza were very hospitable and genuinely cared about their guests and their experiences.
The location is perfect as it is a short drive from all the Serengeti has to offer. Wildebeests and even elephants pass through the camp site. Also, since you are in the Serengeti spiders and lizards are around as well. If you tend to get cold, depending on the time of year I’d bring warmer clothes and see if there are extra blankets as the tents are not heated.
I will say that I was surprised to see some negative reviews, so I will say this. If you are looking for the comforts and accommodations of a four star hotel you should try to book one. This place is about being closer to nature and a higher level of glamping, which is exactly the experience we wanted. Also, a little effort goes a long way. I found it very rewarding to learn some words in Swahili and try to learn as much of the culture as we could.
This trip and stay at Mara Mara has given us an experience of a lifetime, we hope that we get to visit the people of Tanzania and Mara Mara in the future!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tanganyika Wilderness, Owner at Mara Mara Tented Lodge
Responded May 2, 2021
Dear 56cinzial, Thank you very much for your feedback and for sharing with the TripAdvisor community. Its very useful to understand your experience. Thank you for choosing Mara Mara Tented Lodge to celebrate your Honeymoon! We are pleased to know you had a good experience in the lodge and with Mara Team lead by Anza. We hope you have good memories of your stay in Tanzania and we look forward hosting you in a near future. Asante sana!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is certainly in the middle of nowhere! Definitely a place to enjoy the quiet. The tented lodges are very comfortable, and each has an outdoor shower. There are several terraces at each lodge to pull up a chair and enjoy the spectacular views. There's also an infinity pool at the main lodge. The food is locally sourced, and dinners are served family style.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Je vous envoie le lien du web, comme vous le verrez c'est un web avec un ensemble d'hôtels, ils sont tous de la même chaîne d'hôtels, ils appartiennent à mon propriétaire
twctanzania . com
Bonne journée!
There are more places to choose from in the Serengeti National Park area.
LOCATION
TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
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