Camp photos: Singita. Wildlife photos: Judy Barford
Retaining the quintessential elements of a romantic safari under canvas, the camp's nine tented suites are now set even closer to the ground. Subtle décor and design elements include hand-stitched leather finishes, durable canvas and campaign furniture, echoing the spirit of classic East African adventures.
Set in a 142,000-hectare reserve in the western corridor of the Serengeti, the camp is also on the route of the great wildebeest migration.
Here, guests can idly watch game pass by while immersing themselves in the breathtaking views of the Serengeti. With nothing separating them from rolling grasslands, every sight, sound and smell is amplified. Set against the backdrop of the sweeping savannahs, teeming herds of wildlife and powder-blue skies, even the most jaded spirit will be uplifted.
Luxury camping is older than you think
Some people deride the comforts of glamorous camping or "glamping", as it has become known, believing that the only proper way to camp is to rough it. This kind of masochism tends to wear off by a certain age or after you've experienced one too many scorpions in your tent. But comfort camping has been around for longer than you might think. According to Leon Juffermans of GlamXperience Australia, the true history of glamping is not entirely clear, but during the 16th and 17th centuries, at the peak of the Turkish Empire, the Ottomans set up luxurious and extravagant Bedouin tent cities for their sultans. These tents were decorated with expensive rugs, furniture, sedaris (lounge couch), chandeliers and silk fabrics.
Later, in the 19th century, wealthy American and European explorers demanded luxurious bedding and comfort while on safari in Africa. They wanted to maintain their comfort from home and brought this with them to the outdoors. This resulted in king-sized beds and comfortable furniture in canvas safari tents.
Both the Ottomans and the wealthy safari travellers, combined comfort and luxury with large tent structures. So the concept of glamorous camping is centuries old, but a more sophisticated form of glamping and the word itself were introduced in the UK at the start of the 21st century. It was a response to the fact that people demanded more of camping. Sleeping on lumpy groundsheets, with just the basics for cooking and washing, was sometimes too much about survival and not enough about being on holiday.
Sophisticated comfort
It should be recognised, however, that Singita Sabora is a step above even the glamping concept. With individual decks, secluded outdoor salas with shaded daybeds, private, in-room fitness areas and a pool, the concept is taken to a whole new level.
In addition, Sabora's farm-to-table food journey celebrates seasonal freshness and regional flavours. A unique Guest Deli in the main lodge area – featuring wicker baskets and fridges filled with gourmet delights – allows guests to pick and choose treats to enjoy in the privacy of their suites or picnic spots around the camp.
The best of Africa
The camp's proximity to Singita Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda enables guests to experience two safaris – transformative encounters with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas and the best of Tanzania's wildlife and wilderness. Direct flights are available from Singita Serengeti to Kigali, Rwanda's capital.
Rates at Singita Sabora Tented Camp start from US$1,650 per person per night in off-peak season to US$2,400 per person per night in peak season.
Entry requirements
At the time of writing there was no entry ban for foreign nationals arriving in Tanzania. Passengers need simply complete a "Health Surveillance Form" and present this upon arrival. All travellers, whether foreigners or returning residents, whose countries or airlines require them to provide negative testing for COVID-19 as a condition for travelling will be required to present a certificate on arrival.
The Tanzania government is implementing temperature scanning for all international travellers. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival may undergo enhanced screening and COVID-19 testing, followed by potential 14-day self-isolation.