Kusini Camp: Our full report
Standing on top of a kopje in a remote and very quiet corner of Tanzania’s south-west Serengeti, Kusini Camp ...
... is an exclusive permanent tented camp with 12 luxurious tents. Opportunities for wildlife viewing are excellent, with lion and buffalo regularly seen around camp.Kusini Camp is very similar to its sibling, Swala Camp in Tarangire. It is one of the more exclusive and remote places to stay in the Southern Serengeti, and offers opportunities for great wildlife viewing. The manager told us that they regularly see lion and buffalo around the camp.
Although we only dropped in briefly on our most recent visit, in February 2018, the staff were friendly and welcoming, and there appeared to be a good atmosphere about the camp.
The camp’s 12 tents, each named after a local bird, are raised on polished wooden decks and nicely spaced out from each other, offering sufficient privacy from other guests. The tents are not huge, but they are perfectly spacious and very comfortable.
Inside, although they’re fairly simple in terms of design and furnishings, they.
are tastefully decorated, with a very large double bed (which can be split into two singles) draped in a mosquito net. Stripy cushions and pale green bedding add a splash of colour, as does the local beadwork hanging delicately on the wall. An armchair and free-standing lamp can be found in one corner, with a dark wooden dressing table and large lockable wooden trunk opposite.
At the back of each tent is an en-suite bathroom, with two basins and, through a separate door, a flushing toilet and plumbed-in shower. You’ll find Molton Brown and Africology toiletries, as well as towelling bathrobes and slippers. Wellington boots and umbrellas are provided for wet days.
Each tent has a wooden veranda at the front, where you can relax on the lounging chairs after a game drive. All of the tents have a good view, of the surrounding bush but tent number 8 – which is often reserved for honeymooners – probably has the best.
The tents are connected by a serious of footpaths to the central lounge and dining area. This is bright and airy, and a relaxing place to sit with a drink, or chat with other guests – or you could draw up a leather stool to the small bar. Bright orange drapes hang from the ceiling above clusters of cream and brown sofas and armchairs, and the walls are tastefully decorated with large wildlife photos and local artwork. There are local handicrafts and maps are on sale in the little gift shop.
Each evening, sundowner drinks and light snacks are served on the beautiful kopje next to the lounge tent. It’s a stunning spot and is definitely one of Kusini’s highlights.
Guests can either stay at Kusini on a full-board package, arriving with your own guide and vehicle, or can fly in and stay on a game package. For fly-in guests, the camp has its own driver-guides and exceptionally comfortable vehicles.
Our view
Although our last visit to Kusini was fairly brief, the staff were friendly and the atmosphere welcoming. The tents are fairly simple in terms of design and furnishings, but retain an air of luxury and comfort. It is worth noting that tsetse flies were quite numerous in the surrounding areas, although not majorly bothersome once you are within the camp’s buildings.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- 2-3 nights
- Directions
- Kusini is a 15-minute direct drive from Kusini airstrip. A light aircraft flight will take just over an hour to Arusha.
- Accessible by
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Although we didn’t have time to eat at Kusini when we last visited in February 2018, the food here is reportedly very good.
Breakfast is typically served from around 6.00am. As well as a buffet of cereals, breads and fruit, hot dishes can be cooked to order.
The lodge will prepare a bush lunch for guests out on game drives, and a packed lunch on your day of departure. For those in camp over lunchtime, a set menu is available from around 12.30pm.
A three-course dinner is usually served from 7.00pm, with a barbecue arranged once a week. The menu changes daily, and lodge prides itself on the variety and quality of the food they serve. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request with advance notice. Special private sundowners can be arranged in advance from US$10pp.
- Drinks included
- All drinks are included except premium wines and spirits.
Drinking water is supplied in all rooms.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Well-behaved and supervised children are welcomed at Kusini, although the managers do not feel that it is suitable for families with very young children, or those with lots of energy.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No official age restriction, but suggested to be best for children aged 6+
- Special activities & services
- No special activities or services for children. Children’s meals are possible if arranged in advance
- Equipment
- No equipment provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- The camp is open and unfenced, and has some high, unsecured platforms. There are no games or distractions to keep young children occupied, so we would recommend this camp only for older children.
- Notes
- Kusini is situated in an unfenced wildlife area, with arge and dangerous game known to walk through the camp. Children must be supervised at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- 24-hour electricity and charging points in all tents. There is a back-up generator.
- Communications
- The camp’s main form of communication is radio, but they have a satellite phone for emergencies. WiFi is available in the common areas.
- TV & radio
- No.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All tents have plumbed-in showers and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid kit on site and a number of staff members are first-aid trained. The nearest hospital is in Arusha and the camp has access to the flying doctors service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris (traditional Masaai guards) guard the camp at night, and guests are always accompanied to and from their tents after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are positioned in every tent; there’s also a large fire hose on site.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Complimentary laundry service, returned within same day. Please note that for cultural reasons the camp will not wash ladies’ underwear, but washing powder is provided in the tents for this purpose.
- Money
- Each tent has an electric safe for storing valuables.
No currency exchange service is offered. - Accepted payment on location
- Most major currencies are accepted, including US dollars, euros and GB pounds, as well as Tanzanian shillings. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are all accepted but there is a minimum spend of US$50 for card payments and a 5% surcharge. Although it is possible to add staff gratuities to your credit-card bill, we would always recommended leaving these in cash if possible.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
