Lake Masek Tented Camp: Our full report
Lying just south of the Serengeti National Park, in the north-west corner of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ...
... Lake Masek Tented Camp stands on a slight rise in the scrubby acacia bush overlooking Lake Masek. During the dry season, the vast plains around are very dusty. Then the water here, and in the neighbouring Lake Ndutu, sustains a good population of resident wildlife, especially cheetah. With good rains, typically from December to April, these short-grass plains are transformed into the green calving-grounds for the vast herds of the Serengeti's wildebeest migration.Opened in 2010, Lake Masek Tented Camp is simply but cleverly designed. There are no showy luxuries here but the tent layouts are well thought out, the tasteful décor is well coordinated and the living areas are spacious and uncluttered.
The camp has 20 spacious tents – including four family room tents – each specially designed and set on wooden platforms about a metre off the ground. Linked by gravel paths and staggered for privacy, the tents overlook acacia and terminalia woodland characteristic of this part of the Serengeti.
Each tent has three parts: a large bedroom area, a bathroom separated by a wooden partition, and a private veranda, which is completely enclosed by a zipped gauze mesh. This keeps the tents cool and insects out, but it also makes the tents a little dark.
Inside, dark-wood four-poster beds are hung with mosquito nets and flanked by matching bedside tables. A wardrobe, dresser and writing desk complete the set. White curtains, white linen and stylish cane furniture with white cushions balance the dark wood, whilst red-stained floorboards and soft furnishings in burnt oranges and natural browns lighten the effect.
In the bathroom, twin basins on wrought-iron stands sit below mirrors in carved frames. There is a flushing toilet in a separate cubicle, as well as a free-standing bath flanked by metal palm sculptures and a separate, open-air shower paved with tanga stone.
Each tent is fitted with a phone to contact reception, a safe, a hairdryer, a plug points for charging batteries and a large water coooler. Outside, solar panels generate power to heat the water for readily available hot showers.
The main thatched building at Lake Masek Tented Camp has a good view over Lake Masek, broken by the occasional flat-topped acacia. The majority of the building is taken up by a large lounge and dining area, which opens out onto a sizeable wooden deck; its elevation gives great views out towards the lake. The main building also houses a small gift shop, mostly stocked with Maasai jewellery, and an internet room with three computers.
Stylish cane chairs with comfortable white cushions are scattered with burnt-orange and natural brown cushions; tall-backed iron chairs sit around long wooden dining tables; leather directors' chairs offer seating in select viewing points; a spotting scope is available on the deck; and natural wood is used for railings throughout.
There are plans to build a swimming pool, just below the terrace area, which we feel will be a really welcome addition to this already family friendly property. When we last visited in February 2018, permissions had been granted and they hoped to commence building within the next couple of months, with the aim to have the pool up and running by July.
Although technically located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ndutu is considered part of the Serengeti. This means it's one of the few areas in northern Tanzania's wildlife parks where vehicles can go off-road and get closer to animal sightings – making it a particularly good spot for photographers. While the camp is often used by safari groups, the team is adept at looking after individuals; it is spacious enough that there's no feeling of being side-lined.
Most visitors to Lake Masek Tented Camp are on a wildlife safari as part of a group tour or with their own private guide and vehicle. However, it is possible to arrange a walk around the lake led by a camp guide and armed ranger for an additional US$30 or so. The walk lasts approximately an hour and should be arranged in advance to ensure a park ranger is available. Massages are also available on request, without notice, from about US$35 for 30 minutes.
Our view
Lake Masek is a relatively well-priced tented camp with a good balance of design and rustic safari ambience. During the 'green season', this is a prime spot for viewing the migration's vast herds spread across the plains. Out of season, it's quieter here, but the opportunity to drive off-road makes this area worth considering for wildlife, birding and photography enthusiasts en route to or from the central and northern Serengeti.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Between about December and April, when the wildebeest migration is usually found in the southern Serengeti, we recommend two or three nights at Lake Masek Tented Camp, though note that space is at a premium during this period. For the remainder of the year, the camp makes an interesting and scenic one-night stopover between the Ngorongoro Crater and central/north Serengeti.
- Directions
- Lake Masek Tented Camp is approximately 40–45 minutes from the main southern Serengeti National Park Gate and a further 40 minutes to the productive Seronera region of the central Serengeti. The nearest airstrip is Ndutu, about 20 mins direct drive.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- When we last visited Lake Masek Tented Camp in February 2018 we didn't stay to sample the food, but we understand that breakfast and lunch are usually set out as a buffet, whereas the style of dinner varies.
Breakfast offers cereal, fruit, yoghurt, pancakes and pastries, and a cooked breakfast of your choice.
For lunch expect soup, two meat dishes such as curry or shepherd's pie, vegetables and salad items, with a dessert such as rice pudding. Many guests will take a boxed lunch to eat whilst on a full day game drive. This is a laid out buffet style so you can pack your own before you head out for the day, a concept we really like!
Dinner could be a buffet or à la carte, with a similar selection of dishes as at lunch. The chef explained that a typical dinner might include a soup (such as pumpkin), roast lamb or baked fish, two or three vegetable dishes, potatoes or a pasta dish, and a dessert such as crème caramel. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service can be arranged for no extra charge, with advanced notice given. Private meals can be arranged on the veranda on request.
- Drinks included
- Beer, house wine, soft drinks and mineral water are included in the accommodation price. All other beverages are extra.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at the Lake Masek Tented Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no official age restrictions, but the lodge said that they prefer children to be 5 years +
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities for children.
- Equipment
- There are cots and highchairs available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- The camp is open and unfenced and has some high, unsecured platforms. There are no games or distractions to keep young children occupied, so we recommend the camp only to families with older children.
- Notes
- Lake Masek Tented Camp is situated in a wildlife area where there is big and dangerous game; it is not fenced so animals occasionally walk through the camp. Children must be under their parents' supervision at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is electricity 24 hours a day but batteries can only be charged in the main area.
- Communications
- Each tent has a phone to contact the camp's reception area. There is cellphone reception in this area and free Wi-Fi in the central area.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Showers have hot and cold running water, and the toilets are flushing.
Guests should not drink the tap water, water coolers are provided in each room for drinking and brushing teeth.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first aid kit in the main area and the nearest hospital is 55km away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The camp has a guard (askari) on 24-hour duty although this is mostly to keep an eye on wildlife movements. After nightfall, guests are escorted to and from their tents.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the camp's main area. A water truck is stationed at the camp, which can quickly be manoeuvred into position if pumped water is required.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- No laundry service is currently available as the alkaline water pumped from Lake Masek is unsuitable for washing clothes. They hope to be able to introduce a laundry service sometime in the future.
- Money
- There is an electronic safe in each of the tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- Lake Masek Tented Camp accepts payment for extras in US dollars, British pounds, euros and Tanzanian shillings. Credit-card payments are also accepted, without surcharge. Currently Amex is not accepted.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
