Growing up many of us had the same dream, living in a treehouse. Growing up we don’t really chase those childhood dreams anymore, but once you get an opportunity to stay at a treehouse, that childhood fantasy comes back to live.
One of our favorite properties in Tanzania is the AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, ‘an intimate treehouse experience set within dramatic rift valley beauty’. Treelodge is one of the few properties located inside Lake Manyara National Park, on the way to the lodge you will be surprised with all the wildlife. We saw elephants crossing the roads, giraffes wandering near the lake, flamingoes coloring the lake pink and once we were approaching the lodge, we even found lions sleeping in the tree!! Upon arriving at the lodge we were welcomed by the staff with drinks, some dancing and a beautiful song and some towels to refresh ourselves. The standard of this lodge is absolutely beyond imagination.
The rooms are well decorated, in the midst of the forest, with all neccesities you can imagine. From the bed you have an amazing view over the small terrace and forest, the outdoor shower is just the most magical shower experience you’ll probably ever have. If you don’t feel to take a shower, but would rather go for a relaxing bath, that is possible as well! There is a bathtub overlooking the forest from where you could even see monkeys and hear elephants as well. Feeling thirsty while in the bathtub? Andbeyond has you covered as you will have your own private butler service.
You might wonder at this point, how will a lodge, located inside the forest of Lake Manyara National Park, offer fresh and delicious food. Honestly speaking, we don’t know the secret but the food will leave you craving for more. The dinner is set up around a camp fire, with a fresh barbecue and a beautiful atmosphere. ‘Go big or go home’, must have been their take on breakfast, because the choices are endless. A fresh pancake and egg station, all kinds of cereals, fruits, juices, fresh coffee and teas. Lunch served at the lodge is a high tea kind of feeling, soups, bread, salads, fish, beef, chicken, pastas, it’s an endless choice of deliciousness.
One of the things that AndBeyond has done right in all of their properties including Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is their no plastic policy. You will have a glass bottle of water in your room, plastic straws are no longer used at any of their lodges, you will be given a personalized 550ml durable pyrex (glass) bottle to keep and all guest amenities in the room include refillable glass bottles for shampoo, hair conditioner and shower gel. This zero plastic policy also fits our support to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We believe in a better world tomorrow and reducing the use and waste of plastic also contributes to the SD Goal #14 – Life below water, the aim is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
We are sure we don’t have to convince you that AndBeyond Tree Lodge is a child’s dream come true. You might ask yourself, is this place suitable for kids and family holidays? Yes, it is! All ages are welcome at Tree Lodge and they encourage to introduce children to the bush at an early age, which we honestly couldn’t agree with more. The lodge also facilitates a one family treehouse, you could go on a scenic guided bike ride through the Mauyoka Community so that your kids could learn more about the daily life in Tanzania and see how children in Tanzania spend their days. After a day in the bush, spotting some of the amazing animals that Lake Manyara has to offer, kids (and adults ;-)) can take a dip in the pool, or you could go for a relaxing massage while the staff of the lodge entertains your child. A tennis table is also available at the lodge for the more competitive guests.
AndBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is one of our favourites and we are confident that after your stay here, you will feel the same way.
“Travel Beyond Imagination”
Your Journey team @ Runway 86 & Heaven in Africa