TRAVEL : Roika, the iconic wild lodge in Manyara region
The tented lodge is also within driving distance to Lake Manyara and the famous Ngorongoro Crater. PHOTO | ELISHA MAYALLAH.
What you need to know:
Burunge WMA in Babati district Manyara region is a community-owned resource management area, typically located near high-value protected areas – Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks’. It provides an economic gain in ten villages’ communities from managing wildlife and other natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The centrally positioned Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), just across the western border of the Tarangire national park in the north of Tanzania is renowned for its wide choice of accommodation facilities. The development of tourism in the sprawling neighbourhood area has thus changed for the better.
Burunge WMA in Babati district Manyara region is a community-owned resource management area, typically located near high-value protected areas – Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks’. It provides an economic gain in ten villages’ communities from managing wildlife and other natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The Burunge Wildlife Management Area, along with other 18 WMA’s in Tanzania were recognized in 2014 by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) for outstanding achievements in conservation of wildlife resources, the preservation of habitats essential for survival of threatened species and for their significant contribution to sustainable wildlife conservation on village lands in Tanzania.
In Burunge WMA, as in many parts across the country, the upmarket as well as standard accommodation investments has emerged over the past two decades. This has been further compelled by the profound opportunity of the visitors to view various wildlife and bird life species in their natural habitat.
After a trip in the area recently with a small group, I am totally hooked on the richness of Burunge WMA. It has a distinction of being the best model in appropriate and sustainable land use, run as a joint venture in ten villages between the private sector and local communities. Thus involving the local community directly in the benefits of wildlife tourism, among others, and the protection of the natural environment.
On the way we stopped to admire several curio shops in which visitors have a chance to buy take home souvenirs. The shops include: Kilimanjaro handicraft, Tarangire Art Gallery and Einoti Maasai women group.
In the heart of Burunge lies Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge, one of the latest additions of accommodation facilities in the Burunge WMA’s 283 square kilometer area.
We were met by Hawa, the assistant manager who took us around the sprawling area. Roika owned locally and named after the founder sits in a unique flora and fauna of shrublands and acacia woodlands, including the hearty Baobab trees strewn around with plenty of bird species to admire.
The lodge is just a short distance from the Tarangire River, where one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles occurs throughout the year. It attracts a high density of wildlife, in which large herds of elephants patronize the riverbanks regularly.
Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants found anywhere else in the Tanzania parks, and its sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees – makes it a beautiful and special park in the Tanzania northern circuit.
Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge, is becoming a favourite home for discerning travelers as there is plenty of scenery to soak up and an incredible wilderness that surround it.
For nature lovers, this is a family getaway that offers genuine escapism. Guests in 21 luxury en-suite tents can spend their time in complete isolation. The tents are hand crafted and boasting idyllic scenery and mild climate. Roika offers a countryside retreat that perfectly incorporates the authentic African wilderness.
Animals, including zebras, dik-diks, impalas, elephants, lions, leopards and buffalos are commonly sighted near the lodge.
Recreational facilities on-site include a swimming pool, a lounge including a Maasai boma next to a huge campfire under a starlit sky in which themed nights are reserved for residents. Less frenetic activities include gentle nature walks.
