There are both permanent lodges as well as mobile camps in a range of prices depending on your budget. While mobile camps are all tents, there are many where luxury is not compromised, in fact many people would describe it as “glamping”.
We stayed in South Central Serengeti at the Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp for its incredible location, about an hour drive from the Seronera airstrip. This camp arranged for exclusive use of a Safari vehicle with a driver/guide who picked us up from the airstrip and was with us for the entire three days.
The camp consisted of twelve-tents, spread out in a way as to afford maximum privacy. The tents, with canvas-covered floor and throw carpets, are furnished with king-size beds and en-suites including a flushing toilet, vanity basin, and hot showers. It was pretty incredible to open the front of the tent in the morning and step out right on to the plains of the Serengeti.
The camp had a dining tent serving breakfast, lunch and candle-lit dinners, although we usually had lunch in the bush provided by the camp, so you don’t have to break up your day by returning to camp if you don’t want to. One of the most magical experiences is having a picnic on the Serengeti plains with nobody in sight for miles and miles, just you, nature, and the dramatic views of the Serengeti plains that drift endlessly into the horizon.
We really can’t say enough of how much we appreciated the entire staff for their friendliness and constant attention to our needs which made our stay with them that much more unforgettable. We were also very grateful for the Maasai tribe member who walked us to our tent each night and to breakfast in the dark hours of the early morning, given the real threat posed by the wildlife in the area. We’ll also never forget falling asleep to the male lion’s hauntingly low rumbling roars just metres from our tent as he wondered through our camp and to claim his territory.
