Bernie Van Der Linde 
-
Bernie Van Der Linde
- August 7, 2023
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Don't follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
If you’re an intrepid traveller looking for a rare adventure or a pleasure seeker searching for a splurge-worthy destination, look no further than Singita Mara River Tented Camp. Tanzania is home to the most spectacular phenomenon, the Great Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti. Nowhere in Africa will you experience such an enticing combination of action-packed safari and down-to-earth sophistication.
Witness millions of wildebeests and zebras embarking on an extraordinary journey through the breathtaking Serengeti’s Masai Mara ecosystem in search of food and water. Be prepared to be captivated by northern Tanzania’s vivid beauty and untouched wilderness. Experience becoming one with nature and the raw beauty of Singita Mara River Tented Camp.
Where is Singita Mara River Tented Camp located?
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a permanent camp in northern Tanzania, bordering the Masia Mara National Reserve in the remote Lamai triangle of the Serengeti. The Camp is ideally positioned on the migratory route and a River bend.
The northern Seregenti is the most saught-after location in Africa. This is one of the world-famous river crossings of millions of wildebeest in crocodile-infested waters that take place while lions and other predators wait on the other side.
Experience the greatest spectacle on earth at Singita Mara River Tented Camp!
Singita Mara River Tented Camp recently underwent a dramatic redesign to incorporate Masai culture and traditional colours, which embrace uncluttered, defined spaces to blend with nature. The new olive green and earthy-brown appearance captivates guests with a sense of being one with the environment.
The natural Masai tones blend harmoniously with the canvas, stone, and raw leather to complement the art pieces of African designers. The camp offers an escape from everyday life to a sanctuary immersed in soothing, pristine wilderness, inviting pure relaxation and calm. Mara’s nomadic-style tents combine graceful elegance with unparallel comfort but ensure nothing is pretentious.
Besides offering impeccable service and warm hospitality, the camp promises a romantic and rejuvenating experience that will leave you revived. The main lodge area boasts a pool sala where guests can enjoy al-fresco dining. Their signature bar-deli provides fresh and healthy snacks for those peckish moments. To ensure guests experience new African flavours, the chefs will treat guests to culinary delights inspired by East African traditions.
What makes Singita Mara River Tented Camp unique?
- Singita Mara River Tented Camp overlooks a spectacular riverbed in the Lamai Triangle, close to the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration. The camp is set in 98 000 acres of untouched wilderness, ensuring access to the world’s most prized and private game viewing opportunities.
- The camp promotes sustainable tourism, relies entirely on a custom-designed solar system, and uses recycled and natural materials where possible.
- Expert advice, support, and guidance from Singita’s professionally trained staff, whether you’re experiencing Serengeti’s Great Migration from a hot-air balloon, the bushveld on foot, or life-changing encounters with Rwanda’s gorillas in the mist.
- Personalised itineraries that meet individual interests.
- Tailored services that focus on detail, personalised attention and building lasting relationships with guests.
- The unfenced lodge and boma provide a true African dinner experience.
- Design and décor sourced in Africa. This new concept’s major focus was celebrating Mara’s context and location– both natural and cultural – and the vibrant elements all emphasise its sense of place. The design team enlisted African studios to create playful, custom-made, and skilfully crafted pieces. You can read more about this by clicking here.
- The local Tanzanian management team.
What is the accommodation like at Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
The river-facing tents at Mara River camp are kitted with a king or twin-size bed with canopy and soft linen, an indoor and outdoor shower, and large porcelain soaking tub with a viewing section in the screen wall to observe the abundant wildlife.
The tents also have magnificent private viewing decks. All tents have standing fans, a cooler box, a tea and coffee station, and a safe for valuables. Guests can enjoy early morning birdsong from their private viewing decks while sipping freshly brewed tea or coffee. All tents have a writing desk.
The camp can accommodate 16 guests in four spacious one-bedroom tents with en-suite bathrooms and two-family tents for two adults and two children. The tents exuberate the signature glamour expected from Singita with their combined relaxed chic and African, organic minimalism.
What to expect from Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
- Singita Mara has skillfully designed the lounge and dining area to blend seamlessly with the outdoors and to gain uninterrupted views of the Mara River and Lami plains.
- Experience an ‘of-the-gird’ camp within the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti.
- A fabulous plunge pool at the main camp to relax during the day’s heat.
- Tents with private viewing decks to enjoy wildlife rambling past the camp.
- Complementary Wi-Fi, although the signal may be weak and intermittent due to the camp’s remoteness.
- International power plug points are available.
- Al Fresco bathtub with panoramic nature views. Indoor and outdoor shower with eco-friendly amenities made in Africa.
- Children aged ten and above are welcome at Singita Mara River Tented Camp
- A Mini Rangers Course for young aspiring ‘game rangers’ comprises activities that teach youngsters how to track animals, bush survival techniques, a bird and tree spotting competition and astronomy. Other activities for children include cooking interactions, board games, stargazing, arts and crafts, and swimming.
- Spacious living areas spread out on the decks overlooking the Mara River with panoramic views.
- Singita is recognised as one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, with an extensive cellar showcasing sought-after private reserves, exclusive releases, limited single vineyards, and rare auction wines.
- Each tent has a gym-in-a-bag and a yoga mat with a suggested exercise plan to guide guests through a relaxing session. Guests can also book a Vinyasa and Yin yoga session with a trained practitioner (subject to availability); and wellness treatments
What activities and experiences are on offer at Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
- Twice daily game drives with qualified game trackers and field guides. A maximum of six guests are permitted on the safari vehicles. Singita Mara River Tented Camp is ideally located for watching the migrating animals crossing the river.
- Game-viewing vehicles are adapted to traverse all types of terrain safely.
- The African wilderness is the ultimate setting for a pampering session. After the excitement of a morning game drive, guests can enjoy a signature treatment. (each therapy is customised to guests’ preferences).
- The best wildlife photographic opportunities: Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned photographer, there is no better place to practice your skill than in the Serengeti. Guests can live out their passion as there will be no shortage of subject matter on safari or even at camp.
- Please note that children participate in game drive activities at the guide’s discretion.
A typical day on safari at Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Guests are treated to once-in-a-lifetime, twice-daily (early morning and late afternoon) game drives with expertly trained game rangers and trackers. This is when wildlife is most active, particularly the predators such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs.
A day in the camp usually starts with an early morning wake-up call (unless you wish to sleep in). Guests can enjoy a ‘light breakfast’ before departure. A full breakfast is usually served upon their return.
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the pool and bar area, or unwind with a much-deserved massage. Guests’ private lookout decks are ideal for gazing at the game-filled plains.
Lunchtime is another opportunity to enjoy the East African influences on the delicious cuisine.
After lunch, there is time to enjoy a siesta. Wake up late afternoon for some afternoon tea or coffee to refuel before departure for the afternoon/evening game drive.
Guests are treated to sundowners in the bush veld overlooking the Serengeti plains along the route.
Guests return to camp in time for dinner in the boma under the African sky.
When is the best time to go to Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
- East Africa is equatorial; therefore, you can enjoy this camp year-round with excellent game-viewing opportunities.
- From November to March, Tanzania receives short rain (quick) showers followed by beautiful clear skies. Moreover, the calving season spans from January to March. February is the only time of the year the migrating herds are where they are expected to be in Ndutu. During other times of the year, the migration is fairly unpredictable.
- From December to March, the weather becomes warmer, with long (more enduring) rain between April and May. The herds start moving north to the central and west Serengeti, where they eventually cross the Mara River. The best months for the migration is July to November.
- The most active tourism season is between July and August to witness the wildebeest migration herds in the northern Serengeti (although it can still be seen until October).
- January and February and then again September and October are less crowded and thus great months to travel.
- January and February are great because it is just before the long rains start in March. This is an excellent time for bird watchers as migratory birds are in the region, and photographic conditions are perfect.
- March to April camp is closed due to long rains.
- May to June is a good time to visit Singita Mara Camp because it is just before the peak season. This is when the wildebeest start migrating to the north.
- July to September is the peak season for travellers to witness the herds gathering around the Mara River, which they must cross to reach Kenya’s Masai Mara. The river crossing takes place throughout this period. The dry season provides good conditions for game viewing opportunities.
- Once the masses of migrating herds have moved on to the southern Serengeti in December, guests can enjoy the privacy of fewer tourists and fewer safari vehicles at sightings. This is usually the period that intrepid travellers like to visit to have the vast plains to themselves. During this time, plenty of Big 5 wildlife is still around, including many predators such as lions and leopards. Bird watchers can spot some of the European migrant birds as they arrive during this season.
- Note: rain does not affect game drives. Guests will be provided with waterproof ponchos.
- Good to know: The camp is closed during the long rain period in March and April.
Best features of Singita Mara Tented Camp
- 4 Spacious, stylishly furnished one-bedroom tents
- 2 Spacious, stylishly furnished family tents
- En-suite Al Fresco Bathrooms
- 1 indoor and 1 outdoor shower (each tent)
- Flushing toiltets
- Private Viewing Decks
- Splash pool with Serengeti views
- In-room Safe
- River facing tents
- Promotes sustainable tourism through cutting-edge energy saving technology,
- Best photographic opportunities to capture jaw-dropping moments
- Safari bar and deli with Serengeti Views
- Twice daily game drives with expertly trained game rangers and trackers
- Guides are expertly trained to position safari vehicles to enable guests to witness once-in-a lifetime sightings
PRO TIP
The camp is small and very popular. Therefore, book early to avoid disappointment.
Remember the migration is fluid and unpredictable. Ensure you book enough days at a camp to get the full experience.
How to get to Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
- Although driving to Lamai is possible, Singita strongly recommends flying into the camp for a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience.
Flying to Singita Mara River Tented Camp:
- Singita can arrange scheduled flights or private charters for your trip.
- All flights land at Serengeti Lamai airstrip. On arrival, guests are met by a Singita staff member and driven to Mara River Tented Camp (45 min).
- For checked baggage on scheduled flights, luggage weight is restricted to 15kg (33lb). Only soft-sided luggage is permitted.
- Kilimanjaro to Singita: approximately 1 hr 45 minutes (via Sasakwa airstrip)
- Arusha to Singita: approximately 1 hr 30 minutes (via Sasakwa airstrip)
For more information about Grumeti air click HERE
Air access: Source: Singita’s website https://singita.com/lodge/singita-mara-river-tented-camp/information/
Grumeti Air makes it quicker, easier, and safer than ever for Singita’s guests to connect seamlessly to one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas. The airline allows the renowned Singita experience to commence as soon as your journey across Tanzania begins, putting you in the hands of our expert team from start to finish. Added benefits for those travelling with our partner airline include the convenience and time-saving Grumeti Air offers. With daily direct flights from Arusha to Singita Sasakwa via Kilimanjaro, guests don’t experience the usual delay of stopping off at other airstrips. The uninterrupted journey to Singita’s 350,000-acre concession in Grumeti from Tanzania’s main travel hubs means less time in the air and more time enjoying the expansive plains of the Serengeti. For guests travelling further north to Singita Mara River Tented Camp, it’s just a scenic, 15-minute hop to the spectacular Lamai Triangle from there. The Grumeti Air fleet comprises two turboprop Cessna Grand Caravans, each carrying up to 12 passengers and flown by a team of two highly qualified and experienced pilots. With 30,000 hours of flying time under the belts of our captains and their co-pilots and impeccable safety records throughout, every aspect of the journey to and from your Singita safari can be enjoyed in complete comfort. Every flight also comes with the warm, personalised service that Singita is known for, making you feel right at home as you take to the skies.
How to make a booking for Singita Mara River Tented Camp?
Singita Mara Tented Camp’s Staff will cater for all your needs and make you feel at home.
Please get in touch with their reservations team in Cape Town, South Africa, for booking enquiries.
Contact details: +27 (0) 21 683 3424
Email: reservations@singita.com or enquiries@singita.com
Visit their website for bookings and more information.
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To view their RATES click HERE
Photo credit: All photos supplied by Singita, Emma Jackson
