Ikoma WMA · Safari Lodge
Serengeti Simba Lodge by Simba Portfolio
A hilltop camp on the wild northwestern edge of the Serengeti, where evening game drives and the great migration both reach your door.
About
Serengeti Simba Lodge sits high on a kopje on the northwestern edge of the Serengeti, with long views across the plains toward the distant Grumeti River. It lies in the Ikoma community wilderness just outside the Ikoma gate, which is what makes its evening game drives possible, something you cannot do inside the national park itself.
The great migration passes close by twice a year, around June and July and again in October, as the herds move through the Serengeti ecosystem. The plains around the lodge hold resident lion, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe and elephant through the year, and the nights carry the sound of hyena and the lodge namesake, the lion.
Accommodation comes in two forms. Fifteen tents blend the feel of canvas with the security of stone foundations and thatch roofs, each with an outdoor shower and a private deck. A six room stone house adds family rooms with two beds and sweeping views. Every room is solar powered with solar heated water, and the common areas are built around a natural rock outcrop.
A swimming pool, a campfire lit each evening, and performances by the resident Simba dance troupe give the lodge a strong sense of place. It is a characterful, good value base for the northern and western Serengeti.
Signature experiences
Evening game drives
Because the lodge sits in the Ikoma wilderness rather than the park, guided drives after dark are possible in the dry season to find nocturnal wildlife.
Great migration
The herds pass close to the lodge around June and July and again in October on their annual circuit through the Serengeti.
Simba dance troupe
Traditional Ikoma dances performed at the lodge, with instruments and costumes the dancers make themselves.
Serengeti game drives
Full day drives into the national park and the surrounding Ikoma wilderness, both rich in big cats and plains game.
Bush breakfast and campfire
Breakfast out on the plains and an evening fire under the stars on the hilltop.
Amenities
- Swimming Pool With Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Viewing Deck
- Free Wi-Fi In Common Areas
- Campfire
- Solar Power
Best for
- First Time Safari
- Families
- Migration
- Wildlife Photography
- Value
Wildlife you might see
- Great Migration Passes Nearby (June, July And October)
- Resident Lion, Cheetah And Leopard
- Elephant, Buffalo And Giraffe Year Round
- Nocturnal Wildlife On Evening Drives
- Prolific Birdlife
Best time to visit
June, July, August, September, October
Location & access
Ikoma WMA
Fly-in: Fly to Fort Ikoma airstrip, served by light aircraft from Arusha and the wider Serengeti, then a short transfer of about 20 to 30 minutes up to the hilltop lodge.
Drive: A long overland route through Arusha and across the Serengeti to the northwestern Ikoma gate, roughly 7 to 8 hours from Arusha. Most guests fly in.
Room types
Tented Room
Canvas tents on solid stone foundations under thatch, each with an outdoor shower and a private deck looking over the plains. Available as single, double, twin or triple.
Stone House Room
Rooms in the six room stone house, including family rooms with two beds and wide views across the Serengeti toward the Grumeti River.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (3 Meals Daily)
- Tea And Coffee
- Bottled Water In The Room
- VAT And Tourism Development Levy
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- WMA Entry And Bednight Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinks Other Than Water In The Room
- Laundry
- Telephone Calls
- Travel And Medical Insurance
- Flights And Airport Taxes
- Transfers
- Gratuities
- Items Of A Personal Nature
Reviews
Frequently asked
Where is Serengeti Simba Lodge?
On a hilltop on the northwestern edge of the Serengeti, in the Ikoma community wilderness just outside the Ikoma gate, near Fort Ikoma airstrip.
Can you do night game drives here?
Yes. Because the lodge sits in the Ikoma wilderness rather than inside the national park, guided evening drives are possible in the dry season.
When does the migration pass?
The herds move through the area around June and July, and again in October, on their annual circuit through the Serengeti ecosystem.
How do guests reach the lodge?
Most fly to Fort Ikoma airstrip, about 20 to 30 minutes from the lodge. Overland from Arusha is roughly 7 to 8 hours.
Are families welcome?
Yes. Children aged six and over are welcome, and the stone house has family rooms. Under thirteens share a room with an adult.
What is included in the rate?
Full board with three meals daily, tea and coffee, and bottled water in the room. Park fees, wilderness fees, game drives and drinks other than water are charged separately.
What's nearby
- Western Serengeti and the GrumetiThe western corridor and Grumeti River, a migration crossing point, within reach for full day drives.
- Ikoma wilderness night drivesGuided drives after dark in the community wilderness around the lodge, not permitted inside the park.
- Ikoma village visitA cultural visit to the Ikoma community whose land surrounds the lodge.
Keep reading
Related to your trip.
Directory
More lodges and partners.
Browse the full directory of lodges we work with directly.
Pricing
How Tanzania safari pricing works.
Park fees, lodge tiers, transport, and what's included in every quote.
Seasons
When to visit each park.
Month-by-month calendar with parks and migration positions.
Common questions
Tanzania safari FAQ.
Planning, transport, park fees, and the Great Migration — answered.