Simply Mara, Serengeti, Crater

Day 1 - 3

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, you will make your own way to the arrivals hall, where you will be welcomed by a member of our Brothers Safaris team.  A member from our Brothers Safaris team collect you from Jomo Kenyatla International Airport and drive you to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight from Wilson Airport .

The quintessential Masai Mara safari delivers many attractions and is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game as well as the two million animals that make up the Great Migration. Reawaken your soul during your 2 night stay at Bateleur Camp in a spacious Tent with ensuite bathroom with shower only and a private deck. Your stay includes accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, scheduled safari activities, return Kichwa Tembo airstrip transfers and laundry.

Included activities are Game Drives; Guided Walks; Night Game Drives; Bush Breakfast; Bush Dinner; Sundowner Cocktails.

Bateleur Camp

Set amongst the forest at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant Bateleur Camp.

Here, amidst the reserve’s astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the seasonal Great Wildebeest Migration, guests can have an unsurpassed wildlife experience. Guests can almost exclusively explore this area on a game drive or on foot, enjoying access to pristine outdoor dining locations.

Comprised of just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each and a family tent; each elegant tent, with its own private butler and housekeeper reflects the ambiance and glamour of Kenyan explorers of old. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and copper bathtubs juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, and crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas.

Refreshing lap pools in each camp provide cool comfort in between captivating game drives. Delectable cuisine is served in a memorable setting beneath the stars and bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners offer an unforgettable African experience. Adventures at Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris, community excursions, a well- equipped gym and wellness treatments in our massage sala.

Situated below the scenic location where the famous final scene of the movie Out of Africa was filmed, this romantic and totally private camp reflects the ambiance of Kenyan safaris of the ‘20s and ‘30s. The epitome of tented luxury,  Bateleur Camp comprises just two intimate camps of nine tented suites each, set among the forests on the edge of the Masai Mara. The tented suites boast an easy, classical elegance, with polished wooden floors and ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor stone-walled showers and a copper bathtub. Each tent has its own deck overlooking the vast game-filled plains of the Masai Mara and a personal butler ensures that every need is catered for. Beautifully handcrafted artefacts, fine antiques, leather buttoned Chesterfield sofas, books, crystal and candlelight adorn the comfortable sitting and dining areas, transporting guests back to the heyday of classical safari. Deep, refreshing swimming pools provide cool comfort. Delicious meals are served in memorable setting beneath the stars, followed by fireside port and cigars. Bush breakfasts and romantic sundowners on the edge of the Rift Valley offer an unforgettable African experience.
 

AT A GLANCE • Two intimate camps of 9 tented suites each (including 1 Family Tent) • Overhead fans • Private butler service • 2 Swimming pools (one for each camp), both with excellent views of the Mara • Large private verandas with comfortable chairs and a daybed in each suite.

Ensuite bathrooms comprising both indoor and outdoor showers as well as a ‘star bath’ which is weather protected but with sky-views from the bath-tub. • The Family Suite comprising a twin and double room with adjoining interior corridor and private guest area. • Gym with views of the Mara, massage sala and Safari Shop shared between the two camps • A ‘coffee bar by day, gin bar by night’ featuring a selection of Kenyan coffees and international gins

WHAT SETS US APART • ‘Out of Africa’ style luxury accommodation • Breath-taking views of the Masai Mara • At the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment, the rim of the Great Rift Valley • Seasonal views of the Great Migration, including river crossing • Wildebeest, Coke’s hartebeest, topi, large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, resident lion prides, cheetah and massive crocodiles in the Mara River • Situated in a private concession therefore able to do bush walks and night drives • Sensitive off-road driving practices allow for close interactions with the wildlife • A tranquil massage sala and well-equipped gym • A sparkling swimming pool in each camp – overlooking the Masai Mara • A Safari Shop that stocks a range of beautifully crafted souvenirs

Day 4 - 5

Tanzania is Africa’s visual masterpiece. It is a country of natural splendour, astounding wildlife, seductive beaches, charming ancient towns, archaeological sites and geological wonders.

Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, rises from lush, grassy plains and towers over the land. Its snow-capped peak is a sight to behold. Climbing Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easy and standing on the roof of Africa is a life-changing experience.

The ideal bush and beach destination, visitors can witness the mighty herds of the Great Migration thundering across the Serengeti plains and end their unforgettable safari with a serene beach holiday on Zanzibar, the intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic Spice Island.

Tanzania is Africa’s visual masterpiece. It is a country of natural splendour, astounding wildlife, seductive beaches, charming ancient towns, archaeological sites and geological wonders.

Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, rises from lush, grassy plains and towers over the land. Its snow-capped peak is a sight to behold. Climbing Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easy and standing on the roof of Africa is a life-changing experience.

The ideal bush and beach destination, visitors can witness the mighty herds of the Great Migration thundering across the Serengeti plains and end their unforgettable safari with a serene beach holiday on Zanzibar, the intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic Spice Island.

Famed for its vast open grasslands and exceptional wildlife sightings, Tanzania’s magnificent Serengeti National Park boasts 35 species of plains-dwelling game, as well as prolific birdlife. Perhaps most significantly, it is also site of part of the famed Great Migration, an annual movement of wildebeest and other herbivores across the Greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystems, considered one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world. Over two million animals participate in the Great Migration, with some 500 000 zebra moving ahead of and 200 000 Thomson’s gazelle coming behind the main players – one and a half million wildebeest. The wildebeest spend the wet season on the south-eastern plains of Tanzania, moving across to Kenya’s Masai Mara when the Serengeti experiences its dry season. The &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas camps attempt to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration, bringing guests as close as possible to the wildebeest action, as well as exploring magnificent resident game

The luxurious tented camps of Serengeti Under Canvas move around the park year-round, attempting to anticipate the movements of the Great Migration and exploring the remote and beautiful corners of the Serengeti with excellent resident game. Using only private campsites, these mobile camps are entirely intimate and exclusive, featuring spacious safari tents, each with a double bed, ensuite bathroom, separate w.c and al fresco bucket shower. Redolent of classic safari style, custom-made Indian rugs, crisp linens, sparkling crystal and polished brass lend flair to the simplicity of camping. The camp boasts spacious tents. With an additional two metres (almost seven feet) in length, each tent now features an indoor sitting area, thus giving guests more privacy. The day bed in the sitting area converts into a comfortable bed for a child. With additional lighting, double shower, storage chest, luggage racks and safety deposit boxes, these are by far the most luxurious tents in the Serengeti. Carefully planned according to the projected movements of the Great Migration, the camps aim to bring guests within comfortable driving distance of the herds. However, the wildebeest masses move with the rains, which may occur at a different time each year, so it is not always possible to accurately predict where they will be.

Expert guides will always try to place guests in the midst of the thronging wildebeest but, should the animals not appear when expected, the guides’ intimate knowledge of the ample resident game will ensure a rich game viewing experience.

ACTIVITIES Included • Twice daily or all-day game drives At an additional charge • Hot air ballooning available nearby almost year-round • Cultural visits to Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands when camps are located at Ndutu • Lake Victoria day trip when located in the Grumeti region of the park GUEST SAFETY The camps are not fenced off and we request that guests be extremely vigilant at all time. Guests must be accompanied by an &Beyond staff member when walking around the camp at night. ACCESS • There are scheduled flights into the Serengeti airstrip nearest to the current position of the camps (Seronera, Ndutu, Grumeti or Kogatende). • This is followed by a short drive to camp. 

AT A GLANCE • Two camps with 9 luxurious ensuite safari tents each (including a family tent) • Hot bucket showers and flush toilets • Private campsites • Unbeatable bush dinners • One family tent available in each camp WHAT SETS US A PART • Well thought out private campsites that attempt to put guests in the best game viewing regions • Campsites move five times a year, attempting to predict the movements of the Great Migration • Guests have to opportunity to enjoy a privately guided Great Migration experience • Our professionally trained guides are among the best in the industry • Some of East Africa’s most comfortable game viewing vehicles • Guests have the opportunity to customise their daily game viewing activities according to their interests • Exceptionally well trained camp staff renowned for their warm hospitality • Unusually large and spacious tents for the most luxurious under canvas experience in the Serengeti • Indoor sitting area with day bed allows parents to share with children • His and hers outdoor bucket showers • Crystal glassware

Day 6 - 7

Welcome to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world. Between the natural riches of the Crater spread out at its feet and the incredible architecture, it’s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy.

Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephant wander the forests, male lion stalk the grasslands and flamingo crowd the soda lakes.

Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque châteaux that transports you into one of the most famous African landscapes. An eclectic blend of teak panelling, Victorian furnishings and whimsical African touches creates a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself. In this place of dramatic contrasts, anything is possible and the natural luxury of the beautiful setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture.

Divided into three camps, 30 suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive experience. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas, with private butlers who provide warm, personal service. With ever-changing views as mists swirl over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking. Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at this lodge. Everything is chosen to delight the imagination and enhance the spectacular views of the magnificent surroundings.

Perched above cool, swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the sumptuous safari suites at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer breath-taking views. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud and stick manyatta, or homestead, this is without doubt one of the most spectacular lodges in Africa. Three separate and intimate camps totalling just 30 suites are reminiscent of a bygone era. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and ensuite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, while antiques, billowing raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements. Ensuite bathrooms with a dramatic centrepiece of red roses feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. Personal butler discretely cater for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing luxurious bubble baths. Frequently described as Maasai meets Versailles, each camp has its own guest sitting and dining areas, as well as viewing decks. The domed dining room, with its fireplace, crystal, silver and massive wooden platters, turns every meal into a special occasion.

AT A GLANCE • 3 intimate camps (one of 6 suites and two of 12 suites (one of these camps includes a family suite) • Fireplaces in each suite • Private butler service • Decadent dining rooms • Safari Shop

WHAT SETS US APART • Situated on the rim of the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater • Spectacular Crater views from everywhere in the suites, including the bathroom • Ornate architecture • Rich wildlife experience on the Crater floor • Experience Maasai and cattle living among the wildlife • Fresh springs and large soda lake within the Crater • Seasonal sightings of flamingo on the soda lake • Black rhino and magnificently tusked elephants • High concentration of predators • Exceptional birding, including endemic high altitude species • Wildflowers in bloom on Crater floor from May to Jun

Day 8

This morning you will  start your journey home!

A Brothers Safaris team member will meet you and transfer you Manyara Airstrip  for schedules flight to Arusha Airport, from the airport a private transfer will take you Arusha Coffee Lodge.  Here you will have a little down time and time to refreshen up.  A little later in the day, a private transfer will take you Kilimanjaro International Airport for your outbound flight.