Tucked away in the serene western reaches of the Serengeti, Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge embodies the very essence of Elspeth Huxley’s quote: a place untouched and teeming with life. Here, mornings begin with a symphony of birdsong and playful monkeys, a prelude to unforgettable game drives across the golden plains. As day fades, the grunts of hippos by the lodge’s lake lull you to sleep, punctuated by the occasional, thrilling roar of a lion – a perfect harmony described by Huxley. This luxurious lodge offers a traditional safari experience, reaching its peak during the awe-inspiring Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra brave the crocodile-infested Grumeti River in a spectacle of nature.
Inside Park
40
10
En-suite bathrooms
Not allowed
Non-Smocking Rooms
Imagine waking up in one of Grumeti Serengeti’s 10 luxurious tented suites, nestled along a riverine forest. Each suite boasts captivating views of a hippo-filled oxbow lake and features beautiful décor in calming African pastels. Unwind in your en suite bathroom or take a refreshing outdoor shower. Stay connected with Wi-Fi or simply relax on your commodious veranda. Gather for meals on the expansive deck, overlooking the ever-active Grumeti River. As night falls, traditional jikos, or fire pits, cast a warm glow. Breathe in the cool African air, the scent of wilderness filling your senses, and experience the same contentment Ernest Hemingway described – a feeling of pure joy under the vast African sky.
Grumeti Serengeti occupies a prime location within the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem, a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Often and rightfully dubbed the “earthly capital of free-ranging wildlife,” this vast landscape offers an unparalleled safari experience. Imagine venturing into riverine forests teeming with life, or traversing the seemingly endless plains dotted with unique kopjes – each a microcosm of its ecosystem. Prepare to be awestruck, much like Herman Melville on his Pacific voyage, where he felt overwhelmed by the wonders of the natural world. Lions, hyenas, elephants, and giraffes are just a few of the over 55 large mammals you might encounter. The skies come alive with over 500 bird species, and during the Great Migration, the sheer volume of wildlife on the move creates a spectacle unlike any other.
The Serengeti in Tanzania is widely regarded as the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts, evoking the Africa that Hemingway imagined when he wrote, “I loved this country and I felt at home; and where a man feels at home, outside of where he’s born, is where he’s meant to go.”
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti captures this essence perfectly, providing an unmatched experience amidst the plains, rocky outcrops, and the rich diversity of wildlife. Located in the southern, slightly more arid part of the sprawling Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem, roughly the size of New Hampshire, the Serengeti is often seen as the quintessential African safari location. Its vast expanses, seemingly endless skies, golden landscapes, and ancient serenity enchant visitors. As Elspeth Huxley noted, one might observe a “graceful giraffe, like a tiger lily bending elegantly in the wind,” highlighting the park’s majestic scale and delicate moments of beauty.
Before Namiri Plains existed, these vast grasslands in Tanzania were closed off to visitors for over 20 years to help the cheetah population recover. This was a hugely successful conservation effort, and today, the area is home to healthy populations of elephants, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals.
Namiri Plains is now a remote and much-loved camp that offers an excellent base for a safari. The camp’s design is beautiful, with graceful tented roofs, luxurious outdoor tubs, and a deep-blue pool overlooking the endless Serengeti landscape.
Located by the Ngare Nanyuki River, the camp offers plenty of ways to relax. You can spend a sultry afternoon by the pool, indulge at the spa, or find a good book in the library, which is filled with fascinating materials about big cats and conservation.
We highly recommend enjoying a cocktail on your private deck and watching the incredible cloud formations that only the Serengeti sky can produce. Completely refurbished in 2019, Namiri Plains runs entirely on solar power, although after each breathtaking sunset, you’ll find that the stars alone are enough to light up your night.