Serengeti Bushtops: Our full report
Serengeti Bushtops is a stylish, permanent tented camp, situated in the Wogakuria area of the northern Serengeti, ...
... not far from the Mara River. Between June and November this is usually one of the best areas to stay to try and catch a glimpse of a dramatic wildebeest river crossing. The camp is set over a large area – it’s a 1km walk from the first tent to the last tent – and with only 13 tents, they are significantly more private, and isolated, than other camps in the area.There are a few communal areas at Serengeti Bushtops. First up are the reception and curio shop, which stock quite a wide range of African ornaments, jewellery and artwork. The main focus, however, is the large lounge/dining tent. This is raised up on wooden decking facing towards the west – a perfect spot to sit and watch the sun go down after a long day on safari. At the centre of the tent is a vast circular bar – very well stocked, and bizarrely cover in cow-print. If you can’t find something to drink here, the very impressive ’wine shelf‘ behind the bar should have something to everyone’s tastes!
To one side of the bar, tables and chairs are set out for dinner, although guests are free to dine in their room if they prefer a bit more privacy. To the other is the lounge, where several sofas are placed facing a square fireplace. There’s also a library and a flat-screen TV here. The décor is very natural in style, with lots of wood and earthy colours (which we thought made the TV feel a little out of place).
The 13 tented rooms at Serengeti Bushtops, all named after various African animals, are essentially identical in style and design. All are raised on vast wooden decks with a veranda wrapping round two sides. Each deck is furnished with a table (where you can eat meals if you wish) and a sunken seating area with plenty of cushioned benches, and kitted out with a hot tub.
Inside the tent you’ll find a large bed covered by a mosquito net, and flanked by bedside tables. There’s a phone in each room which allows you to call between tents or to reception, a writing desk with various guidebooks and interesting fact sheets, a large wooden closet with plenty of hanging space, and an electronic safe.
Set to one side is the bathroom area, with a large ceramic sink and mirror, a hairdryer and toiletries provided. A canvas curtain separates the flush toilet from the rest of the facilities, and a huge rain-shower is open to the decking overlooking the hot tub.
Three ’honeymoon’ tents are so called simply because they’re set slightly further away, affording even more privacy, and have a king-size double bed. The ’family’ tent is essentially two standard tents joined by a wooden walkway.
A private butler service operates in all rooms. We’re told that this is a discreet service, whereby a specific member of staff is allocated to your room, and is on call should you require any drinks or service. We only popped in to Serengeti Bushtops on our last visit in 2011, so we didn’t get a chance to experience this service ourselves!
We noted on our last visit that the staff were uniformed, wore name badges, and were perhaps more formal than most camps. This combined with a feeling we had that the Bushtops feels less personal, and more like a hotel than a camp in many ways.
Overall we thought the rooms were incredibly spacious – some of the largest we’ve seen, and certainly some of the most private. As in the main area, the predominance of natural tones and wood gives them a really natural and fresh feel.
Many people will arrive here with their own driver-guide, but Serengeti Bushtops has six guides of its own, and six vehicles (two of them closed; four open-sided). We understand that on game drives they take a spotter, who is usually someone from a nearby village who is said to know the area and animals well.
Other activities at Serengeti Bushtops include a massage service, which is included in the rates for all guests. They tell us they have three resident masseuses who are all local Tanzanians, who will bring a massage bed to your room and carry out the massage on the decking. They can also offer walking safaris, although these are at an extra cost of US$50 per person and are taken by a TANAPA park ranger – not one of their own guides.
Our view
Serengeti Bushtops is remarkably stylish, and the rooms very spacious and private. The service seemed friendly and efficient. It lacks the communal ‘bushcamp’ feel of some of the smaller, more intimate camps in the area – and is a little more ‘hotel-like’ and formal – but for those wanting privacy and luxury this could be a good choice.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay for at least 3 nights between June and November when the wildebeest migration is likely to be within the area.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- On our last visit (June 2011) we didn't get a chance to sample the food at Serengeti Bushtops, but we'd expect the food to be of a good quality, with international style cuisine. Dining takes place either in the main restaurant area, or on the decking of your tent.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes, the camp offers 24 hour butler service and there are phone in the room.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included – but there are plans to change this in the future.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Serengeti Bushtops generally welcomes children, but young children are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no specific age restrictions, but the manager suggested three years plus.
- Special activities & services
- Serengeti Bushtops has archery, board games and a TV for children.
- Equipment
- There is no special equipment.
- Generally recommended for children
- The family tent at Serengeti Bushtops is well set out for families with older children travelling together. They also told us that up to two children can fit in the same tent as their parents. However, the camp has quite a mature feel to it, and is really in the middle of the bush, so we'd recommend it only for children from the age of 8 who have an interest in wildlife.
- Notes
- This camp is not fenced, and wild animals can roam through so parents should be aware children are always their responsibility.
Communications
- Communications
- Serengeti Bushtops has free WiFi in the central areas and a laptop which guests can use at no extra charge.
- TV & radio
- There is TV in the main area.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Serengeti Bushtops has a basic first-aid kit. They also have links to the flying doctor service. They are only 2km from Kogatende airstrip and we understand that helicopters can land on the site, too.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge has security guards patrolling day and night, and guests are escort to their tents after dark.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around Serengeti Bushtops.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included; it is hand washed and line dried.
- Money
- There are safes in all the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Serengeti Bushtop can accept cash payments, but they prefer payment by credit card. They can take Visa, MasterCard and Amex with no surcharge.
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.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west 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.
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.
