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Grumeti River Camp is a luxury safari tented camp located in a remote valley in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park Tanzania, just 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Lake Victoria - Africa's largest lake. Flanked by two hillsides, this flamboyant exclusive camp overlooks a by-water of the Grumeti River and offers a comfortable haven to experience the truly wild pulse of Africa.
Grumeti River Camp Hotel is nestled in a remote, untouched area of the western corridor of the Serengeti; on the by-waters of the Grumeti River, the riverine trees surrounding the camp are home to the black and white Columbus monkey and a large variety of birds, although located in a quiet secluded valley this area is very much alive with hippos and crocodiles. By day and night, guides drive guests into the savannah woodlands and open Serengeti plains bursting with great concentrations of wildlife. Alongside herds of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, and eland, this region boasts some of the highest densities of cheetah in Africa, huge prides of lion, and |
solitary leopards. At Grumeti River Lodge you will feel privileged by your return to a more natural world. The spacious tents are a delight enveloping their guests in luxury accommodation each equipped with a viewing deck, and en-suite hand basin, private bathroom and a shower open to the starlit sky.
There is also a plunge pool on the banks of the river and a spacious deck from which you can enjoy sundowners. At night, the Grumeti River Camp buildings and paths are magically lit by flaming torches and lamps. The Grumeti Camp use of local materials and colorful décor creates a playful and vibrant, yet very African safari style. Guests cannot help but gain an appreciation of this area and surrounding landscape as you become part of Africa. Every year during Africa's Annual Wildebeest Migration, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores cross the Grumeti River, risking the jaws of some of the largest crocodiles on earth. Large pods of hippo grunt from their watery hideaway below the camp and black-and-white Colobus monkeys live in Grumeti's bird-filled riverine trees.
At night, the nocturnal orchestra of owls and bush babies is punctuated by the primeval sounds of lion and hyena.
The utter luxury and superb standard of accommodation found at the Grumeti River Camp often seems a little odd when you think about where you are - right in the middle of one of the world's most famous remaining regions of wilderness. Nevertheless, there it is - ten spacious, comfortable and opulently decorated safari tented camps with en suite bathrooms complete with hot and cold running water. Each beautifully set out banda has a huge double bed, and a private balcony with wonderfully comfortable chairs into which you can sink after a day's game driving in the beautiful Western Corridor.
The Grumeti River Camp lies on a bend of a tributary of the Grumeti River, and the resulting small pool is often filled with hippos and crocodiles. The well-stocked bar and restaurant deck overlook the pool, as does the swimming pool, so you can relax and let the wildlife come to you! While decidedly not the cheapest accommodation option in the Serengeti National Park, the CC Africa’s Grumeti River Camp does at least deliver a high standard of luxury which is perfect for those who feel the need for pampering
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The theme of Grumeti River Camp is very elegant yet unusual; the massive large safari tents with extravagant bright colors of the chaise lounge or accessories found through out the Grumeti Camp complement the dark handcrafted furnishings, the tents are furnished with large dramatic beds styled to resemble a regal crown.
The tents are built on the banks of the river and in the evenings hippos can stroll near the tents to feed. This is quite an adventure for some people. From the camp, you can enjoy some of the world's largest crocodile enjoying the watery carpets of lilies of the Grumeti River Tributary.
Documentaries on crocodiles have been filmed from Grumeti River Camp. The best time to overnight at Grumeti River Camp is from June to early August when the resident animals have the company of the migratory wildebeest and zebras.
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The communal areas are again made in wood and stone and this includes the dining area which has a central open fire and outdoor pizza oven to incite a healthy appetite and spend nights under the Serengeti skies. Nearby, the pool is cool, clear and well-tended. Safari guests at Grumeti can enjoy flamboyant tents under thatch. The vibrancy of kente cloth and local sculptured furnishings bring the excitement and romance of Africa to life. Grumeti River Camp provides for a very intimate, avant-garde and romantic safari experience, this combined with wonderful dinners under the stars and lively nights with grazing hippos and roaring lions creates, in our opinion, one of the finest tented lodge in Tanzania.
We think it is simply heaven staying here, however, Grummet River Camp will not appeal to everyone’s tastes and the nearby Kirawira Camp may make a better choice for some individuals. Two potential problems at Grumeti River Camp are
- It can be very intimidating for some people as hippos commonly graze on the sweet grass between the tents during the evening.
- Kirawira Camp, located about 30 minutes to the southwest, is significantly less expensive and may make a better choice for some people seeking a more ‘conservative’ tented lodge experience. In Africa, luxury does not necessarily correlate with higher prices or comfort but rather with intimacy, adventure and uniqueness. A stay at Grumeti River Camp will certainly deliver these latter aspects but careful consideration must be given to your specific tastes as to whether Grumeti River Camp or Kirawira Camp makes the most sense in your Tansania safari itinerary. Please feel free to talk it over with our tour consultants.
Grumeti River Camp is usually incorporated into our flying safaris in and drive-back itineraries at the beginning of your Tanzania safari. You will most likely be arriving via the nearby Grumeti Airstrip on your regional flight departing from the Arusha Air Strip. A night or two at the beginning of your safari is a superb way to kick off your adventure before traveling to other areas of the Serengeti and onwards to the Crater and the other great parks of Northern Tanzania. From Grumeti River Camp, it is about a 2-hour drive east to the Seronera Valley of the Central Serengeti. The main road to Seronera follows the Grumeti River through the Musabi plains and all the way into the Central Serengeti.
 Grumeti River Camp Hotel Accommodation
Flamboyant safari accommodation: This splendid safari camp is renowned for its stylish, vibrantly African designed tented suites set along the banks of a by water of the Grumeti River, offering exceptional crocodile and hippo viewing. Accommodations at Grumeti River Camp consist of a main lodge area set on the banks of a small hippo pool and 10 sleeping tents generously spaced throughout the property to ensure privacy. All 10 tents are furnished with 1 double bed, which can be converted to 2 twin beds upon request. Unfortunately, no triples are available.
Each tent is built on a raised stone platform and encased under a wooden thatched roof. There is a small private deck in front of each tent with safari chairs and lounge chairs. The interiors are quite eclectic and feature vibrant African fabrics. Upon entering your tent, you are greeted by a colorful and oversized bed with a spectacular headboard. Just in front of your bed are two bright cushioned chairs and a small coffee table with 3 jars of tasty hard candy. Immediately behind the bed is a single washbasin with electrical outlets where you can charge your batteries.
To the left and right of the washbasin are two separate wooden doors that lead to the shower and toilet. The toilet is completely enclosed while the beautiful alfresco shower is open under the stars. Please note that the generator is turned off each night at 10.30PM. The main guest areas are just as impressive as your room and consist of a lounge, domed bar, game-viewing deck and inside and outside dinning areas. The lounge overlooks a lush tributary of the Grumeti River containing approximately 20 resident hippos. During your stay at Grumeti River Camp, make sure to set aside an hour or two to watch these entertaining animals. There is even a small ornate plunge pool from which you can lounge in and watch the hippos down below doing the same.
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The service at Grumeti River Camp is unbeatable. There is a team of 34 staff (accommodating a maximum of 20 guests) that will go out of their way to make sure your stay is completely enjoyable. They really are a friendly bunch and their pleasant and engaging personalities are certainly one of the highlights of a stay here.
During the night, the surrounding area comes alive with the sounds of hippos grunting, lions roaring or a hyenas calling. Hippos are mainly nocturnal grazers and it is quite common that you will hear them grazing next to your tent during the night.
There are no fences around Grumeti River Camp and because the camp resides in a low-lying area and next to a river, many animals freely move through the camp during the night. For obvious safety reason, it is imperative that you do not walk around unescorted during the night. There will be a safety briefing upon arrival and someone will be waiting outside your tent each evening to escort you to and from dinner. Additionally, because of the large presence of insects attracted to the nearby river, please make sure to use insect repellant frequently when staying at Grumeti River Camp
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10 spacious safari tents with ceiling fans
All with en suite bathrooms
Boma (outdoor dining area)
Expansive game viewing deck
Sparkling plunge pool
Funky guest areas
African crafts shop
Grumeti River Camp Hotel Restaurant
The food at the Grumeti River Camp is delicious. Wake up calls are taken the night before and coffee or tea and biscuits are delivered to your tent in the morning at the predetermined time. Breakfast boxes can be arranged for early morning game drives or you can enjoy breakfast on the outside patio. Breakfast consists of a mixed buffet with orders taken for eggs, omelets, bacon, toast, pancakes etc. The buffet consists of yogurt, nuts, cereal, breads, fruit and juice. Similarly to breakfast, you have your choice of dinning in for lunch or enjoying a lunch box if you plan a full day adventure game drive. The lunch boxes at Grumeti River Camp are noteworthy as they are among the tastiest you will encounter on your safari. Lunches are usually served on the open lawn if front of the river.
Dinner is a splendid production and is always a memorable occasion at Grumeti River Camp. Drinks and appetizers are first offered in the bar/lounge. Guests are then led to the open dinning area next to the river. Dinner is then served by candlelight and under the stars. It is a delicious 4 courses and consists of Pan-African cuisine and a mixed buffet cooked on the brick fire pit. Your waiter will serve you hot rolls and soup with your choice of wine. The main courses are buffet style and typically consist of chicken or beef, pasta, vegetables, potatoes and rice. Vegetarian options are available upon per request. Dinners are on a 7-day rotation ensuring each night you will enjoy a unique and delicious meal. There are a good variety of soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits available and most are included in your safari package.
African Safari & Tanzania Safari Nature Experience and Activities at Grumeti River Camp Located in Serengeti.
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Exciting game-drives:
Expert Tanzanian guides will lead you on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles into the game-rich Serengeti National Park, boasting the largest mass of free-ranging animals on earth. Sundowners on the Kirawira Hills are a memorable way to end a day’s safari.
The Grumeti River Camp is located in western area of the Serengeti ecosystem and accordingly. The western corridor of the Serengeti is a special place seldom explored by those visiting the Serengeti. It is a remote and unique part of the famous Serengeti.
The corridor stretches west from Seronera in the central Serengeti to almost Lake Victoria. The relatively narrow corridor is roughly 50 miles long and is characterized by dense stands of acacia tress interspersed with broken woodlands and open plains. The dominant feature is the Grumeti River, which runs almost the entire length of the corridor.
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The western corridor straddles the northward migration route of the enormous wildebeest herds. Typically in late May (the beginning of the dry season), the great herds depart the plains and follow the Mbalageti and Seronera Rivers into the western corridor. The western corridor is the wildebeest’s wet/dry transitional zone. The vast herds will remain here until about July when the dry season completely parches the land and they must venture north towards Kenya and its greener pastures. The pinnacle of the northward wildebeest migration takes place in the western corridor with the famous Grumeti River crossing. The river is infested with the Nile crocodile, the world’s largest crocodile.
For some of these prehistoric animals, it has been a year since they have last eaten and they eagerly await the wildebeest river crossing. The western corridor is also home to significant numbers of resident wildlife. There are large populations of resident wildebeest and zebra that do not join their migratory cousins as they pass through every year on their journey northwards. Other resident animals include giraffe, buffalo, eland, topi, impala, waterbuck and Thomson’s gazelle. These resident animals support large concentrations of predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. The big cats are frequently.
There is a very popular pride of lions that has resided in the area immediately around Grumeti River Camp for generations. You will undoubtedly see them on your game drives, as they are usually very easy to spot. As of October 2000, the pride consisted of 4 adult females, 2 resident males, 6 sub adult cubs (1 – 2 years old) and 3 cubs (2 months old). Two of the lions, an adult female and a resident male, have only 3 legs due to poaching snares. Lions are remarkable resilient animals and the lions are seemingly able to cope with their handicap. The 3-legged female in particular is still a very capable hunter.
Despite the vigorous anti-poaching patrols, snare poaching still takes place along the periphery of the park and especially along the northern border of the Western Serengeti. This area of the park is under surmounting pressure from an every increasing population including ranchers and agriculturists. The main threat in this area is the illegal and thriving bush meat trade. Poachers set wire snares to catch game such as wildebeest but they indiscriminately snare whatever walks through including lions.
Excellent bird watching:
With over 341 species recorded, bird watching around Grumeti is exceptional – birdwatchers almost always exceed their sighting targets.
Lake Victoria excursions (optional extra):
Enjoy a day trip to Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake and the second largest lake in the world – situated 50 kilometres (31 miles) west of Grumeti River Camp. This exciting outing includes a safari, a visit to a local village and a panoramic view of the Lake from Speke Bay.
Cultural visit (optional extra):
This full-day excursion into the neighbouring Bunda district showcases various empowerment projects providing a fascinating insight into the lives of the local communities.
General Safari Information
Weather: Grumeti experiences pleasant temperatures, although summers can be hot and humid.
Rainfall: “Short rains” November; “Long rains” April & May
Temperature: Generally, temperatures are pleasant, sometimes rising above 32°C/90°F. September, October and January are the warmest months. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C/50°F. July is usually the coolest month.
Best time to travel: There is excellent game viewing throughout the year. The best time to see the migration and opportunistic predators is June, July and August - these months fall in the dry season
Airstrip: Grumeti Airstrip co-ordinates: S02.09.522 and E034.13.235.
Malaria: please note Grumeti River Camp is situated in a malaria area and necessary precautions should be taken
Park fees: A National Park Fee per person per day is charged to all guests
Children: Children are welcome. Travel to Tanzania is recommended for children 8 years and older. Regretfully, children 5 years and younger cannot participate in the regular game-drives. Child minders can be booked at an additional cost. Children aged 6 to 11 years are accommodated on game-drives at the Lodge Manager’s discretion. An extra bed can be arranged for a child 11 years and younger sharing their parents’ tent. No more than one triple tent in camp at any one time
Balloon Safaris over the Serengeti.
Relaxing in the swimming pool and enjoy the day at leisure at Grumeti River Camp. | |
