With 7 days to go before my 70th birthday I was making the most of a visit to Tanzania to explore the North Western section of the Serengeti National Park – a region that I had never previously visited. I had arranged for Alex the MD of our Tanzanian Associates to collect me from Sayari Camp (at the end of a fantastic educational trip arranged by Asilia Lodges) so as to be able to visit the site of our proposed Merenga “bush camp” (right on the Mara River and only one kilometer outside the western border of the Serengeti National Park) before returning to Arusha via the central Serengeti and Lake Masek.
Also on the agenda was a visit to check on the progress of the new Serengeti Bushtops Camp just a few kilometers from the Tabora B gate and it was here that I received the best pre- birthday present that I could ever have imagined. The Camp was up and running, Claudia and Andy Stuart (the owners from Orion Hotels Kenya) were in residence and Alex and I were invited to stay for the night – the first clients to do so!
This is an amazing place!
The stylish uncluttered design is deceptively simple but each of the 12 (6 completed so far) 110 square metre blond wood decks hosts a canvas suite (the word tent is really out of place here!) with a large double bed, fitted mosquito net & bedside tables and lights, a generous closet, a writing desk and chair, a dining table and chairs for in suite dining, & a fully fitted en suite bathroom with separate loo and shower. Also on the deck is a wonderful hot tub (which will be filled by your personal butler every evening on request) with an adjoining sitting lounging area & another dining set – the individual game viewing telescopes are on the way!
Did I mention that each suite can be opened on 3 sides to make the most of the fantastic Serengeti views and sunsets (a feature that is sadly lacking in most other tented camps) that there is 24 hour telephone contact with reception, room for a third adult bed (or two for children over 7 yrs) and that you can call for a massage at any time? Ah well, I was only there for one night!
And I have not even mentioned the main building, a soaring canvas palace that houses the lounge and dining room -separated by a central bar area and fireplace, the a la carte (even for breakfast! ) fine dining the unique wall of wine, the included twice daily game drives by 4wd vehicles and the friendly but unobtrusive service!
All of which combines to ensure that Bushtops sets new standards for authentic safari luxury in the Serengeti which will be hard to beat!
Rove Africa are proud to be able to offer an opening special at Serengeti Bushtops for the balance of 2010 with rates for July (in time to catch the great Migration) that will never be repeated so go now or pay double next year !
