Klein's Camp
Located in a private concession within Serengeti National park, which is renowned for having the largest concentration of migratory animals in the world, Klein's Camp is in the heart of the action.
Cottages replace canvas and accommodation is comprised of ten en-suite cottages made from local stone and makuti. Interiors feature dark wooden floors, antique furniture and vast beds, and bring a whole new meaning to the term 'glamping'. The views are spectacular, so good in fact that the camp provides easels and paint to encourage any budding artists.
After an exciting day out and about on safari, guests gather around the central fireplace for a drink at the open sided bar (which has a telescope so guests can spy on the game) before heading around the corner to the elegant dining room for supper. There is also a pool tucked into the hillside.
Game drives occur twice a day and night drives are particularly memorable. The expert guides take guests around the quartzite hills or into the game rich valley, ending with sundowners on the crest of the hill. For the ultimate safari adventure, combine a stay at Klein's with one of the seasonal mobile tented camps along the Mara river (between June - October).
Why We Love It
Dull those aching muscles after a safari with a massage in the privacy of your own cottage.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp that moves with the migration. As such wildlife is key to the camp ethos and this camp gets right into the heart of the African bush experience.
The camp has just eight elegant tents offering an authentic safari experience and all have king sized beds, private veranda and an en suite bathroom with safari bucket shower. Rich handwoven rugs line the floors and copper lanterns light up the night adding a homely touch to each tent.
Dinner is served either in the dining tent or under the African sky in a clearing in the bush and is a luxurious three-course silver service affair. The camp chef prepares all meals using fresh ingredients and breakfast is a buffet-style spread where you can enjoy a full English breakfast (which is quite surreal considering your surroundings!). Alternatively you may request a picnic basket to keep you fuelled whilst on safari.
The camp moves twice a year, following the Great Wildebeest Migration. From July to November it can be found on the Lamai Wedge and Mara River, before it moves to the lush southern Serengeti grasslands between December to March. Enjoy a range of excursions from game drives, to community visits and bush picnics - all whilst keeping an eye out for any emerging wildlife.
Why We Love It
A moveable camp means guests can get close to the action, and be in the best spot at the best time.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora is an ultra-luxurious tented safari camp, designed in classic 1920s style to conjure up that authentic 'Out of Africa' experience.
The camp is situated on the Singita Grumeti Reserves - a 350,000-acre wilderness bordering the Serengeti National Park - and surrounded by an endless expanse of wheat-coloured plains.
The camp accommodates a maximum of just 12 guests in six lavish tents that offer everything you could want under canvas. The interiors are decorated with antique furnishings, Persian rugs and black-and-white photographs, and two large tents, separated by an outside deck, house the living and dining areas.
Activities at Sabora include guided game drives (including night drives) and walking safaris. As part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the area witnesses the annual Great Migration, which normally passes through between June and August, but the wildlife is impressive at any time of year.
Other activities include archery, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking and horse riding from the stables of nearby Sasakwa Lodge, one of Sabora's sister-lodges.
Sabora also has a swimming pool, a range of massages and spa treatments on offer, and even a clay tennis court. For the ultimate safari, combine 3 nights at Faru Faru with 3 nights at Sabora.
Why We Love It
Each tent has a veranda with its own telescope for game viewing.
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Located in the northernmost corner of the Serengeti National Park, the Lamai triangle, Singita Mara River Tented Camp is in a remote area while still being surrounded by one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti.
The camp sleeps up to 16 people in six tents, two of which are specifically for families and comprise of two adjoining tents with a shared deck. The boho-chic style tents have plenty of light and include en-suite outdoor bathrooms with spectacular views from the bath. Food at the camp is fantastic and served in a main dining tent with views overlooking the Mara River and distant savannah scenery. Other facilities include a plunge pool and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The camp's position on the northern banks of the Mara River means guests are well placed for the migratory river crossings. The area is home to an abundance of year-round wildlife including resident plains game, big cats, elephant, crocodile and hippo. There are also a range of activities on offer including game drives, walking safaris and spot-lit night drives.
Why We Love It
Unwind after a day on safari with a sundowner overlooking a peaceful bend in the Mara River.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Faru Faru is an intimate safari camp overlooking the Grumeti River. The lodge is located in the Singita Grumeti Reserves - a 350,000-acre concession that borders the Serengeti National Park.
Accommodation at Faru Faru is in nine individual cottages (including one family cottage and one two bedroom cottage with a private pool) linked by footpaths to the main area, which includes a library, bar, dining and sitting rooms. Each cottage has its own telescope for wildlife spotting and there are also elevated viewing decks overlooking a waterhole and the river.
As part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, this area witnesses the annual Great Migration, which usually crosses the Grumeti River between June and August. Wildlife is abundant all year round, however, thanks to the varied habitat of the reserve, and includes some 400 species of birds.
Activities include game drives and walks in the company of professional guides, and horse riding is available from the stables of nearby Sasakwa Lodge - the sister-lodge of Faru Faru. Other options include archery, croquet, badminton, mountain biking and hot-air ballooning. Spa treatments are also available, and Faru Faru has two swimming pools, one of which features a sandy beach, where you can relax under the enormous east African skies.
Why We Love It
This private reserve is the same size as the Masai Mara - yet only has 4 individual 'sister' lodges - so the privacy and experience here is second to none.
Dunia Camp
Located in the south of the Central Plains, Dunia Camp doesn't have to rely on the migration to see the plains game, instead they come to the camp.
The eight tents are extremely comfortable with spectacular views overlooking the quintessential African backdrop - think golden plains dotted with acacia trees - best seen from the chaise longue at the front of the tent (book in one hand, chilled drink in the other). Neutral tones keep in line with the safari theme, and antique furniture and large cream curtains add a touch of elegance.
The mess tent is cosy and atmospheric, whilst the dining area is a slightly more formal affair. Suppers are served around one big table (don't worry honeymooners, you don't have to join in), with white table cloths and delicious food.
Why We Love It
The camp's location means the wildlife is constantly good, and there is resident game all year round. Prides of lion hang around the area, and zebras and elephants roam the camp.
Sayari Camp
Situated close to the Mara River, Sayari is a tented camp overlooking the vast open plains of the Serengeti, and is ideal for those who want to be close to the migration in the north but are after a more luxurious experience.
The term 'tented camp' is used loosely here, as Sayari is a far cry from the canvas structures of other camps in the area, including its sister camp Olakira, a mobile camp that moves with the migration. The 15 en-suite tents do have canvas walls, but that is where the similarity ends. They have hard floors and private decking, and each tent has a walk in shower and bath with views of the Serengeti. The interiors are fresh and contemporary, with a touch of oriental influence, and yet retain their authentic safari feel.
Guests can eat together in the dining tent or out in the bush upon request, and facilities include a plunge pool and decked area perfect for lazy afternoons.
The nearby Mara River offers the most exciting and chaotic views of the migratory river crossings, and even out of migration season the grassy savannah is home to a huge variety of game. Sayari has a host of very knowledgeable and professional guides to take guests on games drives and walking safaris, or cultural visits to local Kuria tribes. There are also over 500 different species of birdlife.
Why We Love It
The pool is perfectly placed for spying on the savannah game.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Set amongst the iconic acacia trees over looking Lake Ndutu, the aptly named Ndutu Safari Lodge is an old school, no frills camp, perfect for the safari traditionalist for whom good game is top of the list.
There are 34 en-suite thatched cottages, each with a private terrace facing the lake so that guests have their very own panoramic view of the beautiful Serengeti landscape and the Nogorongoro highlands. The main lodge has a bar, dining and seating area.
Ndutu comes into its own between December and March, when the migration is in the southern part of the Serengeti. Both day and night game drives are on offer, and guides are extremely knowledgeable and seem to have a sixth sense for locating game.
Why We Love It
Ndutu is home to over 400 species of bird, many of which nest in the surrounding trees and have been known to join guests for breakfast.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile camp that moves (but not during your stay) seasonally around the Serengeti National Park, shadowing the movements of the great annual migration - one of the natural wonders of the world.
Vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle follow the seasonal rains in search of water and fresh grazing, watched all the way by lions, hyenas and crocodiles in search of a meal.
The camp is struck under the shade of acacia trees or on a promontory overlooking the grasslands, and accommodates just eight guests. Green canvas tents, decorated in classic safari style, stand open to the savannah. The tents have comfortable beds, large verandas and en-suite facilities.
Have a hot shower after a game drive, followed by excellent meals served in a central mess tent, and drinks from the well-stocked bar round the campfire each evening.
Why We Love It
Serengeti Safari Camp' s unique ability to just get up and relocate camp, means it is always in the best position to take full advantage of this incredible natural phenomenon- the annual migration.
Lamai Serengeti Private Camp
The younger sibling of Lamai Serengeti, the private camp is next to the main camp and shares the same spectacular views over the vast plains and Masai Mara beyond.
The private Camp has just four bedrooms (including a children's twin), a sitting area, dining room and pool. All being separate from the main camp allows for total privacy and flexibility, and is a great choice for families or a group of friends.
The private camp has the same expansive views as the main camp, from the vantage point of the Kogakuria Kopje. The area boasts the Big Five and has great birdlife all year round, and the camp's private guide knows all there is to know about the game. July to October is the best time to be here for the migration, and between November and March guests can see the abundance of resident game and sweeping scenery.
Why We Love It
The Private Camp has a dedicated guide, so there's no need to mix with the masses.
Mkombe's House
This luxurious lodge sits in prime mammal spotting territory in the northern Serengeti, and was designed by Joanna Cooke, who was also behind the award winning Lamai Serengeti.
Set within the Kogakuria Kopjes, with views over the Mara Valley and Lamai Wedge, Mkombe's House is a luxurious private lodge option in Tanzania, which can sleep up to ten guests.
Mkombe's House has two main bedrooms, which are open-fronted to take in the Serengeti views. There are a further two children's bedrooms, which can sleep up to six little ones, and all rooms are ensuite, with running water and flush loos. Rooms are spacious and light, with a pale colour palette, incorporating rustic thatching and timber structures with more contemporary interior furnishings.
Mkombe has its own dining room, where guests can enjoy meals prepared by the in-house chef. Meals are planned daily which allows for flexibility, using plenty of fresh produce, and home-baking. A lounge, outdoor chill-out areas, plunge pool and larger swimming pool provide plenty of space for guests relaxation between activities. Game drives are the main focus here, and a private guide is on hand to co-ordinate the day's activities which can also include seasonal guided walks, bush picnics and sundowners.
Why We Love It
The House is named after legendary guide Mkombe Mniko, and as much care, love and attention to detail has been taken over Mkombe's House, as Mkombe himself took over his guests' safaris.
