OVERVIEW:
This Nasikia lodge offers vistas ranging from the lakes in Manyara and Natron to the majestic Monduli mountains! At YZ, we’re pretty keen on the Nasikia portfolio, which features camps and lodges in the Serengeti and Tarangire national parks. Mandhari Lodge can be booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, a selection of activities, transfers between the lodge and Lake Manyara Airport, Wi-Fi throughout the lodge, and a laundry service. And the lodge is open throughout the year.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Most travellers will access the lodge via road transfer from Lake Manyara Airport, although some will arrive by road from Arusha, which takes around two-and-a-half hours. The site of Mandhari is high up on the Manyara Escarpment, with spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT MANDHARI LODGE:
There are four types of guest accommodation. Solos and couples will be well served by the lodge’s nine glass-fronted standard suites. Honeymooners will enjoy the romantic honeymoon nest suite, while families of up to four persons will love the family suite, with divider between rooms. Finally, for a group of friends and/or family members, there’s the four-bedroom Nasikia Villa. Capable of sleeping up to eight travellers, this comes complete with a private plunge pool. Arrangements for disabled travellers will be available on request, and all options boast beautiful unobstructed views.
The communal facilities at Mandhari Lodge are just as enticing as the guest accommodation. The reception, lounge, dining space, bar, and swimming pool is a large core gathering area. This takes the form of a spacious eucalyptus platform, gorgeously presented with handcrafted items and woven objects. Views from the platform are absolutely breathtaking, whether you’re marvelling at the sunrise during breakfast or watching the sun set at the end of your day. The outdoorsy feel of the lodge is enhanced by its appearance, as it has been built using entirely locally sourced materials.
ACTIVITIES AT MANDHARI LODGE:
Mandhari Lodge provides an exciting variety of on-site activities and excursions farther afield:
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Highlands hiking
– The lodge’s lofty position on the Manyara Escarpment will be perfect for hikes in the scenic highlands! Don’t forget to bring your binos, to enjoy the finest views. -
Tinga Tinga painting lessons
– A painting style that spread to most of East Africa from Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam, Tinga Tinga is particularly popular in Tanzania. Begun in the second half of the twentieth century, it’s named after its founder Edward Said Tingatinga and uses bicycle paint on masonite to create very colourful scenes! These usually include the Big Five and other well-known species, and the paintings are small and easy to transport. -
Swahili cooking lessons
– Foodies of all levels of experience will be invited to learn or refresh a few techniques in the lodge’s kitchen. We hope there’ll be plenty of tasting sessions too. -
African drumming and dancing
– Why not let out your inner performer, throwing a few beats or making a few shapes in this vibrant setting? For a little downtime, yoga is available too. -
Excursions
– Mandhari looks set to be a superb base from which to head out and explore Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater! From the lodge, it’s just 10 minutes’ drive to the Lake Manyara Gate and 45 minutes to the Crater Gate. If you’re interested in visiting any of these safari areas during your stay here, please get in touch with a member of the YZ team.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.