Meliá Serengeti Lodge member of Meliá Collection — Hotel in Ikoma

Our week-long stay at MELIA Serengeti Lodge was an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart. I chose this stunning lodge to celebrate my 40th birthday and to achieve a long-standing dream of capturing the wild beauty of the Serengeti for my photography business website. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly this place and its people would touch our lives.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was more than just a luxurious lodge—it was a haven where every guest is treated like family. The management team made sure that our stay was nothing short of perfection. They attended to every detail, large or small, to ensure we were completely at ease. The hotel staff provided such warm and attentive care that we felt like royalty. The housekeeping team deserves a special shoutout; our room was kept immaculate every single day, and the thoughtful touches like turn-down service made it feel like coming home after each adventure.

One of the most emotional aspects of our stay was how the staff embraced my seven-year-old son. Every person we encountered treated him like a little prince. They went out of their way to engage with him, playfully making him laugh and ensuring he felt just as special as the adults. By the end of the trip, he was in tears at the thought of leaving all his newfound friends behind, and it was a bittersweet moment for us as parents to see how deeply he had connected with the people here.

And then there was the food—oh, the food! Chefs Sofia and Emelda, you have my eternal gratitude. Every meal they prepared felt like a gift. It wasn’t just food; it was an emotional experience. Their passion and skill brought dishes to life in ways that touched our hearts, and some meals quite literally brought tears to my eyes. Their ability to create flavors that resonated on such a personal level is something I will never forget.

The property itself is a masterpiece that perfectly captures the soul of the Serengeti. Nestled seamlessly into the wilderness, it offers breathtaking views and an intimate connection with nature. As a photographer, the landscapes and wildlife left me in awe every single day. Whether it was the golden savannah glowing in the morning sun or the hauntingly beautiful sunsets, every moment felt like it belonged in a dream. The lodge became both my sanctuary and my muse.

Leaving MELIA Serengeti Lodge was incredibly hard. This wasn’t just a stay—it was a deeply personal and transformative experience. If you’re looking for a place that combines world-class hospitality with the untamed beauty of the Serengeti, this is it. Thank you to everyone at MELIA Serengeti Lodge for making my 40th birthday and photography journey unforgettable. We will return, and until then, we carry the...

We just got back from a 9day safari where we sept in 8 different places. Melia Serengeti was our absolute favorite. This lodge is more of a luxury resort. I don't think I would stay only here if I go to Africa, but it was a very welcome couple of nights after tents and small lodges. It is luxurious, the rooms are perfectly well appointed, our suite was very big, with two little beds for our kids in the living room (10&12yrs) and a big bed in the bedroom. A full bathroom in the living area, a massive luxury bathroom in the bedroom with a big shower, a stand alone bathtub, enclosed toilet, and extensive closet space. The ammeties in the bathroom were adorable with handmade glass bottles they reuse and maasai bead decorations. The robes, the slippers and other details also had local textiles. We did laundry during these two days and it was a tad pricey but it can be a good idea to do laundry midway in the safari and pack lighter ($8 tshirts, $1-2 undies). The views from the pool area are breathtaking, the whole area with the restaurants and bars were incredible. We stuck to the family-style dinner in the main restaurant and I completely recommend it. Different food for every meal, plenty (more than plenty) of everything in the menu, they will replenish whatever you reorder, they grill on GreenEggs right there when you are ready for your food (are you ever not ready for the butter-soft Tanzanian beef??) Thank you to Nathaniel, the head of the staff at the restaurant for his big smile, hos warm welcome, his friendliness and his insights, you made our stay even more connected with the community and those that made our dream trip absolutely perfect. I recommend the all inclusive if you want to stay a day just at the hotel, because most drinks are included and the meals are plentiful. On our day at the lodge I went on a walking safari (a bit pricey but I don't normally go for a walk in the savannah with a maasai that is willing to answer all of my many questions) and relaxed by the pool with local cocktails (many non-alcoholic options!). Wonderful experience, I don't think it will...

We just got back from a 9day safari where we sept in 8 different places. Melia Serengeti was our absolute favorite. This lodge is more of a luxury resort. I don't think I would stay only here if I go to Africa, but it was a very welcome couple of nights after tents and small lodges. It is luxurious, the rooms are perfectly well appointed, our suite was very big, with two little beds for our kids in the living room (10&12yrs) and a big bed in the bedroom. A full bathroom in the living area, a massive luxury bathroom in the bedroom with a big shower, a stand alone bathtub, enclosed toilet, and extensive closet space. The ammeties in the bathroom were adorable with handmade glass bottles they reuse and maasai bead decorations. The robes, the slippers and other details also had local textiles. We did laundry during these two days and it was a tad pricey but it can be a good idea to do laundry midway in the safari and pack lighter ($8 tshirts, $1-2 undies). The views from the pool area are breathtaking, the whole area with the restaurants and bars were incredible. We stuck to the family-style dinner in the main restaurant and I completely recommend it. Different food for every meal, plenty (more than plenty) of everything in the menu, they will replenish whatever you reorder, they grill on GreenEggs right there when you are ready for your food (are you ever not ready for the butter-soft Tanzanian beef??) Thank you to Nathaniel, the head of the staff at the restaurant for his big smile, hos warm welcome, his friendliness and his insights, you made our stay even more connected with the community and those that made our dream trip absolutely perfect. I recommend the all inclusive if you want to stay a day just at the hotel, because most drinks are included and the meals are plentiful. On our day at the lodge I went on a walking safari (a bit pricey but I don't normally go for a walk in the savannah with a maasai that is willing to answer all of my many questions) and relaxed by the pool with local cocktails (many non-alcoholic options!). Wonderful experience, I don't think it will...