The Bush Telegraph of Simbavati Grumeti Camp (Serengeti Grumeti)
16 April 2024
One of our valued staff travel experts – Kashief – recently visited the luxury lodge, Simbavati Grumeti Camp. He is pleased to provide his first hand experience of his overnight stay of this tented camp in Serengeti, Tanzania. Read more for travel inspiration in our latest Bush Telegraph series.
Location
The camp is situated a few hundred metres from the Grumeti River in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. It is a short 20 minute drive from the closest local airstrip. A transfer is provided with the professional lodge staff. This area is well known for its large pride of lions (sometimes up to 60 strong). Other reasons to stay in the Grumeti Game Reserve, is that it is a year round destination, offers the Big 5 and is in the migration corridor for the famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
Grumeti is a private concession with 138-000 hectares of land and is on the north-western border of Serengeti National Park. Here you will find hills, the Grumeti River and woodlands. The Grumeti river is a fantastic place to see hippos and elephants crossing. A lot of animals also come down to the river to drink water so you are guaranteed to have front row seats for fantastic game viewing.
Arrival
We were provided with welcome drinks and stretched our legs before the friendly staff provided a swift check in and escorted us to our en-suite tents.
After freshening up in our tents with a view, we made our way to the pool area. This is definitely a pool with a view and had ample comfortable sun loungers, which invited us to relax during the hot summer day. The pool overlooks the savannah and wilderness.
In the evening, we met at the lantern-lit boma for pre-dinner drinks and were joined by 2 members of a local Masaai tribe. They provided us with captivating stories, followed by a jumping lesson which is called “The Adamu” which is part of the Eunoto ceremony, where boys transition to men. The jumping also acts as a way for men to attract brides. The higher he jumps, the more of an eligible bachelor he is. We then made our way to the dining area where we had traditional local dishes.
Facilities
The main public areas were suitably impressive and adorned with elegant African decor and pays homage to Tanzania vibrancy. I found it to be so warm and inviting with lots of local patterns.
Activities
On day 2 as the African sun was rising over Tanzania, we embarked on an early morning game drive within the concession. During this 4×4 drive we saw buffalo, hyena and various other game species. We didn’t experience a walking safari, however this is included for our guests. I also recommend the bush breakfast with both continental and hot dishes for all dietary requirements.
There is an in-house spa that provides beauty treatments and massages that I suggest you pre-book. Especially for honeymooners, a traditional African couples massage would be a perfect accompaniment to your safari.
Afternoon game drives are also provided. There is nothing better than ending off a memorable Serengeti game drive with a sunset drink at a beautiful spot, during the sundowner tradition, yes this is iconic during a safari.
Night game drives are highly recommended as this gives you a different perspective and the chance to see animals that are seldom seen during the day time. These can include nocturnal birds, genets, porcupines, civets, aardvarks and various predators.
When I return I would like to experience a Serengeti hot air ballooning safari in this eco national park.
Accommodation
There are 12 elevated tents, of which 2 are suitable for families. My tent had a king-size bed with a romantic mosquito net draped over it and the room led out to an expansive private deck with an outdoor shower. The family tents have 2 separate bedrooms with views over the plains. If you want to still communicate with the outside world – wifi is available.
In the evening sit and relax on your terrace, as you enjoy the sounds of the African bush sipping on an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
Personal thoughts
Simbavati Grumeti Camp experience was absolutely amazing and I recommend this property to anyone travelling and be sure to spend nothing less than 3 nights in order to get the full experience. I loved that the camp was off the grid with solar power. Also the choice of an indoor and outdoor shower, especially during cooler weather an indoor shower is perfect. I loved the special touches for e.g. bathrobes and slippers that are provided for use.
The camp is suitable for all members of the family and with the family tents, this is the perfect location to connect and bond as a family.
African Safari Excellence provides the best safari package including Simbavati Grumeti Camp and Simbavati migration camp.
We would like to thank the fabulous team at Simbavati for making Kashief’s trip to Tanzania so special.
If you would like your client to experience the beauty of Simbavati Grumeti Camp in the Serengeti Wilderness then contact African Safari Excellence. Your DMC of choice.
