Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge
Mbalageti Serengeti, a recently opened permanent camp, sits perched atop Mwamyeni Hill in the Western Serengeti. Mbalageti is Duma's favorite lodge in the Western Serengeti because of its beautiful tented chalets, swimming pool, and location. Mbalageti is the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun.
A stay at Mbalageti is ideal for safaris occurring from mid-June to early August as the wildebeest migration usually moves through the area during those months. The panoramic views from Mbalageti offer unparalleled sunrise and sunset photo opportunities as well as chances to spot wildlife while relaxing at the lodge.
Highlights of Mbalageti include the stone swimming pool, trinity spa, massage, and outdoor private baths (exclusive suite only). Because the lodge itself is spread over several acres, the tents are far apart from one another, offering a private safari experience to those who seek it. There are several common areas including an indoor/outdoor dining room, bar, lounge area, welcome center and pool and spa area.
Mbalageti has thirty-eight rooms, consisting of luxury tented chalets, exclusive suites and standard rooms. Free internet access as well as a selection of teas and snacks is available in the welcome area.
For groups of four or more people, Duma recommends staying in the Sunset or Sunrise Exclusive Suites. Although the exclusive suites are slightly more expensive than the tented chalets, they are well worth the extra money as they have a dining room, outdoor deck, outdoor bath, indoor sitting area, stocked mini-bar and TV lounge. This is all in addition to the amenities offered in the tented chalets. Also, a beverage selection (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is included in the price of the exclusive suite.
The tented chalets are large luxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms. They are constructed of rock and wood, with a canvas tent fitted to the structure. Each tented chalet has a private veranda.
The standard rooms are the least expensive rooms on the property, perfect for the budget traveler who wants to enjoy the amenities of a luxury lodge. The standard rooms are smaller, en suite rooms located in a private lodge building.
Although we love Mbalageti, there are a few drawbacks. While most of the meals are excellent, there are occasionally bad dishes. The customer service also could use some improvement and the beverage policy could be made clearer. Finally, as Mbalageti is 16 kilometers from the main road it is difficult to return to the lodge for lunch. There are no game drive roads directly around Mbalageti, so one has to drive to the main road to game drive.
Note: you can view larger versions of the photos at this link: http://flickr.com/photos/37479151@N00/sets/72157594504882441/.
For more information about the lodge, visit http://www.mbalageti.com.
© 2008 Duma Explorer