Set in a 142,000-hectare concession in the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania, Singita Sabora Tented Camp has captivated guests for more than a decade with its inimitable setting. Reopening this June, the camp's extensive redesign is a modern interpretation of a classic African safari, while retaining the quintessential elements of a romantic experience under canvas.
But even a June safari might be considered too soon to contemplate, in light of the current global health crisis. I know, I was about to leave for a month-long trip to the African continent myself and that, of course, has been cancelled.
Photos courtesy of Singita.
But Singita has issued a statement saying it is sensitive to the uncertainties and fears being experienced by travellers. "We believe that at this time, we should be doing all we can to encourage guests to continue booking," it says. "In acknowledgement of this, we are committed to being flexible with booking terms and conditions until we have greater clarity regarding the extent of the situation.
"This extends to the timing of deposits and final payments, as well as the opportunity to postpone travel to a later date, without penalty. Each of our guest enquiries will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the best way forward, and to provide a level of comfort during this challenging time. We will maintain our flexible terms until global travel conditions start stabilising again."
Lifestyle tents
Singita Sabora Tented Camp, comprises nine immaculate spacious tents, each featuring verandas as well as a meditation deck, private fitness area and a 'lifestyle unit' with a beautifully curated pantry for guests to snack from. In the main lodge area, a unique Guest Deli offers wicker baskets and fridges filled with gourmet bites, allowing guests to pick and choose treats to enjoy in their suites, or any private retreat they choose.
There's also a separate pool area, with two intimate dining spaces and an open-plan bar and lounge – all adding to Sabora's new understated look, which emphasises tailored luxury. Mesh, canvas and weave finishes throughout provide a rich combination of textures and layers of sophisticated comfort.
The tents rest lightly on the ground, with minimal impact on the landscape and with the use of sustainable materials, natural light, cross ventilation, energy-efficient lighting and solar power. The camp's proximity to Singita Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda enables guests to experience a circuit with, usually, easy direct flights from Singita Grumeti to Kigali – combining the best of Tanzania's wildlife and wilderness with transformative encounters with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas.
Wildlife migration route
Set in the western corridor of Tanzania, Singita Grumeti gives guests exclusive access to the Serengeti Mara ecosystem – the renowned migratory route of the Great Migration. It is protected by the dedicated conservation team at the Grumeti Fund, Singita's conservation partner in the region, which spearheads projects like the Anti-Poaching Canine Unit, black rhino relocations and the Serengeti Girls Run, which benefits the empowerment of girls in rural communities. This partnership applies the best of tourism and conservation to create programs that benefit the local communities, wildlife and the natural landscape.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp reopens on 1 June 2020. Rates start from US$1,650 per person per night in off-peak season to US$2,400 per person per night in peak season.