Karibu · Near Twiga Camp Road, Mto wa Mbu
Your peaceful base between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
Sunset to nightfall, photographed at Ikumbi in October 2026
Karibu sana
Ikumbi is a small, family-run lodge in Mto wa Mbu, minutes from the gate of Lake Manyara National Park. Round whitewashed cottages under makuti thatch open onto quiet garden paths, and every day ends by the pool or around the evening fire.
Rest between safari days, cycle out through the village, or simply do nothing at all. Our team will make you feel at home.
The main lodge and pool
Mto wa Mbu, below the escarpment
Only at Ikumbi
We live near Twiga Camp Road, and twiga means giraffe in Swahili. Ours stands by the pool, with a zebra and a little Kilimanjaro for company.
Every room sits in a round whitewashed cottage under hand-laid palm-leaf thatch, cool in the heat of the day and quiet at night.
Mto wa Mbu is fed by streams running off the escarpment. Rice paddies and banana plantations begin where our garden ends.
Kulala · Stay
Every room has a canopy mosquito net, a private balcony or terrace, a safe, mini-fridge, tea and coffee, and a hot shower.
1 guest
A calm retreat for solo travellers, with garden views and everything you need after a day in the parks.
2 guests · double or twin
Our most popular room: one double or two single beds, a private balcony, and connecting rooms on request.
4 guests · families
Room for the whole family under one thatched roof. Children up to 4 years stay free.
A day at Ikumbi
Between game drives, the lodge keeps its own gentle rhythm. The pool is open from 10 am to 6 pm, with towels and loungers waiting.
6:00 am
Early starts for the parks are easy: breakfast is served from six, and we pack lunch boxes for your safari day.
Morning
A guided two to three hour ride through rice fields and a banana plantation, morning or sunset.
4:00 pm
The bar opens at four. Cocktails, cold local beer and the house Ikumbi Coffee, brought to your lounger.
7:00 pm
On campfire evenings, stories, drumming and dancing around the fire pit. Free for our guests.
Kahawa · Coffee station
At our coffee station the barista pulls espresso on a La Cimbali machine and steams the milk to order. Start a safari morning with a flat white, or take a latte to the pool in the afternoon.
Coffee and tea to take home are sold in our gift shop.
Through our lens
Where we are
Near Twiga Camp Road, Mto wa Mbu, below the Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara is on our doorstep, and Ngorongoro and the Serengeti are up the road.
Our people
From the welcome drink at the gate to the lunch box on your safari morning, a small team looks after every guest. Ask them about the village, the market or the best time to see the lake.
“Karibu Ikumbi. Make yourself at home.”
Guest reviews on TripAdvisor
This is quite a very new place and an absolute gem. The manager and the staff have made me feel so safe and welcome, and I can’t thank them enough for going above and beyond for me. I can’t recommend this place highly enough.
Sarah P
This hotel is a total gem. We enjoyed the excellent room with all very clean facilities. Best mosquito-free place you can have!
Elske v
WOW, this lodge is absolutely stunning! We were so sad to stay for just one night, but it was well worth it! The grounds are stunning, and the staff were beyond hospitable and accommodating.
Emily W
Plan your stay
Send us your dates and we will reply by email or WhatsApp. Need a ride from the airport? Our own van can collect you.
Plan your stay
Tell us what you have in mind and we will reply by email or WhatsApp, usually within a day.
