How to get to Mwimba Lodge Serengeti
Nestled amidst massive boulders in the Southern Serengeti, the Mwiba Lodge is an ultra-luxurious tented lodge overlooking the Arugusinyai River. It’s been lovingly built using local materials that blend seamlessly into the surrounding bush while being equipped with all the amenities you’d expect of a five-star stay.
There are just 10 tented suites that boast uninterrupted views of the acacia-dotted savannah and freshwater springs, which are renowned for attracting elusive Mwiba leopards. The exquisite interiors are decorated in neutral tones and accented by African artefacts, with antique-style bathtubs and outdoor showers.
A highlight of Mwiba Lodge is its stunning infinity pool, which is surrounded by stylish recliners and large bean bags. It seemingly spills into the rocky landscape below, with a heated plunge pool nestled behind a nearby boulder. A tranquil spa and well-equipped fitness studio are among the lodge’s other amenities, together with a cosy library where you can relax beside the fireplace with a good book.
Aside from daily game drives, Mwiba Lodge also offers guided safari walks and special bush excursions designed specifically for children. It’s a particularly exceptional destination during the calving season of the Great Wildebeest Migration between January and May when the abundance of grass makes the fertile plains the perfect setting for animals to rear their young.
Mwiba Lodge is located in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, a conservation concession that’s dedicated to finding a balance between wildlife conservation and the needs of local communities. Its exclusivity means you can expect uncrowded safari experiences while still encountering the majestic beauty of the Serengeti ecosystem.
ARRIVING INTO KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International airport is served by a number of international airlines, including Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Fastjet, Kenya Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Precision Air, Safarilink, Turkish Airlines, RwandaAir and Fly Dubai.
If your international flight arrives before 11:00 am, it’s possible to make a same-day connection to the Seronera Airstrip (minimum of two passengers). The flight time from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Seronera Airstrip is approximately one hour.
If your international flight doesn’t allow for a same-day connection to the Seronera Airstrip, we can arrange a road transfer to Arusha. You can comfortably spend the nighthere before connecting to the Seronera Airstrip the following morning.
Suggested Arusha Accommodations:
• Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Legendary Coffee Lodge
ARRIVING INTO JULIUS NYERERE INTERNATIONAL IN DAR ES SALAAM (DAR)
Julius Nyerere International airport is served by a number of airlines, including Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Precision Air, Qatar Airways, South African Airlines, Turkish Airlines.
For international flights arriving before 5:00am, it’s possible to get a connecting flight to the Seronera Airstrip from Dar es Salaam. However, you’ll need to transfer to the airport’s domestic terminal, which is a five-minute taxi ride from the international terminal. The flight time from the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to the Seronera Airstrip is around three hours.
If your international flight doesn’t allow for a same-day connection to the Seronera Airstrip, you can book a connecting domestic flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport and proceed from there. Alternatively, we can arrange an airport transfer to your chosen accommodation for the night. You can then connect to the Seronera Airstrip the following morning from the Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Suggested Dar Es Salaam Accommodation:
• Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam
• The Oysterbay Hotel
ARRIVING INTO ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL
Zanzibar International Airport is served by a number of airlines, including Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways, MANGO, Meridiana, Qatar Airways, Precision Air, Oman Air, Ethiopia Airline and Turkish Airlines.
For international flights that arrive before 5:00 am, it’s possible to connect on a domestic flight to the Seronera Airstrip on the same day. If your international flight arrives after 5:00 am, you will need to spend the night on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. It boasts a number of beach resorts where you can relax overnight or for a few days if you so wish. Alternatively, you can overnight in the charismatic capital of Stone Town, which is just a 10-minute drive from the airport.
Our safari team is on hand to arrange domestic flights, airport transfers and local accommodation that suits your flight itinerary.
Suggested Zanzibar Accommodations:
• Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Stone Town
ARRIVING INTO NAIROBI AIRPORT (JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is served by a number of airlines, including Air Mauritius, British Airways, China Southern, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways and KLM.
If your international flight arrives in Nairobi before 5:00 am, you can connect on a domestic flight to the Seronera Airstrip the same day. Alternatively, you can board a short flight to Kilimanjaro International and travel to the Seronera Airstrip from there, either on the same day or after spending a night in Arusha.
Alternatively, you may opt to stay the night in Nairobi and board the early morning flight to the Seronera Airport the following day. If your international flight arrives in Nairobi in the early afternoon, you may also charter a private flight directly to the Seronera Airstrip the same day.
Suggested Nairobi Accommodations:
• Sankara Nairobi
• Tribe Hotel
• Hemingways Hotel
DOMESTIC FLIGHT CONNECTIONS TO THE SERENGETI
The Melia Serengeti Lodge is located in the centre of the Serengeti National Park and just 50 minutes’ drive from the Seronera Airstrip (SEU). There are four main airports in Tanzania that offer connecting flights to the Seronera Airstrip: Arusha Airport (ARK), Julius Nyerere International in Dar Es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
TRAVELLING FROM ARUSHA AIRPORT (ARK)
Several daily flights to the Seronera Airstrip are offered from the Arusha Airport, with the latest departure time currently scheduled at 1:00 pm. The direct flight time between the Arusha Airport and the Seronera Airstrip is approximately 70 minutes.
TRAVELLING FROM KILIMANJARO (JRO)
Morning flights depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Seronera Airstrip, with the latest departure currently scheduled at 3:15pm. Alternatively, ground transfers can be arranged to Arusha (one-hour away) where additional domestic fights are scheduled.
TRAVELLING FROM DAR ES SALAAM (DAR)
Morning flights are available from Dar Es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport to the Seronera Airstrip. Some are directwill others stop at various other airstrips en route and won’t arrive at the SeroneraAirstrip until the early afternoon.
TRAVELLING FROM ZANZIBAR (ZNZ)
Direct flightsdepart daily from Zanzibar to the Seronera Airport, with the journey taking around 2 hours 15 minutes. Alternatively, there are various options available for non-direct flights.
CHARTER FLIGHTS
In addition to scheduled flight routes, it’s also possible to charter a private aircraft directly to the Seronera Airstrip from various airports in Tanzania. Unlike scheduled flights, these private charters have the benefit ofno luggage weight restrictions, which makes them a good choice for those who can’t pack light. You can also select the flight time that’s convenient for you, with the option to land at the Seronera Airstrip at any time during daylight hours (sunset is between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm).
LOCAL AIRLINES AND LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Local Tanzanian airlines include Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, Regional Air, Auric Air and Flightlink. They all use Cessna Grand Caravans or similar aircraft that can accommodate 9 to 13 passengers. Luggage is restricted to 15 kgs per passenger and must be carried in soft-sided bags or suitcases (no hard shell cases are permitted).