Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Mwiba is a private concession bordering both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This 125,000-acre reserve serves as a buffer to the surrounding community. It lies on the western border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the southern Serengeti. It previously served as an essential part of the Makao Game Area. But human activities from this area encroached Serengeti from the west. To protect the migration paths, the government established this crucial concession.

Getting to Mwiba Wildlife Reserve.

The best way is to fly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha’s flagship airport for international travel. Then catch a scheduled or private charter flight from the Arusha Airport to Mwiba Airstrip, followed by a 15-minute road transfer to the Mwiba Lodge.

Alternatively, you can fly to the Ndutu Airstrip, then drive to Mwiba Lodge for 2 hours and 30 minutes or from the Ngorongoro Crater for 3-4 hours.

When to go to Mwiba Wildlife Reserve?

The borders between Mwiba and the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro have no fence. This means animals roam freely across these protected areas. So, we can say, Mwiba Reserve is a year-round destination.

However, for convenient, uninterrupted wildlife views, we recommend you visit it from June to October. With 20 natural freshwater springs, this reserve welcomes elephants, lions, and kudus among others. You’ll enjoy thin vegetation, fewer bugs, and clear skies.

From January to March, the southern plains welcome over 500,000 calves. As young animals are readily available, expect to see plenty of predator actions. And if you want to witness the Great Migration calving season, this time is remarkably rewarding.

What to do in the Mwiba Reserve?

Mwiba lies in the southeastern part of the Serengeti. Often overlooked, this reserve is a gem for anyone looking for adventure, seclusion, and one-of-a-kind activities. Here are captivating things to do in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve.

Exclusive game drive.

Want a drive tailored to you in a remote location? Head to Mwiba. With just a few visitors per year, the reserve records, game drives are exceptional. Encounter a large lion pride lazily lying on a rock outcrop, observe it until you satisfy your senses, enjoy photos, and without a pack of 10 cars. Here, you can enjoy going off the road to observe wildlife even closer. On another occasion, you see a large elephant herd drinking from the springs, driver gives you enough time to enjoy the scene.

Balloon safari

Interested in flying over the savannah? Book a balloon flight to start your day. This thrilling experience comes with extra cost (if not included in your package), but it’s worth it. Take off from a launch site (which can be bumpy, but safe), float over the stunning golden-hued plains, watch wildlife, and more. Then the descent begins, and upon landing, a champagne celebration follows. You then conclude the experience with an al fresco bush breakfast.

Night safaris.

The main park prohibits night drives so does the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. But in Mwiba, you get the chance to interact with nocturnal animals on their way to hunt. This is an exclusive way to explore the wilderness when it’s cool and quiet – something the nocturnal animals like. There are chances of spotting lions, leopards, hyenas, porcupines, civets, and birds like nightjars and owls. You can connect this unique experience with a stargazing experience in a calm setting with no light pollution.

Walking safaris

Head out for a spectacular walk on the plains and natural springs. Led and guided by a professional guide, a walk in this reserve is the best way to discover its off-the-beaten-track wonders. With nature still virgin and untouched, there’s much to see. Be it a colorful butterfly or a large game like a buffalo, the guide will explain everything you see. There’s an opportunity to conclude this wonderful activity with a sundowner or bush dinner. It’s all on you.

Cultural tours

The reserve offers a unique opportunity to meet with four tribes: the Sukuma, Hadzabe, Maasai, and Datoga. One of the roles this reserve serves is to buffer the human activities of the neighboring communities. And since its establishment, it continues to serve these original tribes to reduce human-wildlife conflict. So, from here, you visit these welcoming societies to learn their unique charm.

Where to stay in Mwiba Wildlife Reserve?

Mwiba Lodge

The Mwiba Lodge is the only accommodation available in Mwiba Wildlife Reserve. This luxurious property is a secluded haven for anyone seeking immersion in a natural setting and luxury.

The lodge features ten double suites, each uniquely designed to reflect luxury in the middle of the jungle. Every experience it offers reflects its sole purpose: to bring low-impact luxury travel into life near Serengeti National Park. It offers gourmet dining, private butler service, personalized meals and timetables, complimentary laundry, and professional babysitting service. Families are welcome to this hidden gem.

Final word

The Mwiba Wildlife Reserve supports wildlife research projects and the surrounding communities for the continuity of this essential part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. Your visit matters the most to wildlife and the community.

Are you ready for a private safari where you will seldom see other safari vehicles? Start planning today with our experienced safari planners. Should you have more questions, we are just a call away.