Migunga Forest Camp is located in 35 acres of forest in a quiet spot on the north-western shore of Lake Manyara, close to the village of Migungani. The camp is approx. 10 minutes' drive from the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, whose lake forms one of the most dramatic fixtures of the Great Rift Valley landscape. It serves as a good base from which to explore the park, and convenient stop-off point for those following the northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Migunga is a fairly modest camp, whose twenty one guest tents centre on a pleasant restaurant and bar. It's not a luxury camp, but it has a great location amid the forest on the edge of Manyara NP and a very relaxed atmosphere. At night, when the campfire is lit and the paths around the camp illuminated by hurricane lamps, the ambience at this forest retreat is really lovely.
Migunga is primarily used an access point for those wanting to explore Lake Manyara on game drives, but the camp also offers a number of easy walking and mountain biking trails (with bikes to hire), making it a good option for those inclined to adventure activities.
Accommodation
Migunga Camp consists of twenty one self-contained tents, sheltered under thatch roofs and raised on platforms with verandahs. The official literature describes them as "semi-luxury", which sounds euphemistic but is in fact about right. The tents at Migunga are very nice, fairly rustic in their appearance with dark panelled floors and carved wooden furnishings, but offering modern amenities not always included at more remote safari camps, including electricity in the rooms (solar powered) and bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The en-suite bathrooms feature walk-in showers and flush loos. The rooms have mosquito nets, coils and sprays.
Dining
Migunga can be booked either full or half board. Tasty home-cooked meals are served in the open-air bar and restaurant area at the centre of the camp. The menu changes daily, with a selection of dishes available (it's good to give advance notice of any dietary requirements, as vegetarian options, for instance, aren't always on offer.)
The bar stocks mostly local drinks.
Activities
Apart from game drives in Lake Manyara National Park you may also visit local village projects such as a flower farm, local farms and the banana plantations. Also to be seen is the hand crafting of Maasai spears, knives, and other metal work. For the active mountain bikes can be hired and the trail starts directly from the camp.
Child Policy
Migunga Forest Camp accepts children of all ages. Reduced rates apply for younger children.
