Description
The Serengeti National Park forms part of a huge conservation area, encompassing the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, well as the Masai Mara in neighbouring Kenya. With no fences or man-made barriers, huge numbers of wildlife move freely throughout this area, constantly recreating an ageless natural cycle. The magnificent Serengeti is famed for its vast tree-less grasslands allowing for excellent wildlife sightings. The Park boasts 35 species of plains-dwelling game and prolific birdlife.
Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is set in the remote reaches of the Park, on a bywater of the Grumeti River, known for its wildebeest crossings and enormous Nile crocodiles. Tucked into a strip of riverine forest, guests can watch the antics of spectacular pied colobus monkeys (found nowhere else in the Serengeti) and enjoy nocturnal serenades by orchestras of owls and bushbabies.
Every year between June and July, Africa’s annual Great Migration passes through Grumeti, and hundreds upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores cross the Grumeti River, risking the jaws of some of Africa’s largest crocodiles.
The camp has just 10 spacious safari tents. These tents are decorated with colourful African cloths, locally carved furnishings and all have en-suite bathrooms with beautiful alfresco showers.
Grumeti Serengeti camp now offers ballooning safaris. The launch site is just a 15-minute game drive from the camp and balloon safaris take off at dawn, when the winds are at their calmest, so that you rise with the sun to float gracefully over the plains. Hover at treetop level and marvel at the wildlife just beneath you, then ascend to 1000 feet or more to gain an appreciation of the sheer enormity of the endless Serengeti plains. Flights last for one hour and are dependent on weather conditions. On landing, in a beautiful clearing, celebrate with a glass of sparkling wine and a full English breakfast in the bush.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 10 flamboyant tents tucked under shady palm thatched roofs. Each of the spacious tents has a furnished deck and ensuite bathroom with hand basin, separate shower open to the stars and separate w.c. There is an overhead fan and the local sculptured furnishings and vibrant decor bring alive the excitement and romance of Africa.
Childcare
There are no specific childcare facilities however, children over 5 are very welcome as under this age they cannot partake in the regular game-drives. Child minders can be booked at an additional cost. Children aged 6 to 11 years are accommodated on game-drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. An extra bed can be arranged for a child 16 years and younger sharing their parents tent.
Facilities
The guest areas of this intimate camp include open-fronted sitting and dining areas, a lounge area and domed bar. The interior design is colourful and funky with unusual beaded artefacts. The spacious decks are perfect for sundowners overlooking the river. A dramatic boma ensures star-studded romantic dinners. The camp has a rim-flow pool perched on the banks of the river where guests can view hippo at play. The Safari Shop is located at the entrance of the camp.
Activities
Twice daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Serengeti National Park with sunrise and sundowner stops. Balloon safaris can also be arranged with prior notice.
When to travel
Grumeti lies in the path of the migration which in a typical year arrives between June and July. Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains. January and February are again dry (the short dry season) so this is another good time to visit.
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Location and directions
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is set in the western corridor of Tanzania’s magnificent Serengeti National Park on the banks of an oxbow which is formed by an overflow of the Grumeti River. Supporting lush riverine forest, the Grumeti River provides a sharp contrast to the surrounding plains and hosts some of the Serengeti’s more unusual species. The camp is built among tall evergreen trees on the water’s edge.
How to get there
8-hour 40-minute British Airways international flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. From Nairobi it's then a 1-hour international flight to Arusha Airport, followed by a 70-minute domestic flight to Grumeti airstrip. Guests will be met on arrival at the airstrip and transferred by road to the camp, a journey of approximately 5-10 minutes.
