The Serengeti
AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp sits in a remote corner of the mighty Serengeti, right on the banks of a bywater of the Grumeti River.
As dawn breaks over the Serengeti, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in the company of your guide - if the Great Migration is passing through the area, your guide will catch up with it and attempt to catch the hundreds upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they bravely cross the Grumeti River, risking the jaws of some of Africa's largest crocodiles.
Even if the Migration is not in the area, the Grumeti region has excellent resident game. The area is particularly rich in predators, and massive lion prides and extensive clans of hyena numbering up to a hundred are frequently spotted. The river also attracts large herds of buffalo and elephant, while the open plains are the ideal habitat for cheetah. Riverside drives are bound to spot the massive crocodiles that the Grumeti River is renowned for, while birders will be amazed by the number of endemic species found here. The thickets near the camp are home to colobus monkeys, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the Serengeti, and this area also plays host to a far lesser known migration, which sees large numbers of topi antelope move across the plains.
After lunch back at the lodge, head off again in search of the wildlife in the cooler late afternoon. The herds head out to drink before settling down for the night, while the predators are warming up for the night's hunting.
The camp sits among tall evergreen trees right at the water's edge. The 10 flamboyant safari tents are a blaze of colour inside, with quirky touches and tongue-in-cheek surprises. Al fresco showers are open to the sun and stars, while the calls of hippo provide a nightly serenade. There is also one family unit that can accommodate 2 adults and 3 children, consisting of 2 luxury tents that are connected by an enclosed walkway made of wood and canvas.
The main guest areas consist of a colourful open-fronted sitting and dining area and domed bar, all adorned with Yoruba beaded artefacts. Traditional jikos (fires) and outdoor ovens produce mouth watering aromas and dinner under a billion stars. The spacious decks are perfect for sundowners overlooking the river, and romantic private dinners at the swimming pool can be arranged for any special occasion.
