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Silhouetted acacia tree at sunrise near Masek Tented Lodge on the shore of Lake Masek, Ndutu

Ridge collection · Serengeti

Masek Tented Lodge

Raised tents by Lake Masek, in the heart of calving country

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Collection
Ridge · Mid-range to upper mid-range
Destination
Serengeti
Area
Ndutu, Southern Serengeti
Style
Lakeside tented lodge
Best months
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Jan, Feb

About Masek Tented Lodge

Masek Tented Lodge stands beside Lake Masek at Ndutu, in the southern Serengeti, and its whole identity is bound up with the wildebeest calving season. When the herds arrive on the short grass plains, the surrounding landscape fills with new life and the predators that follow it.

Guest tents are raised on wooden platforms beneath acacia trees, which keeps them airy and gives a sense of being tucked into the woodland. A swimming pool overlooks the lake and plains, a lovely place to cool off after a morning drive and watch the afternoon light change.

Dinners can be set privately on the deck above Lake Masek, with a staff member laying the table for you, and the photographs also show an acacia silhouette at sunrise that sums up the mood nicely. The lodge sits in our Ridge collection, for guests who want a distinctive, characterful base for calving-season photography and game viewing.

  • Lakeside position at Ndutu, in wildebeest calving country
  • Guest tents raised on wooden platforms beneath acacia trees
  • Four-poster beds beneath mosquito nets in the tents
  • Swimming pool overlooking Lake Masek and the plains
  • Private dining tables set on the lakeside deck
  • Every tent is en-suite, with its own private bathroom

Setting

The lodge sits by Lake Masek in the Ndutu area of the southern Serengeti, where acacia woodland meets open short-grass plains, with the lake shining at the edge of the trees. This is the landscape where wildebeest typically gather to calve between roughly January and March, depending on the rains. Mornings are often cool and bright, and the plains can feel remarkably open.

Rooms and tents

Tents are lifted onto wooden platforms under acacia shade, with en-suite facilities. Inside, a four-poster bed under a mosquito net gives the room a classic safari look. The tents feel private and tucked into the trees. Ask us to confirm tent layouts and whether twin or double configurations are available, along with family options.

Dining

Meals are served in the lodge, and a staff member will set a private table on the deck overlooking Lake Masek if you wish to dine just the two of you or as a family. Evenings by the water are lovely when the air cools. Ask us in advance for celebration dinners, packed breakfasts or dietary needs.

Things to do from here

  • Game drives across the Ndutu plains
  • Calving season wildlife photography
  • Relaxing at the lakeside swimming pool
  • Sunrise walks around camp, where permitted
  • Private deck dinners above Lake Masek

When to stay

The calving season, usually January and February, is the signature time at Ndutu, with herds spread across the southern plains. July to October suits the wider Serengeti. March to May is the long rains, when scenery is green and crowds thin. November and December bring the short rains. Wildebeest movements follow rainfall, so exact timing changes each year.

Good to know

  • Calving timing depends on the rains and herd movement, so Lemala cannot guarantee exact dates or sightings.
  • Ndutu is a wild area, so ask us to confirm walking rules and escort arrangements around camp.
  • Flights and road transfers are arranged by Lemala as part of your itinerary.
  • Ask us to confirm power and wifi, which can be limited at remote lodges.

Gallery

Inside Masek Tented Lodge

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