I stayed in a 540-square-foot luxury tent at the edge of Africa's Serengeti National Park. The lodge was stunning, but the safari perks were the real highlight.

14.11.2024 - 19:43 / insider.com

As the Toyota Land Cruiser begins its trek up to TAASA Lodge in the northern part of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, the sound of voices grows louder and louder.

Moments earlier, rattling glass soda bottles and creaky car noises drowned out surrounding bird calls and the rumbles from passing African bush elephants.

Now, all ears are on sing-songy voices and the distant beat of the drum.

As the faces of the singers come into view, their lyrics become clear: "Jambo. Jambo bwana. Habari gani? Mzuri sana."

While words like jambo — a Swahili greeting — were familiar, others were new to me.

Later, TAASA's lodge manager, May Simon, translated the song and shared why the lodge staff greets all visitors with the popular melody.

The beginning of the "Jambo Bwana" song translates to, "Hi, sir. How are you? Very fine. Visitors are welcome in our country. No worries."

But Simon said its meaning extends far beyond words.

"It's about the love," Simon said. "It brings joy and makes you smile."

Ultimately, she said, it's the lodge staff's way of welcoming you home.

And after spending just two nights at the luxury lodge, TAASA quickly felt like home.

TAASA sits in a game reserve near the northern edge of the Serengeti, overlooking Tanzania's Lobo Valley.

The lodge itself has 12 canvas tents, each 540 square feet.

The small space is simple yet luxurious. At the front of the tent is a living area with a desk and an L-shaped couch. Two steps lead to an elevated bedroom area with a king-sized mattress sandwiched by nightstands. Behind the bed is the tent's bathroom with a two-sink vanity, shower, and toilet.

Throughout the space, natural elements like a wooden chandelier and stone shower remind guests of the natural world.

Guests are paired with a butler who coordinates schedules, serves meals, cleans laundry, and tidies rooms. Mikindo woke me up each morning with a cappuccino and left a hot water bottle in my bed each night.

At their core, the accommodations are still tents, which was a positive in my mind. It meant I still felt in tune with nature every moment I spent in the room. I fell asleep to the roars of nearby lions, and one afternoon, I watched a family of baboons use my patio like a playground and my tent supports like a fireman's pole.

In addition to the 12 identical tents, there is a main lodge where meals are served and unlimited drinks are poured.

Here, the space oozes warmth. Comfy couches are the ideal places to sip gin and tonics and share game drive photos. Outside sits a small infinity pool overlooking the valley and a shared bonfire that provides warmth during chilly evenings.

During this year's high season, which is from June through October and the end of December, a night at TAASA Lodge in a