Tag Archives: luxury safari

Serengeti House. Serengeti, Tanzania

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Serengeti House as it’s name states it, is a spectacular 4-bedroom house a few miles away from Sasakwa Lodge, available for rent on a private basis for travelers looking for a home-away-from-home in deep East Africa.

The chic contemporary retreat is ideal for a large family or a group of friends offering a home-like atmosphere. The local materials, natural fibers and light tones ooze an understated glamour. The bedrooms are bright and peaceful, ideal to blend in with the peaceful environment of the Serengeti.

The massive outdoor lounging area offers uninterrupted views of the plains and wildlife while relaxing in your own private infinity pool and indulging in one of Tazania’s best cuisine.

Although the safari drives are quintessential in the Serengeti, the morning and afternoon drives can be substituted by a swim, tennis, archery, cooking class, spa treatments and mountain biking among other fun activities.

A great perk of Serengeti House is the proximity to Sasakwa Lodge, which is open to guests staying at Serengeti House, assuring you numerous things to do during your stay.

 

 

Singita Explore. Serengeti, Tanzania

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A 45-minute game drive from Sasakwa Lodge and we had arrived to what I consider to be the most authentic “glamping” experience Serengeti has to offer. Explore Singita is a private camp on the plains of Serengeti that moves around according to where the migration is happening.

The camp can take anything from two people to twelve people depending on how big your group is. Since the camp is private, it gives you the freedom to choose anything you want at whatever time you desire, with the authenticity of a safari and a great attention to detail.

Although the camp is the most rustic option of the 5 Singita lodges in the Serengeti, it does not compromise luxury nor service. It is appealing to the travelers looking to connect with the wildlife in a way they have never done before.

With a private guide, chef, camp host and camp staff, activities can be arranged on a whim, game drives may be as long or as short as you choose. This is particularly important for wildlife lovers and photographers.

All the food is cooked in an open fire and it is widely known among Singita regulars that the food has a decadent flavor and it is usually the favorite cuisine between all the camps.

The Grumeti reserve where the camp is located was created by the Tanzanian government in 1994 in order to protect the path of the annual wildebeest migration. In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund, a not-for-profit organization owned by Paul Truder Jones, was granted the right to manage and conserve 350,000 acres, for the benefit of Tanzania, Africa and the world. Four years later, Luke Bailes from Singita, took over the management of the property, at the request of the concessionaire.

Luke Bailes took on the challenging task of generating (via low impact tourism) the funds necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reserve through conservation and community partnerships.

Not only is the camp fantastic, but the passion behind the preservation of this beautiful corner of the world is as infectious as the people’s smile.

 

Singita Sasakwa. Serengeti, Tanzania

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When you pull up to the Singita Sasakwa Lodge entrance, not only do you realize this is the pièce de résistance of Tanzania, but the best view in Africa acts as a backdrop to the foyer.

As I am walking in, I look down to the plains from the spectacular vantage point  where Sasakwa sits, and quickly realize that this is the most magnificent place to watch the migration in the Serengeti, as millions of wildebeests stampede their way from the dry plains to the wet plains following the rain, which is widely known as the greatest natural spectacle on earth. It still gives me the chills as I write this.

Singita is the belle of the ball of the African lodges, and Sasakwa is the queen of the Singita lodges, so lets just say this is the most incredible lodge in the entire continent of Africa, let alone of Tanzania.

The 10-cottage lodge is the perfect blend between a manor house with East African influences, giving you the typical opulent African experience, without sacrificing the level of comfort, luxury and old-world elegance. The cottages range between 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms with a private heated infinity pool, making it ideal for anything from a romantic getaway to a family vacation.

Every corner of the lodge is more spectacular than the one before. The infinity pool overlooking the plains, the uber chic tennis house, the old-school billiard room, the tasteful library, the old-world spa and the English dining room. Every room will blow you away.

The best room if you are looking for privacy is the furthest cottage from the lodge. However, if you want to minimize the time you spend walking from your cottage to the main lodge, then cottage next to the main lodge is ideal.

Since every meal is served in a different location, you will feel like you are the only guest at Sasakwa. Make sure you request lunch in the front lawn when you get there!

*Although lodges in Africa do not typically cater to children younger than 10 years old due to the proximity to predators, Sasakwa caters to all ages.

 

 

 

Singita Sabora. Serengeti, Tanzania

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Three thousand zebras, that is the amount of zebras Herman (general manager at Singita Sabora) estimated were right in front of the camp a day before we arrived.

When my husband and I decided to visit Sabora, we didn’t know that besides visiting the quintessential African camp, we were going to be sharing our personal space with lions, zebras and buffalo’s. An experience I cannot put into words.

The camp is located in the Serengeti Plains, with no wall to separate your tent from the wild Serengeti, the lions roar and hyenas laugh right outside your tent. The thrill of knowing there isn’t much separating the comfort inside from the wildlife outside is a constant adrenaline rush.

Sabora’s style is reminiscent to a 1920’s British explorers camp. The opulence of the decor mixed with the canvas tents are utterly dreamy. Everything from sterling silver serving ware and Persian rugs, to crystal drink ware, the camp sets the bar high for any other camp across the African continent.

Sabora is conveniently located only 45 minutes away by car from Sasakwa private Airport, Faru Faru Lodge and Sasakwa Lodge. It has 9 identical tents (two of them connected for families) that are decorated with antique memorabilia from the first British settlers in the Serengeti.

Sabora is perfect for the adventure travelers. The location and style of the camp make it uniquely dangerous compared to other African camps (my favorite trait about it), so children under the age of 10 are encouraged not to go. No one is allowed to walk alone around the camp, a security ranger will escort you with a rifle everywhere you go, which made my African adventure even more wild.

 

 

 

Singita Faru Faru. Serengeti, Tanzania

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My heart is pounding, my eyes are peeled and the lens of my camera is shaking as the guide looks back at me with a smile, while the lioness pants to cool off after a kill.
Apparently I am lucky to witness this, but am I really? I am pancaked to the back of my seat and just happy I am not that baby warthog.

We had just landed at Singita’s private landing strip 10 minutes before. We were greeted by Adas (our guide for what will be the most exotic week of my life), got in our private Land Rover Puma and started driving to our first stop, Faru Faru Lodge.

Not even 5 minutes into the drive we saw a wildebeest, elephants, zebras, lions, cheetahs and giraffes. It was quite the introduction to the African wildlife I should say.

Grumeti, the private conservation of Singita in the Serengeti, spans some 450,000 acres of untouched wilderness. It is world famous for its annual wildebeest migration, and the best part? Only Singita vehicles have access to it, so say goodbye to crowded safaris and say hello to your own personal spectacle.
Faru Faru Lodge is tucked away on the banks of the Grumeti River. It is barefoot luxury at its best, with the style and ambiance of Zanzibar island with patches of sand, umbrellas, sunbeds and swimming pools.

The lodge is conveniently located on a hill with a waterhole in front where elephants, zebras, lions, water bucks, zebras and giraffes drink and play out of. Needless to say, the view is spectacular.
The lodge has 6 identical tents scattered around the hill. The rooms have a whimsical mix of contemporary organic style with the traditional feel of an African camp. The room has a glass wall overlooking the waterhole that opens up with the press of a button, and allows you to become part of the wildlife.

The amenities are creative and chic. My favorite one was a sketch book with watercolors and colored pencils located on a desk overlooking the Serengeti. I am not creative, but I have to say I had the best time sketching zebras and elephants standing right outside my glass wall.

My daily routine was biscuits and coffee, early game drive, a hearty breakfast, pool time, a glass of rose, lunch in the tree house, nap, afternoon drive, long bath, outdoor shower, wine by the fire, a feast for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

No, I never want to leave.

African Safari: Everything you Need to Know

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When you say you want to visit Africa, it is like saying you want to visit Asia. There is so much diversity that it would be a shame to bundle them together as one. However, no matter where you go, you will find a commonality: a striking beauty whichever direction you go.

To help you narrow down the infinite options of wildlife spotting, see below by country the best time to go, wildlife to see and what to pack.

Best time to visit by country:

Tanzania: Dry season between June and October. June and July are best to see the wildebeest migration

South Africa: Dry season between May and September

Botswana: Dry season between June and September

Kenya: July to November, January and February

Zambia: Dry season between May and September

Zimbabwe: Dry season between May and October

Best parks to visit by country:

Tanzania: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Grumeti

South Africa: Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and Royal Natal National Park

Botswana: Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe

Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nukuru, Tsavo East National Park and Namunyak Wildlife

Zambia: Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park, Banweulu Wetlands, Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa

Zimbabwe: Matobo National Park, Mana Pools and Somaliza Camp

Wildlife by country:

Tanzania: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, lion and hyena

South Africa: White rhino, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and lion

Botswana: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and hyena

Kenya: Wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and hyena

Zambia: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and hyena

Zimbabwe: Wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, lion and hyena

Recommended immunization by country:

Tanzania: Malaria. CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Tanzania. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.

South Africa: None. There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa. The government of South Africa requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Malaria is not very common.

Botswana: Malaria. There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Kenya: Malaria and yellow fever. Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas.

Zambia: Malaria. CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Zambia. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.

Zimbabwe: Malaria. There is no risk of yellow fever in Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Countries to avoid: According to the US travel warnings the following countries are not recommended to visit at the moment.

Libya, Kenya, Lesotho, Guinea, Chad, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, CAR, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria. Algeria, Sudan, Republic of Sudan, Congo, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

What to bring: