Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp no doubt acquired this name thanks to its own situation nestled in a cluster of granite outcrops in the northern Serengeti Tanzania, overlooking a landscape of widespread Acacia woodland and savannah, and the natural migration route offered by the Western Corridor.

Like most of the more authentic safari Tented camps of this kind in the Serengeti National Park, it is evident that a conscious effort has been made to blend the man-made aspects of the Mbuzi Mawe Camp as seamlessly into its natural surroundings as possible.

Besides the paved footpaths that lead from the main reception area to the various individual tents, no concession is made to landscaping, and indeed there is an unmistakable sense throughout that one is very close to nature indeed. The layout of

the Mbuzi Mawe Hotelis very simple, a large reception area consisting of a safari tented camp structure on a concrete base forms the epicenter, while radiating outwards among the natural features of rock and woodland are a dozen or so individual tents. These are spacious within and meticulously appointed with beds constructed of local scrap wood and ablutions that would do justice to a five star city hotel. The African ambience is just a little contrived, but so lavishly achieved that to fall into the soft embrace of an orthopedic mattress, surrounded by such extraordinary attention to detail, and in a place of such flawless beauty, that any version of Africa will do.

Mbuzi Mawe Safari Camp is one of the best of the tented camps in Serengeti National Park at the moment. Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is a brand new acquisition to the exclusive Serena Hotels & Lodges portfolio, the standards of service from the management down to the bag porter above reproach, being a Serena Lodge & Hotel certain basic standards go with the territory. You might be left wondering how close to the earth this sort of thing really is, but in the end you might finding yourself opting for the view that roughing it in nature is overrated. Camp Mbuzi Mawe enjoys an ideal location in the Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park, on one of the main migration corridors. The camp is perfectly situated to afford spectacular views of the Great annual wildebeest migration of one million wildebeest, and half a million zebra and gazelle. A place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty, Serena Mbuzi Mawe Camp offers a timeless blend of classical safari rusticity and the world-class professionalism of Serena Safari Lodges, Resorts and Hotels.

Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp which means 'Klipspringer' in English – is set amidst the bush and rocky outcrops of central Serengeti. Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is tucked away, off the main road leading from Seronera to the northern Serengeti, It is a convenient stop-over point for anyone traveling north or south, and is far from most other hotels and tented camps. That said, there are few game-drive roads in this area, and so few options for drives apart from to head north or south on the main road. The accommodation here is simple, but being under canvas adds to the wilderness feel of the place. Long, stone ramps lead up to the tents which are all well spaced out in a woodland glade. These are surrounded by towering rocky outcrops – which are inhabited by inquisitive rock dassies, along with larger and more dangerous wildlife! Some tents have lovely sweeping views from their outside decks, and the layout of Mbuzi Mawe means that you can also admire these from some of the camp's public areas. There is a fire pit below the main tent for sitting around in the evenings and chatting about the days sightings!

Due to its central location, Mbuze Mawe Camp is not only a great location to stop over; it's also a practical base for game-viewing in the Western Corridor, the north side of the Seronera area, and especially in the area around Lobo Kopjies. Like most good camps in the Serengeti, it's best to book Mbuze Mawe Camp early to ensure that you get a room. Note also that the camp doesn't have any tour guides of its own – it's a place to travel with your own driver/guide, and cannot be visited on a fly-in trip unless you are arranging to meet your guide and vehicle here.

All of the 16 tents at Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp are actually quite substantial canvas rooms. They are tucked in amongst the bush and rocky outcrops and are set a good distance apart from each another. All have been designed in the same way; they are large and have two queen-size beds. Like the main lodge, much of their furniture has been constructed from dhow-wood, including the dressing table, chairs and even the beds Despite being under canvas, the accommodation is very comfortable – the beds are big, and surrounded by a mosquito net.  These tents have been generally very

well designed; the interiors are bright; expect animal print cushions and cream blankets. All of the tents have power points for charging cameras etc, and a ceiling fan for when it's hot; the electricity (from a generator) normally runs 24 hours a day. All of the tents at Mbuzi Mawe also have their own outside deck area which looks out into the bush. Because the tents are well spaced out from one another, the camp is fairly peaceful and it is possible for you to sit and enjoy the sounds of the bush after a morning or afternoon game drive with minimal disturbance.

There are also torches in the tents for the evenings. When walking to and from your tent when it's dark, you will be accompanied by an Askari - usually a Maasai guide armed with a spear and a lot of experience in the bush. All of the tents at Mbuzi Mawe are en-suite – with bathrooms at the back of the tents, separated from the bedroom by cream, canvas curtains for privacy. Each bathroom has a large wooden mirror, complimentary small bottles of water, a double sink, a flush toilet, clean towels and a couple of bath robes. There is also a small selection of complimentary toiletries for guests use!
The hot water for the shower is heated by solar panels, so expect it to be piping hot when it's sunny.

Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Hotel Accommodation
A private encampment of 16 superbly luxurious tents guarded by sentinel towers of 3 million year old granite, the camp radiates out from a central lounge. A place of light and air, the lounge’s terrace is a massive ledge of natural stone, its views stretch to eternity and its décor blends the gnarled timbers of ancient dhows with champagne suede, claret chenille and amber weaves.

To the rear of the lounge a bar and boutique are fashioned from rope-lashed hardwoods and back-lit by whimsical coconut shades; and beyond them a rock-hewn stairway leads to a classically styled dining tent with soul-stirring views over the sun-blazed plains.

The 16 tents all have ceiling fans, 2 queen beds, mosquito nets, accessibility for disabled, Driver/maid accommodation available, Secretarial services available:

e-mail, fax, internet, photocopying, word processing, typing services, 24-hour electricity, constant hot water, ensuite bathroom, dressing area, two double four-poster beds and a verandah with double sun bed.

Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Hotel Restaurant
The reception area is no less carefully manicured to resemble the popular image of Africa. This extends to evening entertainment that usually has a very authentic flavor, with dance and rhythm provided by a variety of local cultural performers. Service is prompt and extremely slick, with internet connections usually available, and a bar with all the accoutrements that one could expect an hope for in any world class hotel. Dining is a la carte, and again the standards of service and cuisine are good. The dining tent has its own shaded terrace for optional outdoor dining while the cuisine blends the traditional camp fare of flame-roasted meats with salads, fresh garden produce, piquant fish dishes and luscious desserts. The central lounge features a cocktail bar stocked with a discerning selection of beers, wines and spirits; and the stylish boutique showcases a tempting array of gifts, safari accessories, books and cultural crafts.

Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Hotel Information
The unforgettable "Sundowner" - Sipping a "sundowner"’ cocktail as the sun sinks below the horizon is central to the safari experience; and a scene that the staff of Mbuzi Mawe delights in setting.

Drinks and canapés can be enjoyed on the rocky terraces of the camp’s own kopjes, out in the wilderness or around the massive fire-pit where guests may foregather for pre-dinner chat and post-safari tales.

The camp also offers evocative al fresco breakfasts, safari luncheons, lantern-lit bush suppers, campfire roasts, and cultural dancing displays by the Ikoma people, the original guardians of the Serengeti plains.

In the arena of the wild
Time in camp seems fleeting when there’s so much to experience. Diversions include game drives, ranger-led bush walks, bird-watching and sightings of such Serengeti residents as elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, warthog, hippo, crocodile and a bewildering array of antelopes and accompanying plains game. As for the birdlife, the Serengeti offers one of the most spellbinding ornithological experiences in the world.
390kms (8-10 hours drive) from Arusha on dry weather road through Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation area and Seronera in Central Serengeti.
60 minutes flight from Arusha Airport to Seronera Airstrip.45kms (90 mins drive) from Seronera Airstrip and 30 kms (1 hour drive) from Lobo Airstrip.
Currency the Tanzanian shilling. (Tsh)

Credit cards accepted American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Barclaycard

Time GMT+3. Tanzania maintains an almost constant 12 hours of daylight, sun-up and sun-down being at around 06.30 and 18.45 daily and varying by only 30 minutes per year

Climate Wet season: April, May
Cold/dry season: June, July
Short rains in November and December
Temperatures range between 26-28C

Hot season: January to March, August to October
Temperatures range between 28-32C

Language English and Swahili are the official languages although each of Tanzania’s 120 tribes also has its own language

Electricity/Water Voltage is 230V in rooms, 3 pin square plugs are used but adaptors are available plus shaver sockets at 110V and 240V.
Water purity cannot be guaranteed, we therefore provide mineral water in all our rooms. Our ice is also made with purified water.

Visas are required by most nationals – consult your travel agent for details

Insurance Travel insurance/medical cover is recommended

Health Protection against malaria is essential as the disease is endemic in Africa. It is vital to take anti-malarial tablets (consult your doctor as to which brand is currently considered the most effective). You should also wear anti-insect sprays and creams in the evening and wear long-sleeved garments and full-length trousers or skirts after dusk.