andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

High-style, colonial camping

Mara, Tanzania

At a Glance

andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge sets itself apart with its spectacular location in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti on the banks of the Grumeti River. The camp offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the Serengeti. It's a place where the wonders of nature and the rich tapestry of Maasai culture seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable safari experience, making it a truly unique destination for those seeking to connect with the wild in style and comfort.

Indagare Loves

  • The decadent suites, which are a unique, showstopping and utmost example of luxury
  • The variety of activities, including game drives, hot air balloon rides and walking safaris
  • The incredible position on the Grumeti, which is prime for animal drama

Review

From the acclaimed outfitter andBeyond, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp distinguishes itself with its spectacular location. Set in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti, among a host of evergreens, the ten fabulous suites stud the banks of the Grumeti River. Not only does the area play permanent host to some of the Serengeti’s most unusual species—including troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys and gigantic Grumeti crocodiles, both exclusive to the region—but it also sits at the crossroads of one of the largest land migrations in the world. The Great Migration, as it is known, is an ongoing circular movement of over a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. It is arguably one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, both emboldening and humbling.

Much warmer and drier than the region of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Grumeti River Lodge offers a friendly level of service and high attention to fine detail. One of our members raved: “Coupled with the unbelievable beauty of the land and the sound of the hippos at night outside your tent, those details make for an amazing experience.”

In 2022, South African safari experts, Fox Browne and Jack Alexander, collaborated in renovating this beloved camp into a true luxury offering. Each of the 10 spacious tented suites and two larger family suites have soaring ceilings, light wood floors and canvas walls, allowing for an immersive connection with nature from the privacy of your room. Local craftsmanship shines throughout, with beds layered with soft linens and plush pillows, finely carved wooden nightstands, colorful throw pillows, woven grass baskets trimmed in leather, vintage map artwork and handmade clay lighting fixtures. Plus, the frolics of an ever-present family of hippos that live in the river in front of the camp are said to provide endless entertainment. (Tip: Children are welcome, but travel to Tanzania is recommended for those who are 8 years and older; further for safety’s sake, children are allowed on regular game-drives only by recommendation of the lodge manager.)

For meeting other guests, having sundowners over the river and hosting lantern-lit dinners al fresco, there are spacious dining decks, a lounge area, a pool, eclectic bar and dramatic open-air boma. Also noteworthy: the hot-air balloon experience offered at the camp is reputedly fantastic. On top of the twice-daily game drives run by the competent, expert staff (complete with sunrise and sundowner stops), floating above the Serengeti plains is another way to safari.

**Tip: **Request a private vehicle for maximum flexibility for your family. During the busy periods, if you are a group of four you may be paired up in a Rover with other guests but that means that your fates are tied. If you think that you may want a late start or early return home, it’s best to have your own vehicle and driver. Since there is a limited number available, you should request this option in advance.

Who Should Stay

Those seeking an intimate, safari experience with ultra-luxe accommodations and fabulous views, as well as personal service and attention

When To Go

Though there is excellent game viewing year-round, the best time to see the migration at this location is during its dry season, in June and July. Grumeti lies in the path of the massive movement; however, observing the real spectacle requires some time but reaps great rewards. "Definitely make the effort to drive out to find it,” a member who recently visited raves. “This could take a few hours, but it’s worth seeing the largest migration in the world as we know it, with hundreds of thousands of animals slowly moving west.”

Written by Melissa Biggs Bradley

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