Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge is perfectly perched on top of an escarpment with sweeping views over the Tarangire River. Between about June and October, this perennial waterway attracts the huge numbers of buffalo, giraffe and elephant that thrive in Tarangire National Park.

Most visitors to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit are usually on their way to the popular Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, thus very few discover the rewarding safari experience that Tarangire has to offer. The park is best known for its big herds of elephant, tree-climbing lions, and the unusual long-necked gerenuk (also known as the giraffe gazelle). With about 550 bird species, it is a superb bird-watching destination and the best place in northern Tanzania to see majestic baobabs – Africa’s unique 'upside down tree'.

Guests at Mpingo Ridge Lodge are privy to guided morning walks in Tarangire’s soul-stirring wilderness, as well as thrilling night game drives. The area is densely vegetated and mostly covered in open woodland with thick forest along the Tarangire River, the ideal environment for leopard.

Each of the 15 spacious tented suites have been carefully positioned to maximize not only the sensational views over Tarangire but to also take advantage of cooling breezes during hot weather. They feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds and one of the suites has two bedrooms. A special feature is the private outside bathtub—perfect for soothing the soul and washing away the African dust after a day on safari.

The elevated main lodge has a large lounge and bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a spa and swimming pool. Sundowners, early morning walks and game drives in new custom-designed vehicles accompanied by Lemala’s highly-knowledgeable and experienced guides are some of the activities guests can look forward to during their stay.

Every spacious tented suite has been carefully positioned to offer guests utmost privacy without skimping on views. Private viewing decks are equipped with sunken outdoor lounges that convert to comfortable day beds, perfect for afternoon siestas. After a day on safari, soothe the soul with breath-taking views of the expansive horizon while you wash away the African dust in a private outdoor bathtub – the pièce de résistance of each suite.

Mpingo Ridge Lodge’s elevated main area is harboured by magnificent granite boulders and offers gorgeous views of the Tarangire River and its valley below. Guests can relax in the large lounge area, enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar or head out to the swimming pool for an invigorating dip. A good pamper session at the lodge’s spa is an ideal activity after a morning walk in the bush.

Delicious meals are served in Mpingo Ridge’s indoor or outdoor dining areas, complimented by a wonderful panorama of Tarangire.

Guest accommodation at Mpingo Ridge consists of 15 tented suites, 14 to sleep two/three adults and one for a family. All are positioned to maximise both the views and the cooling winds that sweep over the ridge during the dry season. Each unit has a few steps up to a sunken wooden deck, which functions as a lounge area. The interiors feature a king-size bed or twin beds, and five suites have a sofa bed to accommodate a third person. There is also a writing desk and chair, complete with multi-plugs and complimentary stationery. Other amenities include mosquito nets, a tea-and-coffee station, a mini-bar, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins, inside and outside showers, and a bathtub on a private area of the deck. The family unit benefits from all the features of the standard tent, in addition to a second bedroom.

• Night game drives: Just because the sun has set, doesn’t mean that Tarangire goes to sleep. It becomes another world altogether bathed in the moonlight. It becomes a sensory experience and one that we highly recommend when staying with us at Lemala Mpingo Ridge. The star-studded skies, the gentle winds, shadows of elephants as they meander through the forests, the eery silence broken by the lions roar and the shining eyes of curious wildlife peering at your as your drive by. The sun may be down but its a whole new world that awakes and where things can get really interesting.
• Walking Safaris: A walking safari is a sensory adventure like no other. Tanzania is one of the best safari countries for walking, with a number of parks allowing guests to experience a more up-close-and-personal encounter. Follow in the footsteps of animals, accompanied by highly skilled and knowledgeable guides. Along the way you might identify animal tracks, learn about fascinating plants, spot some of the smaller animals and insects (you wouldn’t necessarily see from a vehicle) as well as feel the buzz of tracking some of the larger game. There is no better way to learn about the bush.
• Bush Dining + Sundowners: Sundowners ore more than just a happy hour. they are a very cherished African tradition and form an integral part of your safari experience. It is a time lo relax. reminisce the day gone by, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine around the camp fire with fellow travelers who become friends as you review the events of the day. A balloon safari offers an opportunity to see the Serengeti from a unique perspective. Drink in the wilderness below as you silently float over the vast plains ... before touching down for a bush breakfast like no other. If you only take one balloon flight in your life. this is the place to do it.
• Hot-air balloon safaris: A balloon safari offers an opportunity to see Tarangire from a unique perspective. Drink in the wilderness below as you silently float over the vast plains (in whichever direction the wind takes you). Follow the herds, see a lion stalk its prey or just marvel at the magnificent scenery… before touching down for a bush breakfast like no other. If you only take one balloon flight in your life, this is the place to do it.
• Canoeing Lake Manyara: During these 2,5 hours canoe on Lake Manyara you get a unique perspective on Tanzanian wildlife and landscape. A well-trained guide will accompany the safari. He will ensure your safety and enjoyment while explaining more about the natural history of Manyara and surroundings. The best way to make this activity work is to have your guide take you on a game drive as normal and meet our guides at the Endala picnic site either in the morning or the afternoon. Your guide can pick you up a few hours later at Msasa lake view point. Nb. The water level in the lake needs to be sufficient.
• Maasai Boma: An authentic glimpse into the distinctive Maasai culture is a must whilst in Tanzania. Preservation of their proud traditions has set the Maasai apart from other indigenous groups in Tanzania, and embodies a side of Africa with which few outsiders can contact. We offer guests a memorable opportunity to interactively experience the Maasai way of life through an excursion to a traditional boma where guests will be able to participate in a variety of unique cultural activities, and encouraged to delve as deep into the experience as possible!