Wilderness opens its first camp in the Serengeti

Wilderness Tanzania is thrilled to announce the opening of its first luxury mobile tented camp operation, which follows Serengeti National Park’s legendary Great Migration. Wilderness Usawa Serengeti will move with the herd as the animals travel throughout the year across the length and breadth of the national park, with two camps set up in various key locations on the migration route.

 

 

“Usawa means ‘balance’ in Swahili, and our vision for Wilderness Usawa Serengeti is to offer the perfect balance between the action and drama of the migration, and the quieter, more remote areas where the camps will be set up.  Guests will feel completely immersed in the unfiltered nature experience, whether witnessing herds of migrating wildebeest or enjoying a quiet bush picnic and sundowners afterwards”, noted Jean du Plessis, Wilderness Tanzania MD.

 

Importantly, Wilderness’ camp locations are ideally situated within the Serengeti’s designated walking zones, allowing guided walks to begin directly from camp. Exceptionally knowledgeable and expertly trained, the guides shape truly memorable Serengeti guest experiences. In addition, game drives, birding and stargazing are available from camp.

 

 

The camp has been thoughtfully designed to be easily mobile without compromising on comfort, with a range of innovative design solutions such as furniture items that double up as handy packing tools for when the camp changes location.  The design was a collaboration with Luxury Frontiers and Charlotte Berney Design, who incorporated locally designed and manufactured furniture, sourced directly from the carpenters and artisans themselves, thereby having a positive impact on the local economy in Arusha, and showcasing the craftsmanship of the suppliers. This concept extended to décor items such as rugs, handwoven blankets and tapestries, which were also made in Arusha, using local materials, hand-dyed yarns and recycled waste.

 

Even the tall stretch tents that have been used in the camp were manufactured in Arusha, and have been specifically designed to offer guests a 280-degree view over the surrounding plains.  The roof extensions create wide shaded areas outside the tent, giving a feeling of space and privacy and allowing for relaxation and reflection.

 

The intimate camp accommodates just 12 guests in six en-suite safari tents. As the set-up is solar powered and completely mobile, no permanent fixtures are left behind when the camp moves, leaving a light footprint on the Earth. Wilderness is also proud to note that through formal training programmes for children, and by educating and upskilling the community, it empowers local residents to reduce their reliance on poaching, snaring and cutting down trees. By working with the authorities and other local partners, Wilderness strives to help protect the phenomenal natural areas of Serengeti National Park.

 

 

The Wilderness Usawa Serengeti experience promises unforgettable safari moments, including sightings of mega herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, eland and more than 500 species of birds.

 

“We are proud and excited to have already welcomed our first guests to Wilderness Usawa Serengeti. Forty years ago, Wilderness began operations as a mobile safari company, and it is fitting to have come full circle by launching mobile camps in the Serengeti as we celebrate 40 years of conservation tourism”, concluded Jean.