Kleins
Kleins gets our 5 paw rating due to the sheer quality of this camp, the guiding and the game-viewing. Located outside the reserve, but with good resident game, the lodge also offers walking and night driving. But Kleins comes into its own when the Migration passes around it; if you can coincide your stay here with the Migration, there are few places in Africa that beat it. |
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Sabora Plains Tented Camp
Sabora gets 5 paws because this camp epitomises everything that the Serengeti is so famous for; rolling plains to the horizon, beautiful remote atmosphere and superb accommodation. We have yet to decide which is better, Faru Faru or Sabora... but the location is superb and, ultimately, the main reason for the rating. |
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Faru Faru River Lodge
Faru Faru gets 5 paws solely due to the camp raising the standards for supremely fine safari accommodation in Africa. Arguably the camp is over-luxurious, but for those of us who like a bit of extra finesse, it earns its rating with aplomb. With a superb pool and communal area, we love Faru as a camp, but prefer Sabora's location. |
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Sasakwa
Do we give Sasakwa 5 paws? We continue to debate it. There is no doubt that this lodge is seriously good, but the price is seriously high. Therefore due to the lodge not offering excellent value we have opted to give Sasakwa to 4 paws. But the views, the rooms and the food are notching up to 5. |
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Migration Camp
The camp has received our 4 paw, 'very good' rating due to its location and camp style. With a great pool and good access to remote areas, the lodge is certainly one of the Serengeti's best and is one of the best when the Great Migration herds pass through. |
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Nomad Tented Camp
With some of the best guides, private vehicles and great camp positions in the Serengeti, Nomads are at the forefront of mobile safaris in this region. However, with a slightly rustic feel, it does not suit everyone, and duly receives 4 paws. A fantastic option if you want to see the herds in adventurous style! |
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Olakira Camp
Olakira gets 4 paws due to its value, if nothing else! Many would argue that Olakira is one of the best mobile camps. At approximately $200pppn more, Nomads would be our choice, as they include a private safari, but Olakira can certainly bring an itinerary cost down and still offer a top quality trip. |
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Sayari Camp
Of the same ilk as other mobile tented camps, the Sayari Camps (Sayari South and Sayari Mara), are perfect for those wanting to track the Migration. Probably deserving of a 5 paw rating, the only drawback we note is that they safari vehicles are shared, detracting from the private atmosphere. Other than this, the camps are beautifully finished and ideally located. |
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Ndutu
If Ndutu were more luxurious, we would consider giving it a better rating. There is no doubt that this camp is the best place to see the migration from January through to early March, and it is rare to find such a good value, charismatic lodge. However, the rooms are somewhat basic with a utilitarian style, earning Ndutu just 4 paws. |
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Lemala Serengeti Camp
A stunning mobile camp that moves between the southern plains and the northern Lamai Wedge areas of the Serengeti. Although the camp had a few teething problems in its first year, we have now upgraded it from 3 paw rating to 4. Great value at $600pppn, with probably the most luxurious tents of all the mobile outfits. |
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Grumeti
Grumeti has great potential, and really should be a No.1 seasonal favourite for migration followers. This camp has a seriously good location but is just simply not up to the standard of CCAfrica's other Tanzania lodges and therefore over the years we have downgraded Grumeti to 3 paws…a good lodge which should be brilliant... but sadly falls short. |
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CCA Serengeti Under Canvas
There has been debate whether this camp should be given 4 paws. However, due to a lack of private safari and the fact that it costs far more than similar mobile safaris (see Nomads and Sayari) means that 3 paws is right…but, again, it has potential for 4 paws once CCAfrica have the product (and locations) nailed down. |
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Nomad Nduara
Nduara is set over to the east of the Serengeti. While the camp is beautifully designed, we give it a relatively middling rating due to the apparent confusion as to its focus. Set in a community concession, it offers walking and night driving but, due to the communities, there is limited wildlife in the area.
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Suyan Camp
Suyan receives 3 stars for the same reason that Nomads Nduara gets 3 stars…..the resident game here is just not good enough! A good camp but in an average game viewing area. |
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Kusini Tented Camp
Kusini is owned and operated by Abercrombie & Kent (Sanctuary Lodges) and so has a good standard of presentation in camp. Very good for Migration viewing around the beginning of the year, it struggles for the rest…A good camp but poor game out of season. |
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Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuzi Mawa very nearly got only 2 paws but the fact that this camp actually offers good value for money means that we have raised it to a 3 paw rating. But it is a close call…..and certainly not our favourite tented camp. |
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Mbalageti Lodge
There are so few lodges in the Western corridor that any lodge there earns some merit for location alone; this is a seriously good area for wildlife viewing. Mbalageti itself is a little too large to receive top marks but is still a great lodge with a reasonable price and great views. |
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Serengeti Serena
This hotel is arguably the best of the Serena hotel chain. Be under no misconception, this is not a luxurious option. The Serena's are 4* hotels that offer a good price and a good base for safaris in a good location. Too large to get our 4 paw rating... but a very good option for quality, good value wildlife-watching throughout the year. |
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Kirawira Camp
Another lodge in the Western Corridor that deserves a good rating solely due to its location… However the price of Kirawira is remarkably high, and, considering the Serengeti's best mobile camps are roughly the same price, Kirawira is over priced and cannot escape its position as the smartest incarnation of a large hotel chain (Serena). |
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Sopa
The Serengeti Sopa is the last hotel in the Serengeti any of us would like to stay in. in all fairness, the views are utterly beautiful but this is a hotel showcasing mass tourism at its tackiest…..we shudder at the thought! |
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- Outstanding
- Very good
- Good
- Average
