Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Overview

Perched on a low hillside in the central Serengeti, Kubu Kubu blends classic tented style with modern comforts and a wow‑factor view. It’s about a 30‑minute drive from Seronera airstrip, so you’re game‑driving minutes after landing and back on your deck for sunset.

Tents & Comfort

There are 25 permanent tented rooms, including family units and a couple of quads. Expect proper beds under mosquito nets, natural wood furnishings, and a private deck facing the plains. Each tent has an en‑suite bathroom with a flushing toilet and handbasin, plus a spacious outdoor shower with hot water—one of the lodge’s signature pleasures after a dusty game drive. Rooms include tea/coffee, mineral water, bathrobes, hairdryer, and in‑room phones.

The Scene: Lounge, Pool, and Views

The circular thatched main area holds a relaxed lounge, bar, and dining room opening to a wide patio. The infinity pool sits below with loungers and umbrellas, perfectly placed for scanning the savannah between drives. Evenings often mean a campfire and big skies.

Food & Drink

Meals are generous and varied: buffet breakfasts, lunch either à la carte or buffet (depending on occupancy), and buffet dinners—often with live stations. Most drinks are included; premium wines, spirits, and Champagne are extra. Room service is available. There’s also a small curio shop on site (typically cash only in USD/TZS).

Activities & Wildlife

The central Serengeti delivers reliable wildlife all year. From Kubu Kubu you can range across Seronera’s river lines, open plains, and nearby kopjes—great for cats, especially cheetah on the flats. Guests frequently report lions, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra on most days, with good chances for leopard; hyena are regulars too. Hot‑air balloon safaris (extra cost) lift off at first light and end with a champagne breakfast. Bush breakfasts, sundowners, birding, and full‑day drives are all on the menu.

Family Notes

Families are well served by the inter‑connecting tents and quads, and there’s no minimum age. That said, this is an unfenced camp with wildlife passing through; children must be escorted after dark and closely supervised—especially around high decks and the pool.

Practicalities

Power is mostly solar with generator backup; tents have UK‑style sockets. Fast Wi‑Fi is available but capped at about 200MB per day unless you purchase more. Laundry is offered (per‑item), and staff provide night escorts with Maasai guards on duty. Cards are accepted for extras with a small surcharge; the curio shop usually takes cash only. A massage cabin exists, with in‑room treatments planned.

Is It For You?

Choose Kubu Kubu if you want a stylish, comfortable base with spectacular views, an excellent pool, and easy access to the Serengeti’s most wildlife‑rich areas. If you crave ultra‑small, back‑to‑basics bush‑camp vibes, its 25 tents may feel a touch big.

Best Time to Visit

Game viewing here is strong year‑round; sunrise and the late‑afternoon golden hour are prime for photography from your deck or the pool terrace. Midday is perfect for a swim and a long lunch. If seeing the Great Migration is your priority, time your trip for when the herds move through central Serengeti—your operator can align dates. Aim for a 3‑night stay to balance drives, downtime, and (if you’re keen) a balloon morning.