Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Superior

Standing high on the bluff of a dramatic ochre and terracotta streaked cliff above the flamingo-frosted expanse of Lake Manyara’s gleaming alkaline waters, this lodge commands panoramic views across the volcano-studded floor of the Great Rift Valley. Designed to reflect the brilliance of Lake Manyara’s unique birdlife, the lodge draws on an inspirational architectural motif that melds swooping avian curves with the gentle concentric patterns of traditional Maasai ‘Bomas’ (encampments) whilst the vibrantly colored frescoes lining the walls are designed to depict the colorful intricacy of bird migratory patterns. The ambiance of the Lodge is a fusion of lakeside tranquility, towering volcanic splendor and adventure-packed sporting activity.

The circular, closely thatched rooms echo the traditional Maasai 'Boma' style of construction whilst featuring a vibrant interior design concept that reflects the Maasai people's abiding love of brilliant scarlet-and-indigo checked 'Shukas' (cloaks) and bright yellow, white, blue and orange beadwork. Each room has a private veranda and breathtaking views of the shimmering reaches of the flamingo-frosted lake.

The word ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Kiswahili but since the days of the legendary ‘White Hunters’ a ‘safari’ has evolved to mean a spectacular bush adventure that takes in sightings of a glorious selection of game, flora, fauna and bird life whilst delivering awe inspiring scenery, show-stopping views and wildlife encounters of the most exciting kind. The park is famous for its spectacular tree-climbing lions, whose unusual behavior is thought to be due to a combination of factors including a need to avoid dense undergrowth, the search for shade, and to escape the torment of biting flies.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Superior

Perched on the jagged rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, wreathed in morning mist, camouflaged in river-stone and cloaked in indigenous creepers, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion. Sensitively constructed so as to take nothing from its environment, the lodge affords endless vistas over the heat-shimmering reaches of the crater below and the clustered boulder-built buildings of the lodge that hug the crater rim linked by rope-lashed timber walkways that skirt the buttressed roots of ancient, liana-hung trees.

The interior, radiating out from the primeval log fire glowing at the heart of the lodge, blends the concentrated hush of a game viewing hide with the ochre, rust and charcoal images of a prehistoric cavern. Lit by flaming wall lanterns clad in gigantic volcanic boulders and decorated by the iron spears, bright-beaded robes and intricately carven artifacts of the Maasai, the lodge is a unique blend of timeless volcanic splendor and ethnic style. As for the views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to indigo star-studded night, the immeasurably ancient Ngorongoro Crater delivers a theater of vistas, most unchanged since the dawn of time.

Strung around the crater rim, each with its own rock-enclosed balcony, the rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, wildwood mirrors, Maasai carvings and flamboyant prehistoric wall motifs depicting fleeing giraffes, stylized gazelle and plunging buffalo. Each room draws on a cave-grey, indigo-blue and jasper-red color scheme, is fully air conditioned and enjoys uninterrupted views over the Crater's unmatched splendor.

At the end of an action packed day, guests can also follow a gentle nature trail that loops around the lodge through moss-hung glades and plunging ravines, take a guided walk to the Crater's rim, relax with a herbal massage, or watch as the burning sun sinks behind the mountains from a unique vantage point on the craggy heights of the Crater's rim.

The Maasai inspired, split level dining and bar area features a two tier wall of windows looking down on to the constantly changing vistas of the crater below, a traditional circular fireside meeting area, and a recurrent motif of massive 'prehistoric' cave paintings, stone studded walls, Maasai spears and blazing jewel-hued wall lamps. The atmosphere is relaxed and candle lit whilst the menu choices include traditional Maasai fare, long time safari favorites and internationally themed menus alike.

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Superior

Set high on the saddle of tree clad ridge commanding panoramic views over the endlessly rolling reaches and volcanic reefs of the Serengeti, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Drawing its inspiration from the circular ‘Rondavel’ dwellings and winding paths of a traditional Maasai village, the lodge features thickly-thatched, stone-built rooms, spaciously set amongst groves of indigenous trees that are cooled by sparkling streams and papyrus-fringed ponds.

The circular bar, its roof supported by massive carven figures of warriors, maidens and elders, looks out over the sky-blue, ‘vanishing horizon’ swimming pool towards the miles of lion-gold savannah that lie below, wherein is enacted the thunderous theater of the million-strong wildebeest migration. As for views, from lilac-streaked sunrise, to diamond-domed night, the sensational Serengeti delivers a series of timeless volcanic vistas that are second to none.

Each room is accommodated in a stone-built, traditionally-thatched 'Rondavel', featuring natural stone bathrooms, wildwood balconies, rope lashed staircases, leopard print drapes and intricately carved furniture, the overall effect of which is a unique blend of authentic ethnicity and elegance. Linked by shaded walkways and clustered around the roaring furnace of the central barbecue arena, the high domed halls of the two tier dining room are supported by massive papyrus-topped pillars and embellished with sumptuous 'Makonde' carvings suggesting the audience chamber of a tribal king whilst the cuisine features time honored safari favorites, local specialties and internationally themed dishes alike.

Contact United Vacations 1-800-417-9246