In a contest of opulence, design chic and ecological sensitivity it is probable that Mbalageti Camp, located on the western edge of the Serengeti, wins hands down. Situated on the idyllic Mwanyeni Hill, some 16km off the main road, and overlooking the utter quintessence of African landscapes, this is the last word in attention to detail, lavish design and the scientific pursuit of comfort. Every kind of allusion is made to wild Africa, but there is nothing wild about this. This could be in the Cape or KwaZulu/Natal, or indeed anywhere in the world. If it should happen that you tire of exceptional hospitality you might consider a safari, but there really is no pressure…
A great deal of thought clearly went into the execution of this project. Of the 40 or more bed units associated with the establishment 24 are luxury tented chalets that are positioned on either side of the hill, 12 to utilize the sunrise and the other 12 the sunset. Besides these there are 2 luxury tented suites that are designed for maximum luxury and comfort, with a attention to detail so specific that it might seem that there are just one or two too many personal touches.
Each individual suite or chalet is spaced some distance from the other, which detracts from the security of mutual proximity, but more than makes up for the fact in almost perfect seclusion and privacy. To keep an eye on marauding wildlife a TANAPA patrol maintains a watch on the perimeter, while a tight little security operation ensures that no-one is required to walk the few hundred yards between home and the bar alone.
But this is not the end of it. Associated with the usual activities of game driving day or night, and bush walks, birding trips and general integration with nature, is to be found a miniature spa where a variety of health & wellness techniques are offered to add to the already deep relaxation inspired by the perfect surroundings.
Expect an extremely high standard of cuisine, of international wines and spirits, and a standard of service that, like the personal touches, might seem a little too attentive in its efforts to be exceptional.
Is that a generator I hear? Has anybody noticed how much sunshine there is around here? In its use of hardwood Mbalageti is very naughty. ‘It all comes from outside the park’ the manager assures me as I draw his attention to the fact. I should very much hope so…!
Exceptional it all is however. Mbalageti is the absolute last word in touching the wild in style, and is a pathfinder in the quest for the perfect bush lodge. Here is to be found a distillation of over a century of safari tradition and the love affair that colonists new and old have enjoyed with the wilderness of Africa. Understated elegance, perfectly conceived and composed, Mbalageti is one place not to be missed on your Tanzanian itinerary.
Rough Travel Africa Style: The Tented Camps & Lodges of Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Migration Camp Mbalageti Tented Camp Serena Serengeti Serena Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Lobo Wildlife Lodge Serengeti Gibbs Farm Ndarakwai Ranch
