The lodge at sunset across the Tarangire escarpment

Summit collection · Tarangire National Park

Mpingo Ridge Lodge

Fifteen suites on a ridge above the Tarangire River, with the valley laid out below

Collection: Summit · Luxury
Destination: Tarangire National Park
Area: Tarangire escarpment
Style: Escarpment lodge
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

About Mpingo Ridge Lodge

Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment, looking out over the perennial Tarangire River and the broad valley beyond. It carries the same standards of comfort and service as the other Lemala camps, and it is as good a base for a Tarangire stay as any lodge in the park.

Tarangire is less visited than the great northern parks, and it feels wilder for it. Elephant herds, birdlife and ancient baobabs define the place, and the escarpment gives you the whole scene from above, with breezes that cool the suites on hot afternoons.

Fifteen suites are spread along the ridge, each placed to catch the view and the air. One suite has two bedrooms for friends or family travelling together, and the elevated main lodge holds the lounge, bar, dining areas, spa and pool.

Fifteen suites positioned for views of the Tarangire valley
Private decks with sunken outdoor lounges that become daybeds
A private outdoor bathtub at every suite
A two-bedroom suite for families and friends
Elevated main lodge with spa, pool and bar
Night drives and walks in custom 4x4 vehicles

Setting

The lodge crowns an escarpment above the Tarangire River, so the view stretches across the valley floor where elephants, zebra and antelope come to drink in the dry months. Baobabs, acacia woodland and low green hills fill the middle distance. It feels remote and open, and there is a real sense of wilderness without any sacrifice in comfort.

Rooms and tents

Suites are furnished with either twin beds or a super-king bed, with triples available on request. Each has an en-suite bathroom, a private deck, a sunken outdoor lounge that doubles as an afternoon siesta bed, and an outdoor bath for soaking off the day's dust. Photographs show canopied beds, dark timber and large openings to the view.

Dining

The main lodge has indoor and outdoor dining areas, a long bar and a lounge with pendant lighting and wide views. Breakfast is often served on a private deck at sunrise, and dinner can be set out under the stars. Tell us about dietary needs when you book so the kitchen can plan ahead.

Things to do from here

Game drives in Tarangire National Park
Night drives, which the lodge is able to offer
Early-morning guided walks
Sundowners on the deck above the valley
Spa treatments, available daily
Birdwatching along the river and ridge

When to stay

Tarangire is at its best from June to October, when the dry season draws elephants, zebra and wildebeest down to the river and the grass is short enough for easy viewing. The long rains usually arrive between March and May and the short rains in November and December, when the park turns green and the birdlife is lively, though some tracks can be slow.

Good to know

One suite has two bedrooms. Ask us early if you need it, because there is only one.
The lodge sits on a ridge, so expect steps and gentle slopes. Tell us if anyone has mobility needs.
Night drives and walks are part of the stay when conditions allow. Ask us to confirm what is running on your dates.
Mpingo Ridge combines well with the Lemala camps in Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. We can link them in one itinerary.

Gallery

Inside Mpingo Ridge Lodge

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