Wilderness opens two new Usawa Serengeti Migration Camps
Wilderness has opened two new luxury mobile tented camps in Tanzania that will follow the Serengeti National Park’s legendary Great Migration. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti will move with the herd as the animals travel throughout the year across the length and breadth of the national park, with two camps set up in key locations on the migration route. “Usawa means ‘balance’ in Swahili.
Wilderness Usawa has eight camp locations throughout the Serengeti, with two always open, depending on the path of the migration for optimum game viewing. The flexibility of this new luxury camp means staff can move super-efficiently to follow the movement of the wildlife. A camp will never move when guests are residents, with the next one on the path seamlessly opening as another closes.
To access Usawa: fly by scheduled light aircraft, and then it’s a short game drive between the airstrip and camp. It’s possible to access the southern camps by 4×4 during part of the year, but generally, access is via fly-in.
Both camps, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests each in six tents, operate under the same name, Wilderness Usawa Serengeti.
As the set-up is completely mobile, no permanent fixtures are left behind when the camp moves, leaving a light footprint on the Earth. The camps are solar-powered, with rechargeable lights and charging stations in the rooms, as well as Wi-Fi and hot water. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti welcomes children aged 6 and older, though children under 16 must share a room with an adult. The camp must be booked for sole use to accept children younger than 6.
The camp is situated within the park’s walking zones, enabling it to offer guided walks as well as game drives, bird watching and stargazing.
Sanctuary Tambare, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The private villa at Sanctuary Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy has opened. Whether embarking on a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Sanctuary Tambarare’s private villa is the ultimate destination. Contemporary style meets characterful interiors in the villa’s two ensuite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor lounge and dining area, bar, private deck and boma.
Sanctuary Tambarare is located in a secluded spot in the wildlife rich 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy where the Big Five roam including the last two northern white rhino. With an abundance of wildlife on the camp’s doorstep, Sanctuary Tambarare delivers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity. The sophisticated free-flowing space contains two bedrooms, each fully ensuite and decorated in a boutique meets-bush design. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling cinematic views of the landscape from the super king beds.
Simbavati Grumeti, Tanzania
Simbavati Grumeti is nestled on the open plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, within Tanzania’s exciting northern safari circuit has opened in July 2023. Expect an immersive and awe-inspiring experience in a wilderness dominated by huge gatherings of wildlife.
These plains are also home to massive herds of wildebeest, which gather during their annual migration and traverse between the north and south of the Serengeti National Park. Buffalo, giraffe, lion, and other wildlife are also often seen from your tent and the lodge. Caters equally to both couples and families with special appeal for each. Twelve luxury safari tents have a king-sized bed (which can be converted to twin), en-suite bathroom with outdoor showers, ample storage space, a viewing deck and views over the plains. Includes Two family tents that have a king-sized bed (which can be converted to twin), a second bedroom with twin beds, en-suite bathroom with outdoor showers, ample storage space, a viewing deck and views over the plains.
OTHER SIMBAVATI NEWS:
Simbavati Migration Camp, follows the wildebeest migration around the Serengeti. It moves its prime location twice a year, seasonally, positioning itself best for river crossing sightings during the Great Migration and the wildebeest birthing period later in the year. We look forward to the camp’s opening in August 2023. Simbavati Serengeti Hills and Simbavati Tarangire will complete the circuit, opening in 2024.
Melia Ngorongoro Lodge, Tanzania
Meliá Hotels International has recently unveiled its latest addition in Tanzania – the luxury Ngorongoro Lodge – marking the company’s fourth property in the country. The lodge joins Gran Melia Arusha, amidst the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro peaks, and Meliá Zanzibar and Meliá Serengeti Lodge. Ngorongoro Lodge features 52 rooms, each with views of the Ngorongoro crater. Twenty-four suites have been designed as versatile family accommodations, offering private terraces and lounge areas. Drawing inspiration from Maasai traditions, the lodge’s interiors are adorned with artworks and bespoke furnishings crafted by local artisans and craftsmen. Facilities include three restaurants and bars, a fitness gym, a refreshing swimming pool, and a spa.
Molori Mashuma, Mana Pools Zimbabwe
Rora Private Collection has opened a new tented camp, Molori Mashuma – the latest addition to its portfolio – in Zimbabwe’s World Heritage Site, Mana Pools. The camp’s six tented suites include two family suites that can each accommodate up to four adults. The tents are raised on wooden platforms and have see-through fronts for optimum game viewing. Standard tents include an en-suite bathroom with shower, bath, and outside shower, lounge area, outdoor deck, air conditioning and fan. The family tents feature two bedrooms, a lounge area, an outdoor deck, an en-suite bathroom, a shower and bath, an outdoor shower, and a private plunge pool, among other amenities. Activities include game drives and walking safaris, with plans to add more options from next year. Molori Mashuma is a seasonal camp, operational between April and October for both high and low seasons, and will remain closed for the rest of the year. The camp is on Mashuma Pan, a 45-minute drive from the Zambezi, within the Mana Pools National Park. Visitors can fly in to the Mana Pools airstrip, from where they will be transferred to the camp.
Sandcastle Villa, South Africa
A sanctuary unto itself, Sandcastle is situated on 275 hectares of private game reserve as well as enjoying 2km of private beachfront. Approximately 45 minutes south of East London, Sandcastle is situated along the malaria-free Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape.
With its mild and sunny climate, it is the perfect year-round destination. Located in the former Ciskei, Sandcastle Villa is steeped in history and sits in the most rural part of the Eastern Cape. Many of South Africa’s freedom fighters came from this area with Nelson Mandela being born just east of East London in a village called Mvezo and Steve Biko’s grave found in King William’s Town.
There is plenty to do at Sandcastle, from kayaking and hiking adventures to surfing and fishing along the shoreline. Or indulge yourself and enjoy a massage on our lookout deck as you enjoy the sounds of the 250 bird species we have at Sandcastle.
Sandcastle sits beautifully in an itinerary where guests visit Cape Town to wine and dine, then visit Sandcastle for some rest and revitalisation before moving onto a big 5 safari between 90 minutes and 2 hours away in one of the Eastern Cape’s fabulous reserves. If you’re looking to fly in privately, Sandcastle has a grass runway that can accommodate light aircraft.
- Sandcastle sleeps a maximum of 8 guests in 4 en-suite bedrooms
- Private and exclusive use at Sandcastle Luxury Villa
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Guided walks and kayaking
- Use of snorkeling and fishing equipment
- Laundry service
Soroi Larsens Camp, Kenya
Soroi Larsens Camp in Samburu opened their doors on 1 July 2023.
Located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, this oasis of luxury and wilderness pays homage to explorer Eric Larsen. Our eco-conscious camp embodies the spirit of adventure, blending intimate luxury with sustainability.
The 10 opulent tents, 2 family units, and 2 deluxe suites offer private terraces with a serene river view. The Deluxe suites raise the bar with living spaces, personal butlers, outdoor showers, and star beds.
At Soroi Larsens Camp, you can participate in various activities, including game drives, bird walks, sundowners, swimming, Bush Dinners, and bush walks. These activities enhance your safari experience, allowing you to engage with the environment in many ways.
Samburu National Reserve is home to a range of fantastic wildlife, including the reticulated giraffe, the rare Grevy’s zebra, the Gerenuk antelope, Somali ostriches, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, eland, oryx, impala, dik dik, waterbuck, and a variety of birds. The camp’s location offers a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat, often from the comfort of your tent or while dining alfresco.
Serondella Safari Lodge
Serondella Safari Lodge – Family Focused lodge in Thornybush
Nestled in a private concession in the north-east sector of the renowned Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and overlooking an active waterhole, the lodge’s position within the Greater Kruger National Park is simply perfect for an unforgettable safari experience.
Serondella can accommodate up to 11 guests. All ages are welcome and children of 5 years and younger are accommodated free of charge.
New Activity from Serondella:
Take to the skies and look down on the untamed treetops in this once-in-a-lifetime experience as you fly in a helicopter from the Greater Kruger into the Blyde Canyon.
- Option 1: Blyde River Canyon scenic and game viewing flight – 1 hour
- Option 2: Blyde River Canyon scenic and game viewing flight with landing and sparkling wine – 1 hour
Max 3 guests can partake in the activity at a time.
