This was going to be our first stay at a Singita property, and we were very curious to see if the company’s reputation as one of the top safari brands in Africa is well deserved. Would the Sabora camp turn out as exceptional as we had hoped?
As soon as we landed at Sasakwa, the Grumeti Reserve’s private airstrip, the Singita staff embraced us with their welcoming attitude, putting us in a relaxed mood from the get-go. Holding welcome drinks, we waited a few minutes in the sumptuous lounge tent as our luggage was being taken care of — but before we knew it, we were on our way to the camp.
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Singita Sabora’s experience provides a modern twist on the bygone era when African savanna was accessible only to a few adventurous explorers. The camp only hints at the early 20th Century safari expedition character, and its design caters to a contemporary aesthetic, never drawing directly from the “Out of Africa” mythos.
To a large degree, the interior decor is responsible for this impression. The designers did away with antiques and Zanzibari chests, brass artifacts, and Maasai blankets.
Instead, modern, carefully designed portable safari furniture channels an almost Scandinavian chic, making the tents look less like a safari film set and more like executive suites, influenced by the Californian startup fashionistas.
All this is in the service of comfort. Each guest tent features a four-poster bed, with well-designed, light bathrooms sporting a minimalist bathtub. There is a day bed outside, set out on the grass, which is great for afternoon naps and a comfortable spot for game-viewing.
The Sabora contemporary expedition concept is perfectly matched by the quality of service. The staff is discreetly attentive and maintains a sophisticated atmosphere of contemporary luxury.
Our experience was defined by the camp’s intimate character, the excellent safari drives — and the beautiful setting in the archetypal landscape of African savanna.
One of the things we love the most about the camp is how closely it is linked with the African wilderness. The tents are set upright in the “center of the action,” surrounded by the archetypal savanna landscape peppered by acacia trees and traversed by herds of animals.
Wild zebras graze around Sabora during the day and wander between the tents at night. One morning hyenas woke us up with a frantic cackle. They were trying to shoo off some lions who were after their kill, just on the edge of the camp.
No surprise then that guests are strictly forbidden to venture outside after dark without the assistance of an armed guardian. It’s safe otherwise — the animals don’t interact with the tents. Still, it was thrilling knowing that only a thin canvas separated us from the wild outdoors. It made us feel immersed in the pulse of the wilderness.
The camp is situated in the Western part of Serengeti, known as Grumeti, and it is a vast swath of land: 350,000 acres. That’s almost as large a territory as the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
All of it is managed by Singita, which has only five small camps and lodges in the area — but what makes it extra special is that only their guests have exclusive access to the Reserve.
It's a remarkable feat to create the sense of an authentic Safari experience and yet offer a stay as comfortable as at the Singita Sabora Tented Camp.
Categories: Adventure vacation, Classic luxury, Colonial style, Eco travel, Editor's Pick, Family vacation, Glamping, Honeymoon, Local flavor, Lodges, Private villas, Quiet location, Relaxing vacation, Romantic, Safari, Secluded location, Wildlife travel,
Number of rooms & suites: 9
Rate per night: From $1,400 USD
*The rate is only approximate and is based on our own independent research, at the time of writing. We cannot guarantee the rate in any way.
Check room rates and bookAuthor: Travel+Style. Last updated: 20/11/2021
Exclusive in Grumeti Reserve