Mto wa Mbu · Lake Manyara · Tanzania
Eleven cottages and two luxury safari tents nestled in acacia woodland on the Great Rift Valley, just ten minutes from Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy lantern-lit evenings, handmade furniture, and the soothing sounds of the bush at night.
The Lodge
Nsya Lodge sits on the Great Rift Valley near Lake Manyara National Park, just before Mto wa Mbu village, surrounded by acacia woodland and half a kilometre off the tarmac road. It is a ten-minute drive to the park gate and about two hours (120 km) from Arusha — an easy first or last night on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
The lodge was developed in harmony with and respect for local community values and heritage. The furniture is handcrafted by Tanzanian artisans, the team comes from Mto wa Mbu village, and the paintings and carvings displayed throughout the lodge are the work of local artists, many of which are available to purchase.
Our mission: “Exceed our guests’ expectations.”
Accommodation
Eleven cottages built in traditional African styles and materials — single, double, triple and family — plus two luxury safari tents. Every one is ensuite, with hot showers, electricity and mosquito netting.
Cottage · DoubleWarm ochre walls, a hand-built four-poster and locally woven fabrics, with windows that catch the morning light through the acacias.
Cottage · Single / TripleThe same traditional cottage, arranged for a solo traveller or for three friends travelling together. Handmade furniture throughout, and walls painted by local artists.
Family · Interconnecting roomsInterconnecting rooms with a double bed and a single bed — the simplest way for a family to stay together under one roof while still having space of their own.
Luxury Safari Tent · 2 onlyCanvas, hardwood decking and a private verandah. There is nothing to compare with listening to beetles, crickets and birds from your own bed.
Experiences
10 minutes from the lodge
Looking down from the western wall of the Great Rift Valley, it is easy to see why Lake Manyara was once known as the Emerald of Africa. Home to tree-climbing lions, elephants roaming the groundwater forest and flamingos gathered on the soda flats, the park offers some of Tanzania’s most diverse and breathtaking scenery.
45 minutes
For many people who have spent years in the African bush, Tarangire is their favourite park on the whole northern circuit. Baobabs and the largest elephant population in the region.
Further afield · ask us to plan the day
Lake Natron lies within the Great Rift Valley, a landscape of dramatic volcanic scenery, vast open spaces and remarkable tranquillity. Renowned for its large flamingo populations, the lake offers one of Tanzania’s most striking and unique natural environments.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crater offers spectacular scenery and some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
Planning a safari?
Why Nsya
On the Great Rift Valley, ten minutes from Lake Manyara National Park and about two hours from Arusha.
Cottages built in traditional African styles and materials, with furniture handmade by Tanzanian artisans.
Single, double, triple and family cottages plus two luxury safari tents — every one ensuite.
A dedicated team employed from Mto wa Mbu village, working to one mission: exceed our guests’ expectations.
Spacious grounds in acacia woodland, with monkeys in the branches and over a thousand bird species in Tanzania.
Two pools and a pool bar, with a pool table and darts for the evening.
Fresh food prepared daily, and a fully stocked bar with cold beer, spirits and wine.
A fully fenced property with guards at night. Gates stay locked — only residents and staff are on site.
Developed in harmony with local community values, heritage and aspirations.
Dining
Our restaurant serves a variety of fresh food prepared daily — a speciality Indian menu alongside international and local Tanzanian cooking, inspired by the chef’s daily trip into Mto wa Mbu for the freshest produce. The bar is fully stocked with cold beer, spirits and wine, and there is a pool bar for the afternoon.
Fresh food prepared daily — local and international cooking, served under a wide verandah with the gardens dark beyond it.
A table laid under the acacias, with the lodge grounds all around you.
A refreshing dip, then a drink under the African sun. Pool table and darts for whoever is still standing.
Long Stays
For researchers, volunteers, photographers, remote workers and slow travellers — a peaceful base on the Rift Valley, with long-stay rates on request.
Plan your extended stay →
Volunteer & Community
Volunteering in the Mto wa Mbu area? We offer long-term stays with special rates for volunteers, and can help you connect with local schools and community projects.
Volunteer stays →Gallery
Every photograph here shows Nsya Lodge or the country around it.
Guest Reviews
What travellers say after staying with us, on TripAdvisor and Google.
Google Reviews
Read what guests say about their stay on our Google listing, or share your own experience with us.
Reservations
Send your dates and we will come back to you with availability and rates — or say hello on Instagram at @nsyalodge.
