If you are looking for an unparalleled safari expedition in East Africa, the Singita Serengeti Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania should be at the top of your list. The Grumeti Reserves (sometimes called the Grumeti Game Reserve) comprise a 350,000-acre private concession adjoining Serengeti National Park. This exclusive area, managed through a partnership between Singita and the non-profit Grumeti Fund, has become a model for conservation and luxury tourism. Here, lucky visitors enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters – including the Great Migration – far from any crowds. Below, we delve into what makes the Grumeti Reserves so special, from its thriving wildlife and unique safari activities to the luxury Singita lodges that redefine the notion of a safari “hotel.”

About the Grumeti Reserves in Serengeti, Tanzania

The Grumeti Reserves sit in the remote western corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania, forming a crucial wildlife sanctuary adjacent to Serengeti National Park. Established in 1994 to protect the annual wildebeest migration route, this private reserve is now managed jointly by Singita and the Grumeti Fund for the benefit of conservation. Covering roughly 350,000 acres of wilderness (over 140,000 hectares), the Singita Grumeti reserve is an integral part of the greater Serengeti–Mara ecosystem and a key stop for the migrating herds.

Exclusivity and Privacy:Unlike the busy central Serengeti, Grumeti has only a handful of camps and lodges – hosting at most a few dozen guests at any time. This means safari vehicles are few and you often have wildlife sightings all to yourself. It’s not uncommon to spend an entire game drive in Grumeti without seeing another tourist vehicle. For travelers seeking solitude and intimacy with nature, the Grumeti Reserves offer a private Serengeti experience.

Abundant Wildlife: Despite its exclusivity, the Grumeti area teems with animals year-round. In fact, all of Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) are present in Grumeti. The reserve is famous for its large lion prides – sometimes 20 to 60 lions strong – which thrive thanks to healthy prey populations. You’ll also encounter cheetahs racing across the plains, clans of hyena, graceful giraffes, herds of elephants and buffalo, abundant antelope species, and much more. Birdlife is equally rich, from raptors and owls to vibrantly colored bee-eaters and starlings.

The Great Migration: A highlight of Grumeti is hosting part of the Great Migration. Each year around late May through July, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles pour into the Grumeti reserves on their epic journey north. This is a dramatic period when thousands of animals graze on the western Serengeti plains and face perilous river crossings. The Grumeti River crossing, usually in late June or early July, is one of the most spectacular (and infamous) events of the migration. Wildebeest must brave not only strong currents but also gigantic Nile crocodiles that lie in wait. During these months, predators abound – lions, leopards, cheetahsand hyenas take full advantage of the abundance of prey. For safari-goers, witnessing the migration in Grumeti is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of nature.

Unique Safari Activities: Because the Grumeti Reserves are privately managed and outside the strict rules of the national park, a greater range of safari activities is possible. Guests can enjoy off-road game drives and night safaris with spotlights – activities not typically allowed inside Serengeti National Park. Walking safaris are a special highlight here: you can venture out on foot with expert guides to track animals, learn about the bush, and truly immerse yourself in the environment. The ability to explore on foot or after dark means you have chances to see nocturnal creatures and experience the bush in an entirely new way. Some lodges even offer community visits, anti-poaching unit visits, and horseback riding (at Sasakwa’s equestrian center), adding to the array of Grumeti expeditions available beyond the typical game drive. All of these activities make Grumeti a thrilling safari destination for adventurous travelers who want more than the ordinary.

Conservation and Management: Singita, as custodian of the Grumeti Reserve, works hand-in-hand with the Grumeti Fund to ensure both wildlife and local communities benefit from this area. Anti-poaching patrols protect the reserve’s animals, including endangered species like the black rhino which have been reintroduced here. The partnership has had a profound positive impact on this corner of the Serengeti. For visitors, this means your stay actively contributes to preserving this wilderness and supporting community projects – a win-win for sustainable tourism.

Luxury Safari Lodges in the Grumeti Reserves

One of the hallmarks of the Singita Grumeti Reserves is its collection of ultra-luxurious lodges and camps, often regarded as some of the finest safari accommodations in Africa. Each property provides a distinct experience, but all share Singita’s commitment to excellence, comfort, and immersion in nature. These Singita Grumeti lodges (hotels) allow guests to relish the Serengeti in style – with gourmet cuisine, elegant suites, swimming pools, and top-notch service – all while surrounded by wilderness. Below are the standout Singita Grumeti Reserve properties in Tanzania:

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge is the flagship high-end lodge of the Grumeti Reserves. Perched atop Sasakwa Hill, this grand lodge is built in the style of an Edwardian manor house, offering panoramic views over the Serengeti plains. Sasakwa features 10 sumptuous cottages (and a villa), each with private plunge pools and an opulent old-world ambiance. As a 10-room ultra-luxury lodge set in the privately managed Grumeti Reserve, Sasakwa delivers an experience of grandeur and exclusivity. Guests can watch wildlife roaming on the distant plains from the hilltop verandas by day, and stargaze by a crackling fire at night. In addition to game drives, Sasakwa offers unique activities like horseback safaris from its equestrian center and tennis with a view of zebras grazing beyond the court. With its refined colonial elegance and five-star amenities, Singita Sasakwa Lodge consistently ranks among Africa’s top safari lodges.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

For those who love the romance of canvas, Singita Sabora Tented Camp provides a lavish under-canvas safari experience. Sabora is a permanent tented camp with 9 spacious tented suites, artfully blending 1920s-style safari nostalgia with modern comfort. Recently rebuilt in a contemporary aesthetic, each suite features draped canvas, plush bedding, private dining and meditation areas, and even air conditioning – truly “glamping” at its finest. Sabora Tented Camp is a modern, high-quality 9-tent safari camp in the exclusive, privately managed Grumeti Reserves bordering Serengeti National Park. From your tent’s deck or the camp’s swimming pool, you might spot elephants or giraffes wandering the adjacent plains. Sabora’s setting is a scenic grassland punctuated by acacia trees, and in the distance you often see wildebeest herds during migration season. Even outside of migration, wildlife is abundant year-round around Sabora, with predators and plains game frequenting the waterholes. Evenings at camp are magical – lanterns lighting up the pathways, a campfire under the stars, and the distant roar of a lion reminding you of the wild surroundings. Sabora perfectly balances intimate safari charm with lavish details, making it ideal for guests who want closeness to nature without sacrificing luxury.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Overlooking a busy waterhole along the Grumeti River, Singita Faru Faru Lodge is a chic oasis where contemporary style meets the African bush. This exclusive lodge offers 9 suites that are designed with a bright, modern flair – think wide glass windows, decks that welcome in the views, and natural elements in the decor. Faru Faru has a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere while still providing all the upscale comforts (including two swimming pools and an interactive kitchen). According to one travel specialist, Faru Faru Lodge benefits from magnificent river frontage and access to more than 350,000 acres of private Serengeti wilderness, offering outstanding game viewing with no expense spared in delivering the perfect safari experience. Indeed, Faru Faru’s location is fantastic for wildlife: it sits low on the Grumeti River banks, so animals often wander right into camp to drink, and you can watch everything from elephants to zebra coming and going. During the June–July migration period, the lodge is directly in the path of the herds – it’s not uncommon to see wildebeest streaming past or gathering at the river nearby. The vibe at Faru Faru is “barefoot luxury”: you can dine on gourmet pan-African cuisine under the stars, take a dip while gazing at zebras, or relax in the open-air bar and lounge as giraffes stroll by. Set within Singita’s vast private reserve, Faru Faru “ushers in a new era of luxury wilderness safaris”, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a mix of style, comfort, and superb game viewing.

Singita Serengeti House

For ultimate exclusivity, Singita Serengeti House is a spectacular private-use villa on the Grumeti property. This retreat features 4 bedrooms and is rented out on an exclusive basis to one group at a time – perfect for families or a group of friends seeking a private safari. Singita Serengeti House is situated on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill (not far from Sasakwa Lodge), treating guests to sweeping views of the plains. The house comes with its own dedicated staff, including a private guide, chef, and house staff, so your stay is fully bespoke. An on-site waterhole often attracts wildlife, meaning you might watch elephants or antelope while lounging by the infinity pool. The house’s design is contemporary and airy, with indoor-outdoor living spaces that let you soak up the Serengeti atmosphere. Singita Serengeti House is a four-bedroom retreat for families and friends in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserves next to the Serengeti. The villa accommodates up to 8 guests in total luxury – and notably, children of all ages are welcome here, making it an excellent choice for multigenerational family trips. Days at Serengeti House are completely tailored: you have a private vehicle and guide on standby to schedule game drives whenever you wish, along with options for guided walks, community visits, or just relaxing in your exclusive slice of paradise. In the evenings, enjoy dinner under the stars on your veranda or a bonfire in the boma, with only the sounds of the Serengeti night around you. For those desiring privacy and personalization without equal, Serengeti House delivers an unrivaled safari home experience.

Planning Your Grumeti Safari with Safaris & Expeditions

An adventure to the Singita Grumeti Reserves is a significant trip, and working with the right safari specialist will ensure your experience is seamless. Safaris and Expeditions is a tour operator with deep expertise in East African safaris – in fact, the company has been “beating about the bush since 1970,” arranging bespoke trips in Tanzania and beyond. Partnering with a seasoned outfitter like Safaris and Expeditions means you can easily include the Grumeti Reserves in your safari itinerary along with other highlights of Tanzania (such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or even Kenya’s Maasai Mara). They handle all logistics from lodge bookings and charter flights to guided game drives, so that you can simply enjoy the journey.

Why use Safaris and Expeditions for Grumeti?

This company has an intimate knowledge of the Singita Grumeti lodges and the Serengeti region. They can advise on the best time to visit Grumeti (for example, aiming for June to catch the migration river crossing or perhaps February for lush green landscapes and baby animals without crowds). Safaris and Expeditions can also secure any special offers or packages available for the Singita properties and arrange all transport (including flights to the Grumeti airstrip). Importantly, having a local expert means your safari will be tailored to your interests – whether you’re keen on photography, a particular animal sighting, or adding cultural tours. You’ll benefit from their decades of experience and on-the-ground connections.

Crafting the Ultimate Safari Expedition

A popular approach is to mix Grumeti Reserve with a few nights in central or northern Serengeti, to experience both private and public safari areas. Safaris and Expeditions can create a multi-lodge circuit so you might start at Faru Faru Lodge for riverine wildlife, then shift to Sabora Camp for a tented experience, and finish at Sasakwa Lodge for a grand finale – or any combination that suits your dream. Every detail, from bush dinners to hot-air balloon rides over the Serengeti, can be arranged. The company’s motto of personalized serviceensures that your Grumeti safari expedition will be truly one-of-a-kind.

The Singita Grumeti Reserves of Tanzania offer legendary safari experiences – from heart-pounding wildlife action to the height of luxury accommodation – all set in a private slice of the Serengeti that feels like your own. Whether you’re witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration crossing the Grumeti River or enjoying a sundowner as lions roar in the distance, Grumeti delivers the very best of African safari. By planning your journey with Safaris and Expeditions, you’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable. This exclusive Tanzanian safari enclave is ready to welcome you on an adventure that combines wilderness and comfort in perfect harmony. Get ready to embark on the Grumeti safari expedition of a lifetime – Tanzania’s Serengetihas never been more accessible, or more magical.