Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras gather on the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to begin their remarkable pilgrimage towards greener grazing lands. Following the rains, they trek north towards Kenya’s Masai Mara before about-turning and heading south again.
Sanctuary Retreats ‘ lodges are located in the most extraordinary natural locations. You will stay in small-scale luxury safari camps, each with its own charm and authenticity. The philosophy of Sanctuary Retreats is that nature and luxury go together in perfect harmony. With your stay, you contribute to conservation and responsible tourism by working with local communities.
The service at the lodge is of excellent quality. Contemporary African atmospheres are combined with luxury for the ultimate boutique experience. Enjoy mouth-watering food under the stars, spot wildlife in their natural habitat on a game drive and relax with your favourite drink during a Sun downer, all in phenomenal locations. You will remember your stay for a long time.
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp
This extraordinary escape invites guests to intimately experience the movement of a million-plus wildebeest and zebra as they follow the fresh grasses across the Serengeti plains during the annual migration cycle.
Stay in remarkable luxury tents which can be packed up and moved along in a style yet with all the modern comforts. Handcrafted luggage, easy chairs with an air of mid-century modern and characterful cabinets and desks have all been designed to be perfectly portable. This considered modern collection of first-class furniture brings the charm of centuries-ago safari living bang up to date.
The famous migration of the Serengeti is one of the many reasons visitor’s flocks to Africa on an annual basis. Stay at Kichakani Serengeti Camp and follow the herds as they stampede off in search of succulent, sweet grasses during the annual migration cycle.
The locations vary and are selected based on a number of factors, with the major factor being the natural migration path of these adored ungulates. With so many species littering the plains, it’s inevitable that the marauding predators would come out to play. You will witness some of the greatest take-downs in history, and ogle over slender cheetah prowling the plains. It’s an absolute spectacle of wildlife, and the Kichakani team ensures that camps are set up in the most wildlife-rich pockets of the region.
The 10 tents in total are furnished in a classic Out of Africa distinctive style. Tents have their own wooden deck, a perfect place to kick back and relax with a freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee. Bathrooms are all en-suite and come complete with bucket showers – an experience not to be missed! Your own private tent butler will top up your bucket shower with warm water, as and when you please.
If you’re not in the privacy of your authentic tent, you are at the central canopied area housing a main tent that flows gently into a relaxation lounge and dining area. The tent is kitted-out with plush furnishings – the types of sofas that swallow you and cocoon you with opulent comfort.
There’s a small bar area where you can order your craft gin and tonic – a drink that’s a must while on safari. Golden hour is also a much-celebrated time of day on safari, and your welcoming hosts will be sure to whisk you away to a pocket of paradise to celebrate the end of day.
Their food deserves special mention. A mesh of traditional flavours mixed with modern flair combine to make the perfect African inspired on-trend dish. Coconut beans, chilli from neighbouring Zanzibar, and the typical Tanzanian salsa called kachumbari are just a few of the things to try while on your African safari.
Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional luxury safari lodge set on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara.
With 14 glass-sided suites, Sanctuary Olonana is inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting. Game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, Sun downers, scenic flights and balloon rides, Olonana makes for a wonderful African safari.
Set on lush grounds beside the Mara River, this upscale game reserve is 6 km from the Oloololo Gate of the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, and 8 km from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip.
Relaxed safari-inspired permanent tents offer mosquito nets, wood furnishings and en suite bathrooms. All feature verandas with river views.
Free perks include airport shuttle service, refined open-air meals and drinks, plus game drives, nature walks and Maasai village tours. There’s a fire pit, an outdoor pool, and an airy, modern restaurant with traditional mud walls and a fireplace. A deck and a spa overlook the river. Children’s activities are offered.
It is the idyllic location to experience a classic and authentic African safari. This luxury safari camp is an exclusive hideaway complete with library, swimming pool, and the freedom to enjoy a three-course dinner deep in the bush or on the private river-view terrace of one of the 14 luxurious canvas pavilions.
The main dining room and decking command views over a dramatic stretch of the river. There is also a mini-spa offering luxurious treatments. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives; a Maasai village visit and nature walks.
The tents are connected to the main areas by neat paved paths. The standard units are roomy enough for families, and spaced sufficiently far apart to ensure ample privacy – ideal for couples!
Each boast two four-poster beds with floor-to-ceiling mosquito nets, plus bedside tables, lounge furniture, a writing desk and chair, and a private veranda with river views.
The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins and shower – and the honeymoon suites feature outdoor showers too! The Geoffrey Kent suite is accessed by a private road.
But if you really want to see everything, jump on board a plane or hot air balloon and visit legendary Lake Victoria or watch the wildebeest migration from the air.
The Mara’s rich ecosystem of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers attracts a spectacular array of wildlife. Game viewing is excellent all year round in the Mara. It is famed for its Big Cats, as well as the remainder of the Big Five. The famous wildebeest migration is one of the natural wonders of the animal kingdom and is traditionally present in the Mara from around July through September.
