Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Location

Perched on the shores of Lake Burunge within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area, the lodge occupies a privileged position just outside Tarangire National Park’s western boundary. This 300-acre private concession managed by the Mbugwe community since 2003 offers spectacular views across the alkaline lake to the park’s iconic baobab-studded plains. You’re positioned in the natural wildlife corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, where seasonal migrations funnel thousands of animals past your doorstep – a front-row seat to one` of Tanzania’s lesser-known wildlife spectacles.

The Sangaiwe Gate entrance to Tarangire lies just 10-20 minutes away by road, while the main park entrance is a 30-minute drive. This proximity delivers the best of both worlds: easy access to the park’s legendary elephant herds and predator populations, plus the freedom to enjoy activities not permitted within park boundaries. The lodge sits within traditional Mbugwe territory, with several villages nearby offering authentic cultural encounters beyond the typical tourist experience.

Lake Burunge itself transforms dramatically with the seasons. From July to November, thousands of flamingos turn its shores pink, attracted by the algae that thrives in the alkaline waters. During the rains, the Tarangire River flows into the lake, attracting wildlife from miles around. The surrounding landscape shifts from golden grassland to verdant green depending on the season, with the Great Rift Valley escarpment providing a dramatic backdrop to the west.

Operated by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps, they operate a collection of reasonably price safari camps across Tanzania’s northern circuit. Within the greater Tarangire ecosystem, their portfolio includes Maramboi Tented Camp near Lake Manyara’s shores.

Rooms

The lodge’s accommodation philosophy blends authentic safari atmosphere with unexpected comfort across 30 thoughtfully designed spaces. Each room enjoys elevated positioning on wooden platforms, ensuring cooling breezes and uninterrupted views across Lake Burunge to Tarangire’s plains beyond.

Canvas Tents (20 units) offer the quintessential safari experience with a contemporary twist. These spacious tents feature proper beds (twin or double configurations), crisp linens, and mosquito netting that’s more precaution than necessity. En-suite bathrooms bring unexpected luxury to canvas living with hot showers, flush toilets, and proper hand basins. Each tent opens onto a private veranda where morning coffee comes with a side of zebra sightings. The canvas walls mean you’ll drift off to the sounds of the African night – distant lion roars, hyena whoops, and the gentle splash of elephants at the waterhole.

Family Bungalows (10 units) provide solid-walled comfort for those preferring more substantial accommodation or traveling with children. Each bungalow contains a king-size bed (convertible to twins) plus a queen bed, comfortably sleeping four. Air conditioning and ceiling fans ensure comfort even during October’s heat, while the solid construction provides better sound insulation for light sleepers. The private decks are larger than the tents’, with ample space for family wildlife watching.

All accommodations include 24-hour solar power with generator backup, in-room safes, complimentary WiFi (surprisingly reliable for such a remote location), mineral water, and tea/coffee facilities. The family bungalows add mini-fridges stocked with beverages. Housekeeping visits twice daily, with evening turndown service including the strategic placement of flashlights for nighttime navigation.

Communal Areas

The heart of Lake Burunge Tented Lodge centers on its striking main building, where an elevated wooden platform beneath a high thatched roof creates an airy pavilion with 360-degree views. The design supposedly incorporates an ancient baobab tree [VERIFY – some sources suggest this], though the real stars are the panoramic vistas across the lake and surrounding wilderness. The open-sided structure catches every breeze, creating a naturally cooled space where you can watch eagles soar at eye level.

The restaurant occupies prime position on this platform, with tables arranged to maximize views whether you’re watching sunrise with your coffee or flamingos with your sundowner. The bar stocks an impressive selection considering the remote location, including South African wines, local beers, and the ingredients for proper cocktails. Multiple seating areas with comfortable sofas and chairs create intimate spaces for reading, conversation, or simply watching the ever-changing theatre of wildlife at the nearby waterhole.

The 25-metre swimming pool deserves special mention – substantially larger than typical lodge pools and designed as an infinity edge that visually merges with Lake Burunge beyond. Positioned to catch afternoon sun while providing shade options, it’s surrounded by loungers and day beds perfect for post-game-drive recovery. The pool area serves lunch for those preferring not to leave their wildlife watching post.

Each evening, a campfire is lit on the lower deck, creating a traditional safari gathering spot for pre-dinner drinks and storytelling. The firepit overlooks a floodlit waterhole that attracts nocturnal visitors – you might spot elephants, hyenas, or even the occasional leopard while sipping your gin and tonic.

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Activities

The lodge’s position outside park boundaries opens up activity options unavailable to properties within Tarangire. Game drives into the park remain the primary draw, with early morning departures aimed at catching predators before the day’s heat sends them into shade. The Sangaiwe area of Tarangire offers excellent game viewing with fewer vehicles than the main park zones.

Over 550 bird species have been recorded in the greater Tarangire ecosystem, from tiny sunbirds to massive ground hornbills. The lake itself attracts waterfowl and, seasonally, those famous flamingo flocks.

Sundowner experiences take advantage of the lodge’s spectacular setting, whether enjoyed from a scenic viewpoint above the lake or from the comfort of the pool deck. Night drives aren’t permitted in the park but walking back to your tent after dinner with an escort often provides encounters with bushbabies, genets, and other nocturnal residents of the camp.

The lodge can arrange hot air balloon safaris over Tarangire [additional cost applies], offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the park’s vastness and the intricate patterns created by animal paths through the bush.