Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp

Aerial View of the Camp Photo #1 of 7 Scenically located in a glade, known as 'the place of the klipspringer' (mbuzi mawe), and guarded by three million year-old granite towers, this luxury tented-camp is unique. Photo copyright Serena Hotels.

Overview

Cleverly located on one of the main annual migration corridors for over one million wildebeest, half a million zebras and gazelles, and their accompanying cast of predators it is also located at the very epicentre of one of the world's most famous national parks.

The camp is located in Western Serengeti, 335 kms from Arusha.
By road: transfers by road from Arusha take approximately 8-10 hours.
By air: the camp is adjacent to both the Seronera and Lobo airstrips and a 'meet and greet' and transfer service is offered.

The sixteen large custom-made canvas tents are widely spaced throughout the rocky glades of the camp. Reached by winding stone paths, each tent stands on a stone platform and has its own thatched roof. Opening off the spacious bedroom, is a tented bathroom, which features twin basins, shower and flushed WC. The main bedroom area features two queen-sized four-poster beds, each with all encompassing mosquito nets.
There is also a seating area with stylish lamps and easy chairs. On the spacious private terrace are both safari chairs and sun loungers.

One of the most magically memorable of the Serengeti experiences, a balloon safari allows you to drift in silence above the splendour of the plains, to dip down to visit the hippo pools of the Grumeti River, and to enjoy a bird's eye view of the wildlife theatre as it is enacted below you.

Awakened by an early-morning cup of tea (around 5.30 am) you will be driven to the balloon take-off point, where you will meet your fully-qualified balloon pilot and watch as the team inflates the vast rainbow-coloured balloon. As dawn breaks, the balloon slowly rights itself, the guests are helped into the wicker basket (a typical balloon carries around 8 passengers and is equipped with seats and safety belts), the sandbags are cast off, and the balloon rises majestically into the cool of the morning air.

Driven by the wind, and guided by jets of hot air from the gas-burners (which allow it to rise or fall according to the pilot's direction), the balloon will fly for a period of around 45 minutes (trailed by a team of ground vehicles). Eventually, it descends to a gentle controlled-landing on the plains. To celebrate, the ground crew offer the guests a glass of chilled champagne, while the pilot prepares their personal 'flight certificates'. Later, everyone sits down to a full English breakfast, which is traditionally cooked on the burners of the balloon. After breakfast, guests can enjoy a leisurely game drive back to the camp.

One of the classic safari highlights, the bush breakfast is an experience not to be missed. Typically, guests are awakened by a very early morning cup of tea; they then set off on a game drive, which is timed to offer the very best chance of spotting 'The Big Five'.

Setting off ahead of the guests, our hospitality team will arrive at the chosen breakfast spot in time to set up table, chairs, campfire and 'bush kitchen'. Upon arrival, the guests are typically met with a glass of chilled sparkling wine and fresh-pressed orange juice. They can then sit down to enjoy a uniquely scenic full English breakfast. Meanwhile, our chef will cook their choice of sausage, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and toast. After breakfast, there's another game drive back to the lodge.

An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks whilst watching the sun go down dates back to the time of the great safaris of the 1920's, all of which featured the serving of elegant 'bush' cocktails against the unforgettable backdrop of the African sunset.