What does it take to find the perfect tree house? Located on the western side of the Mara River and only open to access by foot – thick with trees, valleys, rocks – we kept circling back to one particular spot: fifty metres from the water looking along a stretch that is filled by a raucous pod of hippo. A line of Warburgia stretches along a little draw, and a single tree at the end shows scars: a scratching post for a resident male leopard. The salt lick luring the impala leads to a hippo funnel and their small sandy beach.
Ngare translates to ‘by the river’ in the Masai language, and the idea behind this snug little camp was to transport the serenity of the original Serian camp to the water’s edge. Hugging the banks of the Mara, Ngare Serian is cosy and intimate. It can only be reached on foot, over a narrow rope bridge – and in a way the crossover is symbolic: a call to step out of touch and out of time, and give yourself over to the natural charm of the place.There’s something special about being on the water’s edge – the water slipping and sloshing over the stones sets a soothing soundtrack, but at the same time its energy and movement lends lightness and life – green shoots, verdant growth and glossy rocks that metamorphose into hippos.
Serian’s Serengeti is a mobile camp and from mid-December to May, it's set up on the southernmost extreme of the Serengeti’s short grass plains: prime position to spectate the wildebeest birthing season. Dramatic savannah storms sweep in nourishment and new life, and an innate primordial urge pulls the wildebeest to the site of their origins to reproduce. The plains literally come to life for the birthing season. Millions of gnus and zebra dominate the landscape, looking for the fresh green grass that follows the first rains – and to give birth to their young.Serian Serengeti South Camp is located close to the Laetoli footprints an archeological site of some renown. This area is positioned ideally to witness the remarkable Wildebeest Migration birthing season. "Serian" becomes the base from which you have exclusive access to hundreds of thousands of acres of acacia clad woodland filled with huge abundance of wildlife.A minimum of 5 nights must be booked, which can include nights spent at Serian Serengeti Mobile (Kusini) Camp
On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in central Kenya’s Laikipia region lies the atmospheric Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Ol Pejeta offers an exceptional base from which to explore the secrets of this renowned conservancy – from the pioneering conservation projects that have made it famous to spectacular sightings of black and white rhino, the Big 5 and the world’s last two remaining northern white rhino.
Rekero Camp is situated less than 500 feet (150 metres) from a crossing point on the Talek River, the perfect place to view the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. The camp evokes the charm of African safaris from a bygone era, with nine romantic tents and spectacular views of the surrounding game-filled plains.
Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, the largest island national park in Africa. Tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephant, giraffe, 200 species of birds, and wild chimpanzees. The waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for Nile perch. Meals are served alfresco at the main lodge area, with the lapping waves of Lake Victoria marking the passing hours of island life. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock with binoculars and a bird guide or cool off in the swimming pool. When the sun dips below the horizon, watch the hippo emerge from the water to graze on the fringes of camp. The 8 luxury chalets are nestled under the huge trees just 60 meters for the sandy lake shore.
Encounter Mara is designed with high eco-friendly standards and built in a traditional safari style. The camp sits beneath a stunning canopy of acacia trees and blends naturally into its surroundings. It's common to see giraffes or zebras casually walking through the camp.Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable canvas dining tent at the heart of the camp. Meals come with the natural backdrop of the bush, complete with its sights, sounds, and smells. The lounge area is cosy and simply decorated, keeping your attention focused on the beautiful views of the Maasai Mara.A nearby salt lick regularly draws wildlife, from plains animals to big cats. You might find yourself spending the whole day relaxing in camp, watching the animals come to you.Encounter Mara is the most affordable camp operated by Asilia in the Mara area. For a more luxurious experience, you can consider staying at nearby Naboisho Camp or Rekero Camp, located inside the main Mara Reserve.
Ikuka Safari Camp opened in Ruaha National Park in July 2016, the camp is quite noteworthy due to its spectacular location atop the Mwagusi Escarpment in southern Tanzania, it is also owner run and managed. The site allows for expansive and breathtaking views that are unparalleled by other accommodations in the area. The views are perfectly complemented by an intimate and personalized and experienced that can only be found in smaller accommodations in the African bush country. The seven guest bandas on the property are designed to blend in with the surroundings and give guests the utmost experience of being connected with nature by way of stone, thatch and natural wood construction.
Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar is a romantic destination aimed mostly at couples and honeymooners. It a place to enjoy the harmony of the ocean and spend time with the one you love. Set in a picturesque tropical garden with its secluded beachfront, the Pavilion suites embrace wide-arched glassless windows affording spectacular views over the Indian Ocean.Each villa has its own private plunge pool and is tended to by its own butler. Kilindi's 'open-to-nature' approach provides the true essence to any stay and crafts a private, intimate and 'barefoot' appeal. Explore the hidden secrets of the island or relax in the infinity pool watching the local dhows head out to sea, with a gentle breeze in their sail.High Season surcharge of $150 pp should be added (December 20 - January 4)
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is remotely located in the Wogakuria Hills of the Northern Serengeti. A scenic region characterized by grassy rolling hills, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses, it is a habitat that attracts wildlife throughout the year. Lemala Kuria Hills is in close proximity to the Mara River on the Serengeti’s border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara, so is also within the main corridor of the world-famous wildebeest migration between July and October.
Lemala Ewanjan is a classic tented camp set in a secluded part of the game-rich Seronera Valley in Central Serengeti. Seronera is known for excellent year-round game viewing due to an abundance of water in the many rivers. Central Serengeti has a large population of lion, cheetah and leopard.Ewanjan camp is set at the end of a valley, from where you can enjoy uninterrupted views over the plains. Upgraded in July 2018 it now has brand new tents, including 10 standard and 2 family tents comprising two adjacent tents for those traveling together.
Lemala Nanyukie opened in October 2018 in the fabulous Eastern Serengeti. Meaning ‘endless plains’ in the Maasai language, the Serengeti is one of the world's most celebrated wilderness areas. Lemala Nanyukie is located a 45-minute drive east of the Seronera Airstrip in the park’s central region with outstanding views across the ‘endless plains’. The camp sits on a grassy savanna dotted with rocky kopjes and shaded by ancient giant acacia trees.This area of the Serengeti is crossed by the annual wildebeest migration. It also has high-density game-viewing at all times and is well-known for its large concentration of cats. Lemala Nanyukie will be open year-round, and safari activities like game drives and walks will be accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced guides.
Lemala Ngorongoro is set in an ancient acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. As it is located next to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the north east side, a key advantage of staying at Lemala Ngorongoro is the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning. Lemala guests usually have an hour's head start over others descending via the busier Seneto crater access road on the western rim. Game drives from camp may start as early as 6.15am and guests can be down among Ngorongoro’s abundant wildlife on the floor within 10-15 minutes - crucial for photographers who demand the best light conditions. Escorted walks are also available into the forest and along the crater rim with an armed ranger and Maasai guide.
Burunge Tented Lodge is located only 10 minutes from Tarangire National Park. It has 30 rooms with en-suite facilities, among them, 6 family tents, that consist in two interconnected rooms. The camp provides one of the most economical alternatives to other properties serving Tarangire National Park. It is a large facility that accesses the park through the main entrance gate which at times can be busy. For those looking to keep costs under control while visiting Tarangire, this is an excellent choice.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below, offering outstanding standards of comfort and service. Guests enjoy a real sense of wilderness and excellent game viewing, and it’s both a relaxing standalone destination and a great place to start a safari.Each of the 15 spacious tented suites have been positioned to maximize the sensational views over Tarangire and to take advantage of cooling breezes during hot weather. They feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds and one of the suites has two bedrooms. A special feature is the private outside bathtub—perfect for soothing the soul and washing away the African dust after a day on safari.The elevated main lodge has a large lounge and bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a spa and swimming pool. Sundowners, early morning walks and game drives in new custom-designed vehicles accompanied by Lemala’s highly-knowledgeable and experienced guides are some of the activities guests can look forward to during their stay.
