Usawa Serengeti

In northern Tanzania, the Serengeti spans 15,000 square kilometres (1.5 million hectares) on the border of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, over two million wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and other plains game make a nearly one-thousand kilometre round trip, following the rains in search of fertile grazing and water. Grassy plains stretch as far as the eye can see, interrupted by the occasional acacia tree or kopje, a favoured vantage point of the Serengeti lions. The Serengeti supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with terrain ranging from the crater highlands, sloping down to the low areas around the eastern shores of Lake Victoria. The Mara and Grumeti rivers flow through the reserve, treacherous points of crossing Game viewing in the Serengeti is unparalleled. The volume of wildlife is unmatched anywhere in Africa. Predators are abundant too, with prides of lion, hyenas, crocodiles and cheetah thriving on the sheer volume of available prey. Calving season peaks in February, when between 300,000 and 400,000 wildebeest are born, immediately joining the herds on their journey.

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti offers an exceptional, up-close migration experience. At any given time, two camps will be set up in closest proximity to the herds, ensuring guests the best possible location to experience the migration.

Guests have the option to enjoy early morning game drives, with hot coffee and breakfast on the rocky kopjes, and afternoon game drives and sundowners for golden light photography. For the really enthusiastic guest, full-day drives – with a packed picnic lunch so as not to miss any of the action – can also be arranged, before returning to camp at sunset for an evening around the fire.

All nine of Wilderness Usawa Serengeti’s sites are ideally situated within the Serengeti’s designated walking areas, which allows guided walks to begin right from camp. Skip a morning drive and walk the plains with our highly trained Wilderness guide, who is exceptionally knowledgeable about the area. The guiding experience is layered; Wilderness guides curate the experience based on individual guest interest. Though the migratory animals are the highlight, the birding in the Serengeti is outstanding as well.  (wilderness)

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti is intimate, sleeping 12 guests in six tents. Though the camp moves several times throughout the year, no comfort or luxury is overlooked, and the set-up is complete with high-end touches and exceptional service. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti is a sustainable operation: solar-powered, locally sourced and built with an impressively light footprint that does not compromise the precious Serengeti environment.

The camp will be configured in whichever way is best for the environment, with a central dining area and social fire pit, and the rooms extending out on either side of that. At any given time, two camps are set up as close to the herds as possible. The first of these camps is opening in July and will accommodate 12 guests in six tents, and a second camp will be opening later in the year, accommodating an additional 12 guests in six tents.

Standard Twin/Double Tent

The in-tent experience draws on the out-of-camp environment: the golden grasses of the savannah. With 360° mesh-sided surrounds, guests are immersed in the wild landscape. With luxurious linens, view-facing beds and an en-suite bathroom, the camp celebrates the best of a tented experience with all the luxurious touches Wilderness guests are accustomed to.

The Serengeti is known for its phenomenal volume of wildlife: from plains game like impala, Grant’s gazelle, and giraffe, to the migratory wildebeest and zebra, in herds that reach two million. Beyond the migratory species, the Serengeti hosts exceptional diversity, home to 28 species of small and large predators and 29 species of herbivore; these include elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, and of course the legendary prides of lion. Crocodiles live in the rivers and prey on crossing animals, while hyenas and cheetah hunt in the plains. 

Game Drives

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti tailors game drives to suit the guest. Peaceful early-morning or afternoon drives during golden light for best photography opportunities, or all-day excursions with a packed picnic lunch for those who don’t want to miss a thing.

Guided Nature Walks

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti camps have a privileged position within designated walking areas of the Serengeti. This means walks can begin right from camp, under the supervision of experienced Wilderness guides.

Birding

Beyond the magnificent volume of game, the Serengeti is home to an impressive variety of birds.

Stargazing

While sitting around the campfire, appreciate the vastness and clarity of the Serengeti night sky.

For more information on Usawa, click HERE