Found within a 51,000-acre exclusive-use wildlife reserve bordering Tanzania’s legendary southern Serengeti, Mwiba Lodge by Legendary Expeditions offers the perfect amalgamation of exclusivity, adventure, and luxury. Recently named Best Luxury Safari Lodge in Tanzania by the 2025 Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Mwiba is a transformative experience. With its panoramic vistas, bespoke safari excursions, and deep commitment to conservation and community, Mwiba redefines what it means to explore the wild in style.

At the heart of Mwiba’s compelling story is Saraphina Tengia, Mwiba Lodge Manager, where she leads guest services and staff operations with a passion for personalized, high-quality safari experiences. Her hospitality journey began as a Spa Manager, followed by a role as Assistant Manager at Legendary Lodge in Arusha. Driven by a genuine love for people, she is dedicated to creating warm, bespoke stays for guests and nurturing a positive, empowered team culture. For Saraphina, hospitality is a calling, rooted in empathy, attention to detail, and a passion for distinction.

We’re honored to speak with her today about the philosophy behind Mwiba Lodge, the evolving role of luxury tourism in conservation, and herlifelong passion for safari tourism and the wilderness.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our exclusive interview. Drawing on more than 17 years of experience recognizing the globe’s most distinguished luxury brands through the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he offers rich expertise and discerning insight into the dynamic landscape of luxury.

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on Mwiba Lodge being named Tanzania’s Best Luxury Safari Lodge in 2025. What does this award mean to you and the team at Mwiba?

Saraphina Tengia: Thank you, Alexander.  Being named Tanzania’s Best Luxury Safari Lodge in 2025 is a tremendous honor and a deeply meaningful milestone for all of us at Mwiba Lodge. This award is not just a celebration of the property; it’s a recognition of the passion, dedication, and tireless effort of our entire team, from the guides and chefs to the housekeepers and conservation partners who make the Mwiba experience what it is.

Each day, we strive to offer more than just luxury. We aim to create something truly personal, immersive journeys that connect guests with the land, the wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage of this region. To have that commitment acknowledged on a national level is incredibly validating and fuels our desire to continue raising the bar.

What makes this especially meaningful is the reminder of why we do what we do: to share the wonder of wild spaces and to ensure that they are preserved for generations to come. In the words of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, “You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.” That spirit, the raw, profound connection between people and nature, is what we aim to capture in every guest experience.

This award inspires us to keep pushing forward, to refine what we offer, and to remain deeply rooted in our values of conservation, community, and excellence. We’re humbled, proud, and excited for what’s to come.

AC: With only 10 tented suites, Mwiba offers an incredibly exclusive experience. How does this limited capacity enhance both guest satisfaction and wildlife conservation efforts?

ST: Our intimate setup with just 10 tented suites is at the heart of what makes the Mwiba experience so special. This limited capacity allows us to offer a highly personalized and exclusive stay, where every guest feels truly seen, cared for, and immersed in the environment. From tailored activities to individual attention from our team, we’re able to create meaningful connections and experiences that go far beyond the typical safari.

From a conservation standpoint, operating on a smaller scale enables us to significantly reduce our environmental impact. Fewer guests mean less pressure on the land and wildlife, allowing us to practice a form of low-impact tourism that prioritizes the health of the ecosystem. We can be thoughtful and intentional about how we engage with nature, ensuring that our safaris are respectful, our footprint is minimal, and our operations actively contribute to the preservation of the area.

This balance between luxury and environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do at Mwiba. It allows us to protect the pristine wilderness that makes this place so extraordinary, while still delivering a world-class safari experience.

AC: Mwiba’s exclusive reserve borders the southern Serengeti—an area rich in biodiversity. What makes this specific location so unique for game viewing and safari adventures year-round?

ST: Mwiba’s location bordering the southern Serengeti National Park and close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area makes it one of the most unique and rewarding year-round safari destinations in Tanzania. What sets it apart is not just the wildlife, but the remarkable combination of ecology, exclusivity, and freedom that guests experience here.

The Mwiba ecosystem is incredibly diverse, supporting a wide variety of species, from elephants to buffalo to rare antelopes like Roan and greater Kudu. This biodiversity thrives thanks to over 30 permanent natural springs, which ensure a consistent water source even during the dry season. Because the reserve shares unfenced borders with Serengeti and Ngorongoro, wildlife moved freely through the area, providing exceptional game viewing throughout the year.

What also makes Mwiba stand out is the exclusivity it offers. With low guest density, every group enjoys a private safari vehicle and guide, making each sighting more personal and uninterrupted. The landscape itself is stunning, dotted with rocky outcrops, river systems, and a blend of acacia and commiphora woodland that creates a truly immersive environment.

As an  exclusive-use reserve, Mwiba also offers a level of freedom that’s rare in traditional national parks. Guests can explore through guided bush walks, night drives, and even culturally rich experiences like walking with Hadzabe, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in East Africa.

Altogether, Mwiba provides a safari experience that is exclusive and authentic as it is ecologically rich, making it a remarkable destination in any season.

AC: Mwiba is known for offering highly personalized and unscripted safari experiences. How does the lodge design such intimate and meaningful encounters for guests?

ST: At Mwiba, personalization is at the core of everything we do. We believe that a truly memorable safari goes beyond the game drives; it’s about creating meaningful, unscripted moments that reflect each guest’s interests, pace, and sense of adventure. From the moment a guest books with us, we begin crafting their experience based on their preferences, whether they’re seeking quiet immersion in nature, cultural connection with local communities, or thrilling wildlife encounters. Our team takes time to get to know each guest personally, allowing us to design flexible, tailor-made itineraries that evolve naturally rather than follow a fixed schedule.

Our private setting gives our guests the freedom to explore off the beaten path, whether it’s a sundowner by a hidden rock or a spontaneous wildlife sighting that turns into a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The small scale of the lodge means our team can offer attentive, heartfelt service, always anticipating needs without being intrusive. Ultimately, it’s this deep attention to detail, genuine hospitality, and our connection to the land and culture that allow us to offer safari experiences that feel truly personal, meaningful, and unforgettable.

AC: How do you see the role of luxury safari lodges like Mwiba in advancing real, measurable conservation efforts?

ST: Luxury safari lodges like Mwiba have a unique and powerful role to play in advancing real, measurable conservation efforts. With the privilege of operating in such an ecologically rich environment comes a deep responsibility to protect and preserve them — not just for today’s guests, but for future generations.

At Mwiba, conservation is woven into the very foundation of what we do. By operating on a low-impact, high-value tourism model, we’re able to generate significant support for the protection of vast, privately managed reserves. The revenue generated from our operations directly contributes to anti-poaching initiatives, habitat preservation, and community development programs that are essential to long-term conservation success.

Beyond financial support, our presence helps establish a sustainable alternative to more extractive land uses. By demonstrating the value of protecting ecosystems for tourism and biodiversity, we help build stronger partnerships with local communities and stakeholders who play a vital role in conservation.

Education and awareness are also key. Our guests often leave with a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between luxury travel and environmental management. In this way, lodges like Mwiba serve as platforms for advocacy and change, showing that luxury and conservation can not only coexist but also support each other meaningfully.

AC: You’ve dedicated much of your life to safari tourism and community-based conservation. How does Mwiba Lodge integrate local tribal communities into the guest experience, and why is this important?

ST: Community integration is central to our mission at Mwiba Lodge, and it’s something that resonates deeply with me on a personal level. Having spent much of my life working at the intersection of safari tourism and community-based conservation, I’ve seen firsthand that sustainable conservation efforts can only thrive when they are built on strong, respectful, and inclusive relationships with local communities.

At Mwiba, we’re proud to collaborate closely with indigenous groups such as the Hadzabe, Datoga, and the residents of surrounding villages. This partnership takes many forms, including employment and skills training, support for local schools and initiatives, and the careful inclusion of cultural elements within our guest experiences. For instance, guests may join a traditional bush walk with Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, learn about the Datoga’s metalworking traditions, or visit a local classroom supported by our community empowerment initiatives.

What makes these interactions truly special is their authenticity. They are not performances for tourism’s sake; they are respectful exchanges that invite guests to engage meaningfully with the people who have lived in this land for generations. These cultural experiences deepen guests’ understanding of the landscape by illuminating the human stories that are interwoven with it.

For the communities, this engagement provides vital economic opportunities and helps safeguard cultural traditions that might otherwise be at risk. For us, it reinforces the idea that conservation is holistic; it’s not just about protecting wildlife, but about honoring and uplifting the people whose lives and traditions are inextricably linked to these wild places.

When tourism becomes a platform for empowerment, education, and mutual respect, it transforms both people and places. That’s the kind of impact we’re committed to creating at Mwiba.

AC: Mwiba places great emphasis on freedom—no set schedules, private guides, and tailored itineraries. Why is this concept so important in today’s luxury travel market?

ST: In today’s luxury travel market, freedom is no longer just a luxury — it’s an expectation. At Mwiba, we embrace this fully by offering a highly flexible, guest-centered approach with no set schedules, private guides, and tailored itineraries. This concept of freedom is essential because modern travelers are seeking more than just beautiful destinations; they’re looking for experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and entirely their own.

Every guest arrives with different interests, energy levels, and curiosities. By removing rigid timetables and offering full flexibility, we allow them to engage with the safari experience in a way that suits their rhythm, whether setting out at sunrise for a private game drive or enjoying a slow morning at the lodge.

This level of personalization not only enhances comfort and satisfaction, but it also deepens the connection between guests and the environment. It turns a safari into a journey of discovery — guided by curiosity, not a clock. In a world where time is increasingly structured and fast-paced, the freedom Mwiba offers becomes a rare and deeply appreciated gift.

It’s this sense of true exclusivity and authenticity that sets us apart and resonates so strongly with today’s luxury traveler.

AC: Sustainability is at the core of Mwiba’s philosophy. Could you share some of the eco-conscious practices or innovations that set the lodge apart in the luxury safari space?

ST: At Mwiba, sustainability isn’t just a concept; it’s a core philosophy that informs every decision we make. In the world of luxury safaris, where expectations for comfort and service are understandably high, we believe it’s not only possible but essential to deliver an exceptional guest experience while prioritizing environmental stewardship and community well-being.

One of the standout features of our approach is our low-impact, high-value tourism model. By maintaining a small number of tented suites, we significantly reduce ecological strain on the environment while ensuring that the benefits of tourism, both financial and social, are felt more deeply by the surrounding communities.

Our lodge design reflects a deep respect for the land. We’ve used natural and sustainable materials and positioned the lodge to blend harmoniously into the surrounding terrain, minimizing visual and physical disruption. We also utilize renewable energy sources like solar power, incorporate water-saving technologies, and follow strict waste management protocols to limit our environmental footprint without compromising comfort.

But sustainability at Mwiba goes far beyond infrastructure. We’re actively engaged in conservation work supporting anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring, and habitat protection in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders. On the community side, we invest in programs that promote education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, including beekeeping and other income-generating projects that empower families in nearby villages.

What truly differentiates us is our integrated approach. We don’t see luxury, conservation, and community development as separate threads; they’re all interwoven into a single, purposeful experience. Every guest who stays with us becomes part of a bigger story, one that supports the protection of Tanzania’s wild places and the people who call them home. It’s this balance that makes Mwiba truly unique, and it’s a privilege to share it with travelers who value both meaning and beauty in their journey.

AC: Looking ahead, what new experiences or initiatives can guests look forward to at Mwiba Lodge and within the broader Legendary Expeditions portfolio?

ST: Looking ahead, we’re very excited about the future at Mwiba Lodge and across the broader Legendary Expeditions portfolio. Our focus remains on creating deeply immersive, meaningful experiences that evolve with the needs and interests of today’s discerning travelers, while staying true to our values of authenticity, conservation, and personalized service.

At Mwiba, we’re expanding opportunities for even deeper cultural engagement with the Hadzabe, Datoga, and nearby communities, offering guests more interactive, educational, and respectful ways to connect with these rich traditions. We’re also enhancing our camp experiences, allowing guests to explore even more remote corners of the reserve with complete flexibility and exclusivity.

Across the Legendary Expeditions portfolio, guests can expect more seamless multi-destination journeys that combine the raw beauty of Tanzania’s wild places, from the southern Serengeti and Mwiba’s private reserve to the remote expanses of Maswa Kimali and beyond. Each location offers something distinct, but all are unified by our signature approach: unscripted, tailored experiences led by passionate people.

Whether it’s through curated conservation experiences, enhanced wellness offerings, or exclusive access to lesser-known regions, we’re committed to creating moments that are not only unforgettable but also impactful. There’s a lot to look forward to, and we can’t wait to share it with our guests.

Thank you, Saraphina, for sharing your time, insights, and passion for conservation and storytelling with us—it’s been a privilege. Visit https://www.legendaryexpeditions.co.tz/ for more on Mwiba Lodge, by Legendary Expeditions.