The Grass is Always Greener

THE MIGRATION OF WILDEBEEST and other lager grazers across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem has boldly been called the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’. Not that there aren’t other contenders (the migration of white-eared kob ,topi and Mongalla gazelles sports similar numbers in the Sudan, while the 600-kilometer round trip taken by elephants in Mali is equally epic), but the ceaseless movement of ungulates across these plains is undoubtedly Africa’s best-known parade of animals. Players include a cast of up to 1.4 million wildebeest, with the supporting act coming from lager numbers of zebras and Thomson’s gazelles. There seasonal movement between wet and dry seasons ranges take them full circle over some 30,000 square kilometers.

What exactly drives this extravaganza has been debated for decades (we’re still not sure, for example, of the role played by social knowledge of migration routes), but at its heart lies an interesting dichotomy. In the south-east corner of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the volcanic soils support nutrient-rich plains of short and highly nutritional grasses. These are the wildebeest’s favourite food, although the forage is only available for a few months of the year. In the opposite corner, in the northern areas, grass quality is poorer (although the higher rainfall guarantees a longer supply),So at the end of the wet season as the short-grass plains of the south-east dry up, the wildebeest are forced  elsewhere in search of better grazing. Their quest leads them to the tall-grass woodlands and  savanna further north.

Quite what prompts them to leave these northern woodlands en masse at the onset of the rains remains unclear. To head south again, the wildebeest must be able to pick up changes in vegetation some 80 to 100 kilometer distant from their current location (relying on cues from the quality of their present grazing conditions would fail to drive the migration ever onwards). We’re not sure how they do this, but in all probability they follow rain, responding to localized flushes of green grass. This would explain why the migration doesn’t observe a fixed route or time frame but changes from year to year, depending on just where and when rain falls. 

Sultan Sands Island Resort in Zanzibar

The Sultan Sands Island Resort in Zanzibar is one of the luxurious place that is frequently booked by guests from all over the world. It is a uniquely constructed magical Africa Resort, with a choice of 76 rooms built in single storey African style rondavels, each with two tastefully decorated rooms with a separate changing room leading into the superbly appointed en-suite bathroom. The furnishings are tasteful traditional Zanzibar furniture, including either one large bed or two queen size beds with mosquito nets, air conditioners, ceiling fans, satellite TV’s, mini-bars, hair dryers, safes and telephones. It nestles on the beachfront of a 25 acre stretch of subtly landscape gardens decked with over 1000 palm trees.

The Spa, known as the Oasis, reflects the spirit of being in harmony with the environment – complete with a wooden deck, a thatch roof built with palm trees growing up through it and the splashing water amid an abundance of beautiful exotic plants. The result is a Spa that completely rejuvenates your body and elevates your mind. The Oasis is also known for the professional massages that come with the natural setting. A lifting sense of wellbeing engulfs you as you are guided by the professional staff through the different treatment rooms – with airy sea view overlooking the beach and the turquoise ocean beyond. The staff are specialists at adapting to each person requirements.

Facilities and services include:

·         Banqueting

·         Big Game Fishing

·         Boutique

·         Business Centre / Guest Services

·         Children’s Club

·         Conferences

·         Excursions

·         Groups and Incentives

·         Honeymooners

·         Spa

·         Recreational and Water Sports Centre

·         Scuba Diving

·         Sports Facilities

·         Weddings

A Snapshot of Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Kilima Camp - Kenya - Maasai Mara

Latest News about Wildebeests in Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Parks

The herds of wildebeests and zebras have been spotted on the southern part of Maasai Mara National Park and they were still crossing the river. These herds were very courageous as they were moving fast and escaping the jaws of the crocodiles.

The Great Migration has also reached the Northern part of Serengeti near Kleins camp and on the way to the Lobo airstrip guests have witnessed a lot of game like lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, impalas, elands, warthogs, zebras. Serengeti under canvas is the place to be at this moment to see those wildebeests migrating.

Tawi Lodge | Amboseli National Park | Kenya - Leading Lodges of Africa

Bush Report

Here are some of the photos that were captured while on safari in Tanzania visiting the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The weather in these regions has been good and the animals seem to enjoy themselves and have plenty of food. The temperatures are not so hot unlike last month.

There is plenty of wildlife to see and areas such as the Mara triangle where animals like lions, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, cheetah, warthog, jackal, hippos, elephants, rhino, vultures, buffalos, gazelle have been spotted. The migration of the wildebeest is still on the Kenya side at the Masai Mara.

Serengeti National Park is the destination for all safari lovers and most of the animal activity takes place when the sun its not at its peak, hence the beauty of doing the night game drive assures you to see the predators hunting. The nocturnal animals are very active during the night and we spotted a bush baby jumping from tree to tree, hedgehog, honey badger, bat eared fox, owl, white tail mongoose and a lion kill. There was a pride of lions that attacked a buffalo in the Northern part of Serengeti near Kleins camp.

At the Ngorongoro Crater there were great sightings and all the big 5 animals ( lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo ) were spotted. This year the sightings have been great and we will continue to see alot of animal activity in both Kenya and Tanzania.

Tracking the Nkoringo Gorillas

Wild dogs rare appearance in Lake Nakuru National Park

The wild dogs are very rare animals to spot and recently guests were able to spot the wild dogs in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. This park which is famously known for its flamingos, was invaded by the wild dogs and guests were surprised to see them. Lake Nakuru National park is a place were by its very rare to see Wild dogs.

These wild dogs yellow, black and white in colour have reduced in numbers in recent years and their population is believed to be around 5000. Most of the wild dogs are found in the eastern and southern part of Africa. The African wild dogs are very good hunters and they normally work in groups whereby they hunt together. They normally attack animals which are not so big, like gazelles and impalas. Surely many guests should consider to visit lake Nakuru National Park, not only for its flamingos but for the rare Wild dogs.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it comprises 331 square kilometers of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO – designated world heritage site.

The forest is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa and the diversity of species is a feature of the park. The park provides habitat for some 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many endangered species. Floristically Bwindi is amongst the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1000 flowering plant species including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.

The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds such as hornbills and turacos. It is perhaps most notable for the Bwindi gorillas, half the world’s population of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. There are four habituated Mountain Gorilla groups open to tourism: Mubane, Habinyanja, Rushegura near Buhoma and Nkuringo group at Nkuringo.

The park is inhabited by a population of about 340 individual mountain gorillas, known as the Bwindi population, which makes up almost half of all the mountain gorillas in the world. The rest of the worldwide mountain gorilla population is in the nearby Virunga National Park.

Tourists can visit the park any time throughout the year, Gorilla tracking is the park’s main tourist attraction.

Accommodation

Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp

Activities

Gorilla Tracking,Walking Safari, Birding Safari

Wildebeest in Masai Mara, Kenya

The herds in thousands continue to pour into Masai Mara Game Reserve and there is plenty of game and spectacular sightings. Guests who were at Kichwa Tembo Camp were able to witness some of the amazing river crossing at the rocky crossing point. Wildebeests, zebras and thomson gazelles have moved from the Greater Mara into the Mara Triangle. Other herds can easily be seen at the base of the Oloololo Escarpment.

Even though the migration is on the Kenya side, the Great Serengeti received some rain last week, which has enticed some of the smaller herds back into Tanzania. The rain has removed some of the dust and new grass has started growing. These herds normally like the new grass and if these showers continue then a large number of Wildebeest will move back into the Serengeti before their normal time.

The Big 5 Animals

Mombasa City

Mombasa is a place where many tourists visit and its because of the warm climate, warm beaches, food and nice people. It is the second-largest city in Kenya and an important regional tourism center. Mombasa borders the Indian ocean, many people from different countries come to Mombasa on a holiday and when they get here they don’t want to leave because of the beauty of this place. A safari to Kenya is not complete without visiting Mombasa and doing a city tour. The famous places that one can visit are namely: Fort Jesus, Haller Park ( Nature Trail ), Mapembeni  ( Tusk monument ), Mwembe tayari open market, Akamba Handicraft, Mamba Village ( Crocodile farm ).

There are a lot of nice and beautiful hotels situated along the beach front and one can relax after coming from a Safari from Tsavo, Masai Mara, Amboseli. There are a number of activities that one can do when in Mombasa like scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, cultural village tour, playing golf. In the city centre there are a number of restaurant that serve delicious Swahili and Arabic food. Guests normally relax at the beach and enjoy spice iced tea.

Maasai People

The Maasai are a Nilotic ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the best known of African ethnic groups, due to their distinctive customs and dress. They reside near the game parks of East Africa. They speak Maa which is a member of the Nilo-Saharan language family. Some of the Maasai are also able to speak Swahili and English which are the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania. Many Maasai tribes throughout Tanzania and Kenya welcome visits to their village to experience their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

Culture

Maasai society is strongly patriarchal in nature, with elder men, sometimes joined by retired elders, deciding most major matters for each Maasai group, and normally payment in cattle will settle matters. Traditional Maasai lifestyle centres around their cattle which constitute their primary source of food. The measure of a man’s wealth is in terms of cattle and children. A herd of 50 cattle is respectable, and the more children the better. A man who has plenty of one but not the other is considered to be poor.

Shelter

As a historically nomadic and then semi-nomadic people, the Maasai have traditionally relied on local, readily available materials and indigenous technology to construct their housing. The traditional Maasai house was in the first instance designed for people on the move and was thus very impermanent in nature. The enkaj ( houses ) are either star-shaped or circular, and are constructed by able-bodied women. The structural framework is formed of timber poles fixed directly into the ground and interwoven with a lattice of smaller branches, which is then plastered with a mix of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung, human urine and ash. The cow dung ensures that the roof is water-proof. The enkaj is small, measuring about 3x5m and standing only 1.5m high. Within this space, the family cooks, eats, sleeps, socializes and store food, fuel and other household possessions. Small livestock are also often accommodated within the enkaj. Villages are enclosed in a circular fence( an enkang ) built by the men, usually of thorned acacia, a native tree. At night all cows, goats and sheep are placed in an enclosure in the centre, safe from wild animals.

Body Modification

The removal of tooth, piercing and stretching of earlobes is common among the Maasai. Various materials have been used to both pierce and stretch the lobes, including thorns for piercing, twigs, bundles of twigs, stones, the cross section of elephant tusks and empty film canisters. Fewer and fewer Maasai, particularly boys follow this custom. Women wear various forms of beaded ornaments in both the ear lobe, and smaller piercings at the top of the ear.

Music and Dance

Maasai music traditionally consists of rhythms provided by a chorus of vocalists singing harmonies while a song leader, or olaranyani, sings the melody. The olaranyani is usually the singer who can best sing that song, although several individuals may lead a song. The olaranyani begins by singing a line or title ( namba ) of a song. The group will respond with one unanimous call in acknowledgement, and the olaranyani will sing a verse over the group’s rhythmic throat singing. Each song has its specific namba structure based on call-and-response. Neck movements accompany singing. When breathing out the head is leaned forward. The head is tilted back for an inward breath. One exception to the vocal nature of Maasai music is the use of the horn of the Greater Kudu to summon morans for the Eunoto ceremony.

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don’t even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo ( now known as Kibo ) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the Summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland-elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres ( 19,336 feet ).

The are six official trekking routes by which to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, namely: Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain, which can be done in six or seven days. The Rongai is the easiest and least scenic of all camping routes with the most difficult summit night and the Marangu is also relatively easy, but accommodation is in shared huts with all other climbers. As a result, this route tends to be very busy, and ascent and descent routes are the same.

People who wish to trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro are advised to undertake appropriate research and ensure that they are both properly equipped and physically capable. Though the climb is technically not as challenging as when climbing the high peaks of the Himalayas or Andes, the high elevation, low temperature, and occasional high winds make this a difficult and dangerous trek. Acclimatisation is essential, and even most experienced trekkers suffer some degree of altitude sickness. Kilimanjaro summit is well above the altitude at which high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE ), or high altitude cerebral edema ( HACE ) can occur. All trekkers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches.

The Uhuru peak point is the famous point on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania

Black and White Rhinos!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fig Tree Camp Maasai Mara

Kilima Safari Camp Amboseli

Saadani National Park

Located in the centre of the historic triangle of bagamoyo, pangani and Zanzibar, Saadani National Park covers 1100 Square km. I t is the only wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania bordering the sea. The Climate is coastal, hot and humid. It offers a unique combination of both marine and mainland flora and fauna in a culturally fascinating setting. About 30 species of larger mammals are present as well as numerous reptiles and birds. Besides many species of fish, Green turtles, Humpback whales and dolphins also occur in the ocean nearby.

It encompasses a preserved ecosystem including the former Saadani game reserve, the former Mkwaja ranch area, the Wami River as well as the Zaraninge Forest. Many villages exist around the boundaries of the park.

From East to West, the open ocean with coral reefs changes to brackish water ecosystems characterized by mangrove forests, salt pans and bare saline areas. Further inland, the Wami river is the most important fresh water source besides numerous temporary rivers and dams. The marine extension of the park includes the Mafui sandbanks, whose colourful coral reefs are important breeding sites for many fish species. At low tide the sea retreats up to 100 meters and forms a convenient passage for local people and wild animals. These beaches are the only place North of Dar es salaam where sea turtles are particularIy threatened by commercial fisheries and water pollution.

Evergreen mangrove trees grow in the transitional zone, just above the mean sea water level. These salt tolerant tidal forests provide a resting and feeding place for many bird species, bats, monkeys, hippos and reptiles. Numerous species of fish or prawns also lay their eggs in these protected habitats. The high demand for the resistant mangrove wood leads to overexploitation, making the protection of these forests even more important. In Saadani National Park, large mangrove forests grow along the Wami River. This is also the place where large groups of hippos  can be observed. At night they come ashore and wander inland, grazing up to 40 kg of grass per animal. Nile crocodiles also live here, some of them reaching 5 meters. The Wami River is also a good place for watching birds such as kingfishers, fish eagles and many species of wading birds.

In Saadani, elephants are relatively shy and usually hide during the day in woody parts of the park. Leopards also occur in dense bush and thickets. Seldom seen, these animals are mainly nocturnal and can live in close proximity to humans. Other showy animals living mostly in woody areas are the Greater kudu and smaller antelopes such as Suni and Duiker. The crowns of the trees are inhabited by Colobus monkeys which, unlike most other monkeys, subsist mainly on leaves, strictly nocturnal bush babies, as well as many fruit-eating bird species, insects and butterflies.

Typical inhabitants of the tall grass savannas are the buffalo, which weigh up to 850 kg. Several herds of hartebeest can be observed grazing in Saadani National Park. The common waterbucks occur all over the park area. Weighing up to 270 kg these grazers can be easily recognized by the white ring around their tails. The density of reedbucks is especially high in Saadani National Park, although this medium-sized antelope (45 kg ) might be difficult to spot in tall grass where they lay down for shelter. Warthogs are also present and even come into Saadani Village.

Saadani National Park is also known for its numerous giraffes, the national symbol of Tanzania and tallest animal in the world. Their tongues have special callus plates which make them particularly well adapted to browse on spiny acacia trees. Large herds of white-bearded wildebeests also graze in the short grass savannas. Other animals are zebra and eland.

The lion, the largest of the African carnivores, is also found in Saadani, although it is rarely seen. At night you may also hear the hyenas and encounter genets, porcupines and civets. Other species which can be observed within the perimeter of the park are bushbucks, bushpigs, yellow baboon or vervet monkey.

Accommodations found at Saadani National Park is mainly luxurious. A tent with a view and Saadani Safari Lodge.

Mara Intrepids Camp

Samburu National Park, Kenya

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park, also a world heritage site and recently proclaimed a 7^th world wide wonder, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains, as more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle join the wildebeest’s trek for fresh grazing. Yet even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds of buffalo, smaller groups of elephants and giraffe and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and grant’s gazelle.

The spectacle of predator versus prey dominates Tanzania’s greatest park. Golden-maned lion prides feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high density of cheetahs prowls the southeastern plains. Almost uniquely, all three African jackal species occur here, alongside the spotted hyena and a host of more elusive small predators, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to the beautiful serval cat.

But there is more to Serengeti than large mammals. Gaudy agama lizards and rock hyraxes scuffle around the surfaces of the park’s isolated granite koppies. A full 100 varieties of dung beetle have been recorded, as have 500-plus bird species, ranging from the outsized ostrich and bizarre secretary bird of the open grassland, to the black eagles that soar effortlessly above the Lobo Hills.

As enduring as the game-viewing is the liberating sense of the space that characterizes the Serengeti Plains, stretching across sunburnt savannah to a shimmering golden horizon at the end of the earth. Yet, after the rains, this golden expanse of grass is transformed into an endless green carpet flecked with wildflowers. And there are also wooded hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig trees and acacia woodland stained orange by dust.

What to do

Hot air balloon safaris, walking safari, picnicking, game drives, bush lunch/dinner can be arranged with hotels/tour operators, Maasai rock paintings and musical rocks.

Visit neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai George, Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano and Lake Natron’s flamingos.

When to go

To follow the wildebeest migration, December-July. To see predators, June-October.

Accommodation

Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp, Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Mbalageti Tented Camp

Life: Tanzania - Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti, a Tanzania Photo Trip

Lions Hunting Buffalo

Wildebeest crossing Mara river

Kirurumu Under Canvas

Kirurumu Under Canvas has been operating for over two decades. The genesis of the company came from the directors background in logisitcs, catering and camp provision to remote areas - in place such as Kenya, Sudan, Yemen among others. Here in Tanzania a permanent tented camp was erected on the edge of the rift valley wall, and Kirurumu is today a very well established property in the Northern circuit.

Kirurumu was one of the pioneering eco lodges in Tanzania and our commitment to communities and eco friendly approach opened up avenues of opportunity in other places and lead to relationships with Maasai communities all the way from West Kilimanjaro to East Serengeti where we now work hand in hand with the communities in an effort to conserve some of the remaining wilderness in Tanzania, ensuring that the communities themselves derive benefits from the resources they are custodians of. 

Your visit to our camps and lodge means benefits for the local community in a number of ways:

• Direct bednight fees to the local community: a per paying guest amount goes into the community coffers.
• Employment for guides, scouts, and other crew: we always try to employ from the local community to increase the benefits derived from the resources guests are here to see and thereby generate more awareness of the benefits wildlife and wilderness can bring to communities.
• Direct income from boma visits: we always try to keep visits to homesteads as unobtrusive as possible but these are rich opportunities for guests to learn about a different culture and the experience is reciprocal. Fees are also charged and these go directly to the boma being visited. 

Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is set high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, enjoying a marvellous, uplifting and panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mt. Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro Highlands rise in green and fertile splendour and form the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater and, finally, Olduvai Gorge.

Manyara Lodge has the following facilities :

• 27 tented rooms
• 2 honeymoon suites and 2 family cottages.
• Fully ensuite bathrooms, hot and cold running water
• Electricity
• Bar complete with sun-deck and panoramic views of the rift valley
• Dining room with waiter service

Activities
Manyara Lodge overlooks the Rift valley escarpment over Lake Manyara. The following activities are all possible:

• Maasai guided ethno - botanical walks.
• Mountain biking available on request
• Half-Day treks / hikes
• Fly camping in forests on special request

Kirurumu Ngorongoro camp is a luxury mobile camp set in one of the most strategic and beautiful areas in the Ngorongoro Highlands overlooking the Ngorongoro Conservancy, the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and Lake Eyasi. As a small and intimate camp the staff are on hand just to look after a very limited number of guests and so the level of attention and service is always excellent. The camp has easy access to cultural attractions or as a base for a walk, climbing the slopes of nearby Olmoti mountain to the waterfall that breaches its rim to become the Munge river that feeds a game swamp in the crater. Day trips and walking opportunities to many of our Maasai community neighbours, and hiking around Mt Makarot, one of the most scenically attractive areas of the conservation area.

Rooms / Facilities 

Our Ngorongoro camp tents are 7 double and twin customised safari tents. The largest tent available for safari camping. Each tent is fully and tastefully furnished with:

• Comfortable, (twin or double) beds with 6” mattresses, pillows, blankets & sheets.
• Luggage rack, table, safari chairs, mats & soft furnishings in individual style.
• Solar lighting in both the bedroom and ensuite loo and shower room
• Dining room with waiter service

In addition, the camp has:

• A locally furnished dining tent for breakfast, lunch and romantic, candle-lit dinners.
• A campfire area

Activities 
The Ngorongoro camp has easy access to cultural attractions or as a base for a walk, climbing the slopes of nearby Olmoti mountain to the waterfall that breaches its rim to become the Munge river that feeds a game swamp in the crater. Day trips to one of the most scenically attractive areas of the conservation area, Empakai, with its deep lake famous for its flamingos and shore birds and outstanding beauty.

Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge is set high in private land on the northern tip of the Tarangire National Park. The tented lodge has stunning views over a water hole and into the park and it ideally located only fifteen minutes off the main Tarangire road and again only fifteen minutes drive away from the main Tarangire National Park gate.

Tarangire Lodge has the following facilities :

• 10 tented cottages consisting of 2 Double Rooms, 2 Family Rooms and 6 Twin Rooms
• Fully ensuite bathrooms, hot and cold running water
• Electricity
• Verandah
• Bar complete with wonderful views of the watering hole and the park
• Dining room with waiter service
• Internet facilities available at reception

Activities
Tarangire Lodge is in a prime location outside the park. The following activities are all possible:

• Maasai guided ethno - botanical walks.
• Mountain biking available on request
• Day treks / hikes
• Game viewing in the Tarangire National Park

Kirurumu Serengeti Camp is a luxury mobile camp, moved seasonally to take best advantage of the vast Serengeti. The camp is used as a base, a spring board for an early morning game drive, a break for a sumptuous lunch, a respite from the heat of the day and the finale to a days adventure where stories can be swapped around a fire. As a small and intimate camp the staff are on hand just to look after a very limited number of guests and so the level of attention and service is always excellent.

Rooms / Facilities 

Our Serengeti camp tents are as follows:
7 double and twin customised safari tents. The largest tent available for safari camping. Each tent is fully and tastefully furnished with:

• Comfortable, (twin or double) beds with 6” mattresses, pillows, blankets & sheets.
• Luggage rack, table, safari chairs, mats & soft furnishings in individual style.
• Solar lighting in both the bedroom and ensuite loo and shower room
• Dining room with waiter service

In addition, the camp has:

• A locally furnished dining tent for breakfast, lunch and romantic, candle-lit dinners.
• A campfire area

Activities
The Serengeti camp is your springboard into the Serengeti, essential for the migration and seasonally well located to take advantage of activities such as hot air ballooning (note that access to hot air ballooning is seasonal as the balloon rides start in central Serengeti). The Serengeti is the place to game drive and has the largest concentration of wildlife in the world.

Our private luxury camping is a boutique product designed for guests that require and entirely private experience - in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or indeed any location in Northern Tanzania. We simply provide the camp and crew and make sure that your guests are never left wanting for anything. Our private camps are NOT branded and we can even brand the camp according to requirements.

Rooms / Facilities 

The camp is set according to a location specificied by the ground handler. Camp size is like wise specified and we set up accordingly. Currently we have a maximum of 10 tents (20 beds) but can accommodate more by special arrangement.

Each tent is fully and tastefully furnished with:

• Comfortable, (twin or double) beds with 6” mattresses, pillows, blankets & sheets.
• Luggage rack, table, safari chairs, mats & soft furnishings in individual style.
• Solar lighting in both the bedroom and enuite loo and shower room
• Dining room with waiter service

In addition, the camp has:

• A locally furnished dining tent for breakfast, lunch and romantic, candle-lit dinners.
• A campfire area

Activities 
Entirely depends on the area, but we can supply Maasai walking guides on request (again, area dependant).

Ndutu Safari Lodge

Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the South – eastern part of the Serengeti ecosystem. Shaded by majestic acacia trees, each of the 34 cottages, which are built from local materials, has a private verandah facing Lake Ndutu. The lodge is surrounded by indigenous trees and shrubs which encourage a host of birds and mammals to come right to your front door. Tucked well away from the busy tourist circuit, Ndutu offers peace and tranquility far from the madding crowd.

Spend some time with us and unwind. Relax to the rhythm of an African day as a myriad bird calls herald the rising sun. Stay close to the lodge and enjoy our resident wildlife, or go for a drive and explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach. After sunset return to the homely warmth and hospitality of Ndutu Safari Lodge.

Our friendly staff have been here for years wanting to welcome you and make you feel at home. Ndutu lodge still has the informal, intimate feeling of the original bush camp, built by legendary hunter George Dove in the 60’s. Now, comfortable cottages have replaced tents, but our main buildings place no barriers between you and nature.

Wildlife photographers and biologists have been coming to Ndutu for decades. It is true we have the only bar and the best food within at least a 50km radius, but besides our friendly atmosphere, appreciators of wildlife know that the Ndutu area attracts like minds as well as a huge variety of animals. So talk to your companions in the lounge and around the campfire – researches, rock stars, rangers, royalty. You might even meet someone from your home town who has come all this way to partake of the joy of being on a safari at Ndutu.

Each evening we welcome our guests to join us around the camp fire. For those not wanting to sit outside, the bar provides a warm, cosy atmosphere. The Genets, small spotted cat like animals, usually make an appearance, as they gaze down at you from the rafters. The Genets have been here for years and as they are nocturnal it is a great pleasure for guests to be able to see them at such a close proximity.

The Manor at Ngorongoro

The Manor at Ngorongoro, with its 10 luxurious cottages (20 Suites) and magnificent main Manor House, is one of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor. Located adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro conservation area and within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate, The Manor is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch-style of architecture.

Every detail of The Manor has been designed with its guests’ comfort in mind. Each of the cottages has been carefully positioned to maximise the views of the adjacent verdant hills but at the same time to maintain the intimacy and privacy of this old-world Manor home.

The Manor at Ngorongoro provides the perfect environment to relax and take in the outstanding natural beauty of its gardens and the coffee-bush laden hills. However the drama that is Africa is but a short distance away. Ngorongoro Crater is famed as being the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, and is a ‘must see’ on anyone’s itinerary. This extinct volcano - with its 18-kilometre wide crater floor - is home to an abundant and unique ecosystem that encompasses almost all of the wildlife that you would wish to see in Africa. This spectacular setting is a ‘once-in-a- lifetime’ opportunity to experience the rawness and beauty of Africa’s natural flora and fauna.

And what better way to enjoy the Crater than in the knowledge that at the end of the day you will return to enjoy an incomparable dinner in The Manor’s restaurant followed by a deeply restful night in a cottage that has been designed both with your comfort solely in mind.

At the Manor,Your full day safari experience would not be complete without enjoying a delicious campaign style luncheon, served under canopy at one of the picnic areas in the Crater. Surrounded by game and the crater rim beyond, this is the most dramatic and beautiful picnic lunch you ever likely to take.



The Manor is blessed with excellent stables and horses to match. 

A most enjoyable way to take in the environ of The Manor is to take to the saddle and be taken on a one hour long trek around the hills that embrace the Manor. Our instructor will guide you and even though it is not required that you have riding experience, we feel all riders will enjoy all that is on view.

Wildebeest Migration

Serengeti Bushtops Camp, Tanzania

Mara Bushtops Camp

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge

Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers an unparalleled safari experience. The entire lodge is raised on high stilts above watering holes and feeding pastures offering a spectacular view of the wildlife from above and all around. The Lodge is situated in the midst of the Taita Hills Sanctuary, a private wildlife conservancy of 28,000 acres at the foot of the Taita Hills bordering Tsavo West National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves. The Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge offers luxury accommodation and facilities and is the perfect place in an unforgettable setting to explore the natural environment around.

The Sanctuary provides a safe environment to over 50 species of mammals and 300 species of birds within 28,000 acres of rolling savanna and woodland habitats. Large numbers of wildlife come to drink at the waterholes, so Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge provides a rare opportunity to view animals at close proximity in their natural habitat. The lobby, restaurant and terraced bar all provide excellent views and photographic opportunities, while an underground tunnel and bunker with ground level windows provides unbelievably close yet safe access to a variety of wildlife as they drink. The waterholes are illuminated by powerful floodlights as it gets dark, to make sure that you witness all the activity throughout the night.

The Sanctuary is a success story in sustainable conservation where wildlife - including elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe - thrive. Game drives are tightly controlled to ensure that animals are not harassed and some areas are completely closed to vehicles. This commitment to responsible ecotourism, which has been so well supported by visitors, ensures that the Sanctuary and all its wildlife will continue to prosper.

The Sanctuary offers many diverse opportunities for you to experience the unique flora, fauna and culture of this fascinating ecosystem. Take a nature walk with a qualified ranger guide, where the emphasis is on the natural environment you encounter as you walk leisurely through the bush.  Marvel at the wildlife normally unnoticed during a game drive but evident on foot, yet still important through their impact on the ecology of this diverse ecosystem. 
Visit a local and authentic village where you can learn about local cultures, spend a day at Mzima Springs in Tsavo West National Park, famous for its thriving populations of hippos and crocodiles, or visit Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary or Lake Jipe, both also in Tsavo West.