Exterior view main house Laba Mama Simba 2

Exterior view main house Laba Mama Simba

Mamba Simba

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

18 guests
9 bedrooms
9 beds
9 bathrooms

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Mamba Simba is an elegant private safari lodge set within the unfenced 700-hectare North Dolly wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania, where Cape eland, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala and gazelle roam freely across open grasslands framed by the slopes of Mount Meru. A predator-free sanctuary just 35 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, the lodge offers a rare "safari before the safari" — wildlife immersion from the moment you arrive, paired with seamless access to Tanzania's most celebrated national parks.

The lodge takes its name from Vicky de Cervera (1938–2015), a Spanish writer, traveller and philanthropist who made Arusha her home and devoted her later years to charitable work supporting local children. Affectionately known by the community as Mabma Simba — "Mama Lion" in Swahili — she was loved for her fierce spirit and deep connection to Tanzania's land, people and wildlife. The lodge carries her legacy forward as part of the wider Laba Laba collection, which dedicates 30% of profits to conservation and humanitarian programmes across Tanzania.

A boutique thatched property of refined East African character, Mamba Simba blends traditional craftsmanship with warm contemporary comfort. Natural materials, vaulted ceilings, open fireplaces, and panoramic verandas create a relaxed setting where the rhythm of the bush takes over. The main lodge is the social heart of the estate: a library lounge with TV, a lounge bar with fireplace, an outdoor lounge, and a restaurant comprising an indoor dining room, a covered veranda and an open-air terrace, all overlooking the 16-metre infinity pool and the plains beyond. At sunset, the slopes of Mount Meru glow with shades of orange and rose — a spectacle considered sacred by local communities and woven through their myths and legends.

Accommodation totals 9 units across 4 categories, hosting up to 9 guests. Six Garden Cottages (70 m²) each offer a bedroom-lounge with fireplace, a bathroom with both bathtub and shower, and a private terrace with dining area and sunbeds. The Master Suite (75 m²), located in the main house, features a bedroom-lounge with fireplace, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a garden-side terrace with views of Mount Meru. The Garden Room and Pool Room (23 m² each), also in the main house, offer compact and elegant retreats with private bathrooms and showers. Every room is appointed with a mini-bar, hairdryer, safe, fans, Healing Earth organic toiletries, organic bed linen, WiFi, and international and USB outlets. The Garden Room and Pool Room sit side by side, offering an ideal setup for families, while extra single beds for children can be added to the Garden Cottages and Master Suite. Garden Cottages can be configured as double or twin; other categories are double only.

Dining is the Laba Laba signature: wholesome, flavourful, locally sourced and largely organic cuisine inspired by both Tanzanian and international traditions. Full board is included, alongside premium spirits (champagne excluded). Meals are served in the indoor dining room, on the covered veranda, or beneath the African sky, with bush breakfasts and bush dinners arranged on request. Special dietary requirements are accommodated when confirmed at the time of booking.

Experiences are designed to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness. A Maasai guide leads private walking safaris across the 700-hectare estate, offering an intimate encounter with the land and its free-roaming plains game. Beyond the reserve, guests can join private day safaris into Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, soar above Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru on a scenic helicopter flight, gallop across the estate on horseback, or visit nearby Maasai communities. Golf and polo are available just ten minutes from the lodge, and the fitness area is equipped with Technogym apparatus for those who wish to keep moving between adventures.

Open year-round with no age restrictions on children, Mamba Simba combines wilderness seclusion with effortless access — a refined private retreat for travellers seeking authenticity, privacy, and meaningful encounters with the wild heart of Africa.

Amenities

Living Spaces

The main lodge is the welcoming social heart of Mamba Simba, with indoor and outdoor living areas opening onto sweeping views of the savannah and Mount Meru. A library lounge with TV, a lounge bar with open fireplace, an outdoor lounge, and a large covered veranda offer multiple settings to gather, read, or watch wildlife on the plains. The terrace overlooks the 16-metre infinity pool and the surrounding landscape, creating a serene vantage point throughout the day.

Bedrooms & Laundry

Accommodation comprises 9 units across 4 categories, hosting up to 9 guests. Six Garden Cottages (70 m²) each feature a bedroom-lounge with fireplace, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a terrace with dining area and sunbeds. The Master Suite (75 m²) in the main house offers a bedroom-lounge with fireplace, a bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a garden-side terrace with views of Mount Meru. The Garden Room and Pool Room (23 m² each), located in the main house, provide compact rooms with private shower bathrooms — and sit side by side, making them ideal for families. Extra single beds for children can be added to Garden Cottages and the Master Suite. Garden Cottages offer double or twin configurations; other categories are double only. Laundry service is available throughout the stay.

Kitchen & Dining

Dining at Mamba Simba is the Laba Laba signature — wholesome, flavourful cuisine using locally sourced, mostly organic produce inspired by Tanzanian and international flavours. Full board is included, along with premium spirits (champagne excluded). Meals can be enjoyed in the indoor dining room, on the covered veranda, or on the open-air terrace beneath the African sky. Bush breakfasts and bush dinners can also be arranged. Special dietary requirements are accommodated when confirmed at booking.

Bathrooms

Rooms are designed with natural ventilation and fans to maintain comfortable temperatures in the East African climate. Fireplaces in the Garden Cottages and Master Suite provide warmth and atmosphere on cooler evenings.

Entertainment

Experiences focus on the surrounding wilderness. Activities include private walking safaris led by a Maasai guide, horseback riding across the estate, wildlife tracking, and private day safaris into Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks. Scenic helicopter flights above Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities, and golf and polo (ten minutes from the lodge) can also be arranged. At the lodge itself, guests can enjoy the 16-metre infinity pool, the Technogym-equipped fitness area, and the library lounge with TV.

Heating & Cooling

Rooms are designed with natural ventilation and fans to maintain a comfortable temperature in the warm East African climate. Fireplaces in several suites provide warmth and atmosphere during cooler evenings.

Internet & Office

WiFi is available in the rooms and main lodge areas. International and USB electrical outlets are provided throughout.

Location Features

Mamba Simba sits on a 700-hectare unfenced private estate within the North Dolly wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania, with sweeping views of Mount Meru. The predator-free landscape is home to free-roaming Cape eland, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala and gazelle, and the lodge offers easy access to Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks for day safaris.

Outdoor Spaces

The property features expansive terraces, an outdoor lounge, an open-air dining boma, and a striking 16-metre infinity pool overlooking the savannah and Mount Meru. Guests can dine under the stars, explore the estate on horseback, or relax on the veranda watching wildlife and birdlife move across the plains.

Parking

Guests typically arrive via private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (approximately 35 minutes), Arusha Airport (approximately 1 hour), or via the private Dolly Airstrip — 10 minutes from the lodge — which accommodates small aircraft charters. On-site parking is available, and transfers are arranged by the lodge.

Gallery

Location

Essential Information

Home Policies

Mamba Simba operates as an intimate private safari lodge accommodating up to 9 guests across 9 units in 4 categories. The property is located on a 700-hectare unfenced private estate within the North Dolly wildlife reserve, offering a secluded, predator-free safari experience surrounded by free-roaming plains game and uninterrupted views of Mount Meru.

The lodge is open year-round, with no age restrictions on children. Reservations are confirmed through a formal booking agreement with applicable deposits and cancellation policies depending on season and group size. Rates include full board (premium spirits included; champagne excluded), accommodation, housekeeping, laundry, and selected on-property activities such as walking safaris with a Maasai guide.

Additional services — private day safaris into Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, helicopter excursions, horseback riding, golf, polo, cultural visits, and bespoke celebrations — can be arranged through The Grand Key concierge team.

Location & Getting Around

Mamba Simba is located near Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania, approximately one hour from Kilimanjaro International Airport and around 15 minutes from the private Dolly Airstrip.

Guests can arrive via private transfer from the airport or via small aircraft charter landing at Dolly Airstrip. Transfers between the airstrip and lodge are arranged by the lodge team.

Once at the property, transportation for game drives and activities is provided by the lodge.

House Rules

Mamba Simba is located in the North Dolly wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania, approximately 35 minutes by road from Kilimanjaro International Airport, 1 hour from Arusha Airport, and 10 minutes from the private Dolly Airstrip.

Private transfer rates (per one-way trip, up to 4 guests):

Kilimanjaro Airport / Lodge: USD 90
Arusha Airport / Lodge: USD 120
Dolly Airstrip / Lodge: complimentary (private aircraft landing fee USD 500)

GPS: 3° 23′ 42.7″ S, 36° 53′ 14.1″ E
Once at the property, transportation for game drives and on-estate activities is arranged by the lodge.

Experiences Nearby

Guests can explore Tarangire National Park on guided game drives, known for its vast elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and diverse wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.

Through the lodge and The Grand Key concierge services, experiences may include walking safaris, horseback riding across the estate, bush breakfasts and dinners, visits to nearby Maasai communities, and scenic helicopter flights over the landscapes of northern Tanzania.

The lodge also offers opportunities to relax within the property through wildlife viewing from the terraces, swimming in the infinity pool, or enjoying sunset drinks overlooking the savannah.

Bespoke Holiday Planning

Let us create your perfect stay.

We can also create bespoke holiday stays designed entirely around you. Whether you dream of a secluded coastal retreat, a chic city hideaway, or an enchanting countryside escape, every detail is tailored to your tastes and desires. Our dedicated team ensures your getaway is seamless, memorable, and uniquely yours.