Mara Singita

Doing safari in a new way

By Daniel Scheffler

Luxury safari has changed; it is no longer just a “White Mischief” fantasy of colonialist decadence but much more about the need for  conservation. For long enough African safari travel has been associated with  high volumes of travelers, watching animals and staying in out-of-place opulent accommodation. But the critical need to preserve animal life, fauna and flora has altered the course of safari travel. The African journey is about bringing about an understanding to travelers that it is not just the rhino that needs attention but all of the continent’s wildlife andnatural landscapes. 

A conservation and ecotourism brand firmly behind the preservation of Africa is Singita, founded by South African Luke Bailes, who believes that “conservation is Singita’s most important cause”. He says Singita, with its 100-year conservation purpose and 15 award winning lodges  takes guests on a spiritual, emotional and physical quest that fundamentally changes them when  they connect with nature.  

Designed by interior designers Cécile and Boyd’s, these two luxurious properties enjoy absolute privacy in a 350,000 acre private concession in the Serengeti, in Tanzania. 

- Singita Mara River Tented Camp

Situated in the Lamai Triangle of the Serengeti in the northern part of the park, the tented camp rolls open onto the river and brings nature inside with its  contemporary East African chic design. The camp accommodates 16 guests in 6 luxury tents and has been designed to be off the grid as an attempt to tread lightly yet maintaining an utmost luxurious experience. For instance the living spaces are filled with natural light and solar power is used if electricity is needed and air-conditioning is replaced by a common river breeze and fans.

Key species to spot

The annual wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River at various points and the camp’s location provides excellent opportunities to view the crossings. As the Lamai triangle forms part of the Mara ecosystem, guests will experience year-round concentrations of resident plains game, big cats, elephant and  crocodile and hippo in the Mara River.

- Singita Serengeti House 

Designed as an exclusive-use retreat for families and friends the property boasts complete privacy for discerning guests. Accommodating 8 people in 2 suites in the main house and 2 guests suites flanking the main house the property dazzles with pared down interiors and private pools, tennis courts and gardens. 

Guests set the pace of their own safari any way they wish, with a dedicated chef, butler, private game vehicle with experienced Field Guide catering to their every need.

Key species to spot

During a stay at Serengeti House, spotting a great variety of wildlife, including cheetah, bearded wildebeest, bat eared fox, black rhino, Maasai giraffe, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard is highly likely.

Rates include breakfast, lunch, dinner and all drinks (excluding French Champagne), daily game drives , airstrip  transfers and laundry services. 

How to get there

, The open skies and vast landscape makes travelling to Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania worth the while. 

- SAA (www.flysaa.com) has two flights a day from OR Tambo to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. KLM (www.KLM.com) has two flights daily from Schiphol airport outside Amsterdam to Nairobi. 

- Precision Air (https://www.precisionairtz.com/) has 4-5 daily flights from Nairobi to Mount Kilimanjaro/Arusha. From here Singita will organize a Grumeti Air charter flight to fly into the reserve, close to the lodge.

Best time to go 

East Africa is equatorial so the climate is fairly constant and it is a year-round destination. Tanzania has a light rain season from November to March. This period is known as the ‘short rains’, often no more than a quick downpour each day, followed by clear sunshine. From December to March the weather becomes increasingly warmer with the ‘long rains’ occurring between April and May.

Take advantage of more affordable Green Season rates (16 Jan-31 May and 1 Nov – 19 Dec) or one of Singita’s long-stay promotions. 

Health Requirements

Singita Mara River Tented Camp and Serengeti House are in malarial area so it is essential to consider taking appropriate prophylactics. Yellow fever is present in Tanzania and inoculations are compulsory prior to entering East Africa (travel with your Yellow Fever certificate). The recommendation is to consult a doctor/physician before travelling.

Seasonal Temperatures

Spring (Sept - Nov) 20°C - 30°C 

Summer (Dec - Feb) 23°C - 31°C 

Autumn (March - May) 22°C - 31°C 

Winter (June - Aug) 18°C - 29°C

Singita Grumeti, in Tanzania, was recently ranked No. 8 on the coveted list of The Top 100 Hotels in the World, as well as the No.3 spot in The Top 10 Safari Lodges in Africacategory.These sustainable properties seem to represent a new way of thinking about safari accommodation, a way that considers the environment, the surrounding communitiesand the soul. For more on Singita, http://www.singita.com/.