Latest news with #Serengeti
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Forbes
The Changing Landscape Of Safaris In Tanzania
Safaris allow travelers to get close-up encounters with a variety of animals. getty A safari in Tanzania offers a front-row seat to one of the most amazing wildlife encounters in the world. With a plethora of game—including lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffe and zebra—the country delivers a blend of adventure and jaw-dropping beauty. Every moment on safari here feels like a live-action documentary. Elewana Collection, a brand of boutique lodges, camps and hotels, recently opened the Serengeti Explorer, the first lodge of the new Explorer by Elewana collection. Located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti Explorer is nestled high up on the Nyaboro Hills, with views that stretch for miles across the surrounding plains. The hide is an ideal spot for photographers to get some action shots of animals drinking from the watering hole. Elewana The property is home to the Serengeti's first ever on-site hide. The appeal of that is that people can view wildlife without travelling. Accessed through an underground tunnel from the lodge, the hide allows people to witness nature at play as animals visit the nearby watering hole throughout the day and night. Serengeti Explorer Elewana 'We created sanctuaries in the wild that offer a host of contextual experiences, rather than your traditional safari experience,' says Alina Haq, Director of Marketing and Communications at Elewana. She explains that what makes Elewana unique is that each property is different. 'We don't have a cookie cutter approach, they're all in very specific locations for very unique reasons. Each property has its own personality and delivers its own set of unique experiences.' When it comes to targeting a specific type of traveler, Haq notes that the idea with Explorer by Elewana collection is to be accessible to a broader audience. 'We've got the hide, we've got the photo studio, so it's a perfect place for photographers, but at the same time, the property works for multi-generational families, for first time safari goers, and for those who prefer a concrete structure, as opposed to a canvas one.' The property is hoping to attract a range of photographers, both novice and seasoned, to the property due to its hide. 'If you want to learn about photography, you have the opportunity to do that—we have the equipment and lessons for people to really explore their talent.' The property will have an editing studio, travelers can rent out photo equipment, and the property also has photo lessons by in-house experts. 'I don't know of any other properties that are doing this,' says Haq. She notes that they are paving the way to something new in the safari space. 'I would definitely say it's one of a kind.' While there's currently only one Explorer property, there are two more in the works. 'One of the reasons we created the Explorer brand is because we saw a gap in the safari market,' says Haq. 'There are budget properties and ultra high-end, but the market is missing the in-between.' Explorer serves to fill in that gap. 'What's interesting is safari, for many people, is one of those bucket list holidays,' says Haq. People intend to come just once, but there's something about being on safari that's more than just a holiday. For many, it's life changing so people end up coming over and over again. 'I think we're going to be seeing past Elewana guests coming through Explorer,' says Haq. At the same time Haq notes that Explorer is attracting a completely new audience as well. Other properties in the Elewana portfolio Arusha Coffee Lodge Elewana The name Elewana is Swahili for harmony and understanding and it's that brand ethos that resonates across their properties. At Arusha Coffee Lodge, often a stop at either the beginning or end of a Tanzania safari, 30 plantation houses dot the on-site coffee fields. A luxurious and relaxing lodge, one of the the most popular areas of the property is the Shanga workshop. Shanga Elewana Shanga is the Swahili word for beads and the Shanga program is a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities. 'We have more than 60 employees and most of them have disabilities—including those with hearing, speech and physical challenges,' says Obadiah, a guide who gives daily tours of Shanga to tourists. 'We give them support, because a lot of people with disabilities have a hard time finding a job.' Obadiah explains that Shanga teaches employees different skills—like glass blowing, painting and beading. The art objects that are created are then sold in the Arusha Coffee Lodge gift shop and the money goes back to the enterprise. 'Shanga is a self-sustained project,' says Obadiah. 'We don't have government support.' The products made at Shanga are very eco-friendly. For example, they make shopping bags from recycled newspapers and dream catchers from recycled glass. The glass-blowing team collects bottles from businesses and schools. The furnace for melting the glass is powered by recycled engine oil. Serengeti Pioneer Camp Elewana For a tented camp experience, the Serengeti Pioneer Camp, located in south central Serengeti within the Moru Kopjes is an intimate safari experience with only twelve accommodations. Each tent has its own private en-suite facilities including a flush toilet, vanity basin, and shower. The tent interiors are designed to paying homage to the mobile camps of the 1930's. Rhino tracking safaris are available. Elewana 'The location is what sets this property apart from other safari camps,' says Remsi Sungwa, General Manager at Serengeti Pioneer Camp. 'Not only are the views amazing, but you can't see any other camps.' Sungwa points out that since the camp is located in the Moru Rhino Conservations area, there's a good chance travelers will get to see these magnificent animals. 'Even people that are just relaxing at camp, enjoying a drink, they will look through the telescope and they might stumble upon a rhino walking around.' During the great migration people can see hundreds and hundreds of wildebeest. Sungwa notes that on game drives in other parts of the Serengeti, you might see a bunch of vehicles around one animal sighting, like a lion. 'Here, around the Moru area, it pretty much feels like a private game area—with lots to see and few other vehicles around to share the experience.' The landscape, a combination of kopjes and plains, also make for stellar sunrises and sunsets. 'You see the pink, the orange, the red, all the colors light up the sky, it's really an amazing experience,' says Sungwa. It's not uncommon to see lions, elephants, giraffes and other wildlife walking along the plains at dawn and dusk.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
How to plan a trip to see Africa's Great Migration
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To a soundtrack of thundering hooves and panicked brays, wildebeest plunge into the muddy Mara River, churning the water as sly crocodiles snap from below and lions prowl the banks. It's a scene of raw, pulse-quickening drama — nature at its most primal, played out beneath vast African skies. But this isn't just a spectacle, it's part of Africa's Great Migration, a world-renowned wildlife phenomenon where more than a million wildebeest, along with countless zebras and gazelles, follow the rains across Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara in a relentless quest for greener pastures. And it's not just predators drawn to the chaos, with the migration pulling in travellers from across the globe. But with growing attention comes growing responsibility, and sustainable travel is playing an ever more crucial role in protecting this extraordinary event. Here's everything you need to know before you go. While the dramatic crossings of the Mara River might be the most iconic scenes, the Great Migration is far more expansive. Every year, vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse the Greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem — a sweeping landscape of around 444 square miles. Guided by a mix of instinct, survival and the rhythms of the rains, the animals follow a circular route in constant pursuit of fresh grazing. Estimates of their combined numbers vary, ranging from one to two million, but one thing is certain: witnessing this epic journey in motion is an unforgettable experience for any wildlife lover. Wildebeest can sniff out rainfall and the promise of fresh grasses from miles away. Though climate change is making weather patterns less predictable, the ancient route of their odyssey remains unchanged. The migration typically begins in the southern Serengeti and neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, where the rains transform the plains into a maternity ward for the herds. February offers a different perspective on the migration, with some 500,000 calves born in just a few weeks. Predators, of course, are never far behind, waiting for easy pickings among the wobbly newborns. From April, the herds begin their journey north, moving through the Moru Kopjes — dotted with striking granite outcrops — and into the Seronera region, the heart of the Serengeti. By June, they reach the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River, before pushing on towards Kenya's Maasai Mara between July and August. But before they can enjoy its lush pastures, they must brave the treacherous crossings of the Mara River, sometimes more than once, as they respond to scattered rains. Once in the Mara, the herds disperse across the reserve, from the Mara Triangle to the Musiara and Sekenani sectors and spill into surrounding conservancies. By October, as the grasses begin to wither, the journey turns south once more. The wildebeest cross back into Tanzania, reaching eastern Serengeti, then gradually drift towards the southern plains, ready to calve again in the new year, continuing their eternal cycle of migration. If you're hoping to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara — especially during peak season, from June to October — it's essential to plan well in advance. Lodges and camps often book up a year or more in advance and safari vehicles can jostle for space along the riverbanks as travellers vie for the best vantage points. While it's possible to travel independently, organising a migration safari can make the experience far easier. There are many options available, and the process can be complex and expensive, so it's well worth enlisting the help of a responsible, specialist Africa tour operator. These experts can tailor your itinerary, arrange bush flights or 4x4 transfers and match you with the best camps and lodges for your budget. Recommended operators include Yellow Zebra, Expert Africa, Mahlatini, Far & Wild Travel and Wild Paths, and for family safaris, Coral Tree Travel. Direct flights from London to Kenya are available with Kenya Airways to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. For Tanzania, fly via Nairobi or Addis Ababa (with Ethiopian Airlines) and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a responsible and rewarding safari experience. Where possible, avoid large, budget international hotels in favour of boutique lodges or intimate camps that prioritise sustainability. Many of these properties actively support local communities and conservation efforts, while offering exceptional safari experiences. In Tanzania, consider options such as Wayo Africa and Wilderness Usawa, which operate mobile safari camps that follow the migration and provide access to private wilderness areas that are ideal for walking safaris. Asilia Africa is another leader in sustainable tourism, pioneering camps in previously undeveloped areas, including Sayari in northern Serengeti, Namiri Plains in the east and Dunia in Seronera, which proudly employs Tanzania's only all-female team. In the Maasai Mara, staying within community-owned conservancies neighbouring the reserve offers both exclusivity and a deeper connection to the land and its people. Local communities combine their land parcels to host a limited number of high-end camps, generating income through lease fees, conservancy levies and employment, while restoring vital wildlife habitat. Though prices may be higher, guests benefit from fewer crowds and exclusive activities such as night drives, walking safaris and full-day game drives to the iconic river crossings. Operators like Kicheche, Porini and Asilia Africa have played pivotal roles in establishing these conservancies and maintaining genuinely beneficial relationships with local communities. Choose wisely: It's becoming easier to identify truly sustainable operators, especially those who publish detailed impact reports or transparent newsletters. However, some may still offer only lip service to sustainability claims. Always check reviews carefully and ask questions if their commitments seem vague. Stay longer: Traditional safaris often involve early starts, bumpy drives and frequent moves between camps, sometimes requiring eco-unfriendly bush flights. Consider a 'slow' safari instead, staying in one camp for an extended period. This approach benefits the environment, supports local economies and allows you to unwind and deepen your connection with the natural world. Leave the vehicle behind: Many camps offer walking safaris, providing an intimate way to discover smaller wildlife, insects and birds away from the crowds. For a unique perspective, try a hot-air balloon safari — there's nothing quite like drifting above the migration at dawn. Or simply take a day off to relax at camp, watching wildlife from the comfort of the pool. Meet the locals: While some village visits can feel like awkward tourist traps, camps with genuine community ties offer meaningful encounters. These experiences allow you to learn about local cultures and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the people who call this land kind to wildlife: Avoid contributing to chaotic vehicle scrambles around sightings or river crossings. Wildlife should never be distressed or disturbed for our entertainment. Respectful viewing ensures these animals remain wild and free. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
You Can Have a Front-row Seat for the Great Migration From This Newly Reimagined Lodge in Tanzania
Singita Serengeti House, a four-suite private-use villa in Tanzania's Grumeti Reserve, reopened in April after an extensive renovation. The interiors were inspired by its serene setting in the Serengeti and showcase African art, a neutral color palette, and natural textures, such as linen, clay, grass, and cane. Guests can book custom itineraries, guided game drives, and wine experiences through Singita's in-house travel service. Singita Serengeti House, a private-use villa in Tanzania's Grumeti Reserve, has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. The four-suite home is located on—and entirely inspired by—the golden plains of the Serengeti, offering guests a complete immersion in one of the world's most extraordinary places. 'We wanted the Serengeti to come into the house and almost claim it,' said Georgie Pennington, Singita's group creative director. The design team drew inspiration from the surrounding setting and incorporated a color palette of neutrals, along with natural materials and textures, such as linen, clay, grass, and cane. Throughout the house, African artwork takes center stage. Almost all of the furnishings and art pieces were sourced from the continent, creating a showcase of local talent that includes: woven murals from artisans of WomenCraft; large-scale beadwork inspired by aerial views of villages by Tanzania's Sidai Designs; and Dunia Design recycled plastic installations that echo the phases of the moon. Even the mosquito nets were custom-designed by Cape Town's Beagle & Basset to mirror the geometric patterns of the stone walls. Of the villa's four suites (each with its own bathroom, outdoor shower, and private terrace), two are in the main house and two are freestanding cottages. The shared interior spaces include a kitchen, living areas, a media room, and a wellness suite. Outside, guests have access to the house's tennis court, an 82-foot infinity swimming pool overlooking the savannah, and decks with daybeds and canvas umbrellas for lounging during the day and stargazing at night. Singita Serengeti House can accommodate up to eight guests, and children are welcome. Families with kids can dive into the Mini Rangers Course, where young explorers learn about animals and astronomy. Singita's in-house travel service can create personalized itineraries that could feature game drives at dawn and dusk, showcasing the Grumeti region's incredible wildlife—from the Big Five to rare Colobus monkeys—with expert guides to bring the landscape to life through stories and tracking expertise. And beyond wildlife encounters, guests can enjoy yoga sessions, participate in wine experiences, and visit neighboring communities. Dine al fresco and under the stars. Singita Serengeti House Perhaps most notably, the Great Migration runs right through the area, typically visible between May and July, creating front-row seats to one of nature's most spectacular events. Nightly rates at Singita Serengeti House start from $11,815, and you can book your stay at
Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Wilderness Usawa Serengeti adds new camp sites
Wilderness Usawa Serengeti expands with new mobile camps in Grumeti and Lamai, enhancing guest access to the Great Migration experience. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti announce the expansion of its acclaimed luxury mobile tented camp operations, strategically situated to align with the movement of the Great Migration across the Serengeti. As peak safari season approaches, Usawa – Kiswahili for 'balance' – will introduce two new locations to its mobile circuit: Grumeti in the Western Corridor and Lamai in the Northern Hills. These additions further reflect Wilderness' commitment to providing guests access to the Great Migration and enhancing their chances of witnessing one of Africa's most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles. Since July 2023, Wilderness Tanzania has focused on placing its camps in proximity to the migratory herds across the Serengeti, offering exceptional flexibility by setting up in areas that have historically hosted large wildlife concentrations during specific seasons. As part of its 2025 expansion, the tented camps will be positioned in two new locations – Grumeti and Lamai – selected through a careful study of animal movements, seasonal conditions, and long-term migration trends. These placements are intended to improve the likelihood of guests being close to the migration while preserving the hallmark adaptability of the Usawa experience. Grumeti, set in the Western Corridor, is characterised by the meandering Grumeti River and a mosaic of woodlands, riverine forests and plains. This area plays a crucial role as a gathering point for the million-strong herd between May and July, with a year-round presence of wildebeest and dramatic predator-prey interactions. Lamai, situated north of the Mara River, remains one of the Serengeti's most untouched regions. From mid-July, vast herds typically pass through during the rutting season, while the escarpment's streams provide shelter for lion prides and leopards. With fewer camps than the well-known Kogatende area, Lamai offers a more secluded migration experience, far from the crowds. 'While we can obviously take guests to the renowned river crossings, the Great Migration is much more than this singular spectacle. The Ndabaka Plains, located north of the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor, are a significant gathering point between May and July, with large herds frequently moving through the area. Unlike other regions of the Serengeti, the Western Corridor supports a resident wildebeest population, ensuring consistent wildlife activity throughout the year. This area is also home to thriving lion populations, elephant herds and other iconic species, making it an excellent safari destination even outside of peak migration months', said Jean du Plessis, Wilderness Tanzania Managing Director. Though wildlife activity intensifies during the migration season, the Grumeti and Lamai areas remain remarkably unspoiled and serene year-round. With very few seasonal camps and low tourist traffic, guests can experience the raw beauty and stillness of the Serengeti in a truly immersive way. 'Just like the herd, we adapt. This flexibility ensures our guests are well positioned to enjoy extraordinary wildlife moments – whether it's the thunderous river crossings of the Western Corridor or the tranquil remoteness of Lamai. It's a rare balance of raw wilderness and refined comfort. True to our guiding ethos, our camps are entirely mobile, leaving no permanent trace on the land. With a minimal footprint, fully solar-powered infrastructure, Wi-Fi and continuous hot water, the camp offers a sophisticated soul safari in the heart of the wild', continued Jean. With the addition of these new locations, Wilderness Usawa reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional safari experiences that bring guests as close as possible to the magic of the migration – wherever and whenever nature allows.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Unlock 7-star safari lodge service: How to deliver world-class hospitality that wows every guest?
In today's competitive luxury travel market, guests expect more than just a beautiful location – they want an unforgettable, ultra-personalised experience. For safari lodge operators, this means raising the bar to seven-star service standards – where every detail is curated, and every staff member is empowered to exceed expectations. Whether your lodge is nestled in the Kruger bushveld, the Zambian plains, or the Serengeti, this guide shows you exactly how to achieve world-class guest service and how Sam Hospitality can help your team become seven-star service ambassadors. What exactly is seven-star safari lodge service? It's not just about luxury – it's about: - Personalised attention to every guest - Flawless communication and etiquette from all staff - Anticipating guest needs before they even ask - Delivering magical, memory-making moments throughout the guest journey. It's about creating an environment where your guests feel like the only people on Earth who matter. Why staff training is the foundation of exceptional guest experience Your staff are your front line. They make or break your lodge's reputation. No matter how luxurious your property is, it's the human interactions that guests will remember most. That's why Sam Hospitality's onsite training programmes are designed specifically for luxury safari lodges. We don't offer generic content – we train your team on your property, using your facilities, with your guests in mind. What's included in our seven-star safari lodge staff training? Our powerful, hands-on training covers: - Front of house excellence - Butler and host service - Fine dining and beverage service - Housekeeping precision and turndown rituals - Upselling techniques and guest personalisation - Emotional intelligence and communication - Cultural sensitivity and international guest handling - Guest complaint handling and service recovery Each session is crafted to align your team with the world's highest hospitality standards. Trusted by Africa's finest luxury lodges High-end safari lodges choose Sam Hospitality because we deliver real results. Our client list includes some of the most exclusive names in the industry: - Thornybush Game Lodge - Etali Safari Lodge - Thanda Safari - Foxes Safari Camps (Tanzania) - Many more across South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Kenya Our name is synonymous with professionalism, discretion, and transformation. Why on-site training works best When we train on site, your staff immediately apply what they learn in their real work environment. This accelerates transformation and ensures that: - Training is customised to your lodge's style and guest demographic - Teams gain confidence and consistency - You see a noticeable uplift in guest feedback, ratings, and return bookings This is your competitive advantage In a saturated market, service quality is what sets you apart. When your staff master seven-star service, your lodge becomes: - More profitable - More referral-driven - More reputation-proof against negative reviews Book your lodge's seven-star training experience Ready to raise your service standards to luxury safari lodge excellence? Reach out today to secure your customised on-site training experience at training@ | call/WhatsApp: +27 82 765 9238 | Your guests deserve the best. Your team deserves the right training. Your lodge deserves five-star reviews. Partner with Sam Hospitality – Africa's trusted luxury lodge training experts. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
