The Serengeti National Park is the quintessential safari destination of East Africa. It is best known for unrivaled sightings of the “big five” as well as being one of only two locations on the planet that hosts the massive wildebeest migration taking place each year. It’s one of the continent’s most popular destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. What makes it even more exciting is that there really is no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation on safari. From bare as bones camps to the luxury of a five-star lodge and even the increasingly popular glamping experience, the Serengeti caters to different tastes and budgets.
What is Glamping?
Short for glamorous camping, glamping is simply a form of camping in which accommodation and facilities are more in line with what you would expect from a luxury hotel or lodge. It is a unique mix of outdoor ruggedness with high-end luxury that is fast becoming the most popular way to stay while on a safari tour. With glamping, you’re still out in the elements and still sleeping every night under canvas, but instead of pitching a tent with a sleeping bag, you’re afforded luxuries such as a hot shower, a proper bed, and in some cases, even gourmet cuisine.
Serengeti Glamping
In Africa, glamping sites are typically known as ‘tented lodges’, all of which range from the relatively basic camps to more elaborate locations across the parks and reserves. In the Serengeti, however, glamping takes on a whole new level, helping visitors experience the wonders of the wild and enjoy the creature comforts that you want to treat yourself to while you’re on vacation. The park is home to some unique activities that add a new dimension to how you spend your time in the wild.
For instance, did you know that you could book a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti? Game drives and nature walks are both key aspects of a safari adventure, but there’s nothing quite like rising with the sun and gently bobbing through the clouds as you look down on some of the most amazing landscapes the world has to offer. The ride usually lasts about an hour or so, but it promises to be one of the most thrilling times of your life. When you touch down on land, you will be welcomed with a champagne toast before heading to another part of the bush for an amazing breakfast.
The Great Migration is another event that takes glamping in the Serengeti to new heights. This spectacle sees millions of lumbering wildebeest, zebras and gazelles traverse the endless plains of the Serengeti all the way to the Masai Mara reserve in neighboring Kenya. If your travel period falls from July to August, you’ll be able to schedule a hot air balloon ride to witness the event from a bird’s eye perspective. From January to late February, you can witness the beautiful calving season where hundreds of thousands of wildebeests are born every day. Another amazing aspect of this event is that you can follow the migration in a mobile tented camp. Talk about taking your glamping experience up a notch and embark on your own migration across the Serengeti. It is an experience never to forget.
Every creature comfort comes standard on a Serengeti glamping adventure. After your safari activities for the day, settle into a nice spot overlooking the wild with a cold beer or champagne flute in hand. Sundowners in the Serengeti as out of this world as the mystical African sunset bathes the entire horizon in a vivid mix of gold, red, orange, and other mesmerizing colors. After that, retire to your tented camp where indulging baths, plush king-size beds, and fluffy towels await. The doting friendly staff is also on hand to customize the experience for you, while you can enjoy some great on-site facilities like internet, private verandas, and even spas.
The thrill of sleeping under the stars with no fences or bodyguards and the only thing between you and the wild is unlike any other feeling. But it is definitely worth it. If you’re too much of a creature comforts traveler to want to deal with sleeping bags and nowhere to charge your camera, tented lodges and the glamping experience are perfect for you. Want to give it a go? Simply get in touch with us today to discuss your ideal glamping plans and we will work with you to make sure it is an experience you keep forever.
