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Lesley Paterson of Trans Africa Safaris was recently invited by Singita to visit their three Tanzanian lodges. Below is an account of her trip.
We arrived into Nairobi Wilson Airport and connected through to Kilimanjaro International Airport. On arrival in Kilimanjaro we were transferred to Legendary Lodge which is located on a coffee plantation in Arusha, approximately 45 minutes' drive from the airport. A beautiful old-world lodge run by a lovely couple. Nine cottages and a private retreat (4 bedrooms) are spacious and set in the gardens.
The following morning, we were transferred to Arusha Airport (approx. 10 minutes) for our scheduled flight to Sasakwa Airstrip. Flying time was 1 hour 10 minutes. Our first lodge was Sasakwa – it is definitely best to start with this lodge as the setting represents the East Africa most of us imagine …. You walk through the reception area onto the lawns and below you are miles and miles and miles of open plains scattered with Umbrella Acacia Trees. Vast panoramic vistas – as far as the eye can see. Breathtaking! The lodge is magnificent; colonial, beautifully decorated – each suite and villa have their own plunge pool, and the service is excellent. Tennis courts, spa, equestrian center (the luckiest horses on earth!), mountain biking, ballooning – you can do it all from Sasakwa! Very nice boutique.
We visited the Environmental Centre, where they take top students from the schools around the area, and teach them about the environment and our planet. Through the 280 odd children they have taught, they have reached over 3800 people, and have given many the initiative to start projects that can earn them money. From here we went into the village to visit three of the many projects the Singita Grumeti Fund supports. We visited a primary school, high school and vegetable market. Very interesting and wonderful to see so many people being looked after by this fund.
After a night at Sasakwa, with excellent game viewing led by our fabulous guide Eugene, we moved on to Sabora Tented Camp – closer to the game you cannot get! The nine tents are beautiful. It's like going back in time – magnificently decorated luxury safari-style tents with bath and outdoor shower. Giraffe and zebra wander through the camp and come right up to your tent. At night, it is so dark and still, you can fall asleep to the sounds of nature all around you – fantastic! Two nights here. Sabora also has a tennis court, one communal pool, spa and shop. Again, the game sightings were exceptional.
Our last stop was Faru Faru Lodge, my personal favourite. The landscape is different to the wide open plains of Sasakwa and Sabora – the bush is more dense in this area, not unlike the Kruger. The lodge comprises 8 suites, a Villa Suite and family suite. It is elevated and overlooks the Grumeti River. All the rooms have beautiful views and here too, the game viewing did not disappoint..
Upon leaving Faru Faru, we visited Singita Explore, their mobile tented safari camp. This is camping in style – beautiful, spacious tents with all creature comforts and right in the middle of the plains. The camp is fully mobile and tracks the game movements.
We returned to Kilimanjaro (via Arusha) and connected to Dar es Salaam. Our last night was spent at the Oyster Bay Hotel on the beach approx. 20 minutes' drive from the airport (1½ in peak hour traffic). A gorgeous hotel with beautiful décor, very hospitable service and delicious food.
This is a true 'Out of Africa' safari experience. I think that one should always try to visit three lodges and would suggest Sasakwa first, then either Sabora or Explore as they are both tented, and end at Faru Faru. If your clients have the time, include all three lodges plus 2 nights at Singita Explore.
Singita have negotiated a site right on the Mara River (Tanzanian side) which will be operational towards the middle of 2012. Also a luxury tented camp, but not mobile. This will be a nice option to include in the circuit.
Exploring Tanzania with Singita is hard to beat – no flights between lodges and the same standard of excellent service, cuisine and accommodations at all their properties. If one is looking to include other properties in Tanzania and Kenya, I recommend finishing at Singita Grumeti Reserves.
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