African Luxury
– Matthew Smith, &Beyond Sales Manager –
If you have been looking for the perfect, luxurious safari lodge, we have found it! Located in the remote western reaches of the Serengeti National Park, expect a private Serengeti safari experience complete with resident hippo pods and remarkable lion prides.
Perfectly situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, in the secluded western parts of the Serengeti National Park, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge shares breath-taking views and unparalleled sightings.
Using the natural bow shape of the river, and paying homage to the circular forms of a traditional Maasai manyatta, the lodge unfolds to reveal an understated sense of luxury. Adorned with Kitenge fabrics and accentuated with stone walls, the lodge also features the vibrant colours of the fishing communities surrounding Lake Victoria and the grey tones representative of hippo hide that have been beautifully woven into deeply comfortable furnishings and bespoke, hand-made fittings.
Walking into the guest area upon arrival is a real ‘wow’ moment. Spacious decks are perfect for enjoying sunsets overlooking the river and the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool provides a view of the seasonal hippo pods below. The proximity to water draws a profusion of wildlife throughout the day and night.
Touching the earth lightly and seemingly floating across the landscape, 10 nostalgically elegant, and very spacious, guest Suites offer natural light, an enormous bed, bath, an indoor shower (with a spectacular view), and a private plunge pool. A Family Suite, with the addition of a smaller children’s bedroom, offers adventurous families the unique opportunity to explore the African bush together.
Celebrating the local culture and cuisine, become immersed in the lodge’s exquisite meals, from breakfast to dinner. Much-loved and well-known breakfast trays, complete with freshly-squeezed juices and house-baked bread, are absolutely not to be missed, while the interactive kitchen creates a space for guests to work alongside chefs and plan their menus for the day. The traditional boma, a hero of night-time dining, serves a selection of artisanal pizzas, and salt-crusted, whole-baked fish, which pays homage to the region’s great lakes, among many other delicious meals. Enjoy convivial afternoons and evenings around the central circular bar; a masterpiece of woven fabrics and dramatic glass ball light installations. For those looking for an active workout, head to the gym.
Due to its far-flung location, there are very few lodges in this pristine section of the park, allowing for an intimate and exclusive Serengeti safari experience. Twice-daily game drives from the lodge often encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena, big herds of resident plains game as well as the special black-and-white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti. In addition to these game drives, there are various other safari experiences on offer. The perfect alternative to a game drive is a guided nature walk which offers an incredible experience of exploring the Serengeti National Park on-foot. Ideal for avid birders, who will delight in the opportunity to explore the park in search of its 350 species. How about embarking on a safari from above, on a hot air balloon safari? The hour-long flight floats over the Serengeti’s endless plains, draped with abundant wildlife.
Safari is just the beginning of the full Grumeti experience. Guests are able to gain a greater understanding of the diverse landscape, wildlife, and people through an array of additional journeys. The African night skies are truly a sight to behold. Sit under a blanket of a million stars and enjoy a basic astronomy lesson from your guide. Simply unwind and reconnect after a long journey or safari and pamper yourself with a soul-soothing wellness treatment in the comfort of your suite. Reawaken your senses, with the grunts of hippos in the distance, while you enjoy a private yoga session. Undoubtedly, a highlight of any stay in Tanzania would be a community visit, offering an opportunity to engage with friendly local people and gain first-hand knowledge of the Africa Foundation’s various projects to improve education, healthcare, and water access in the Lukungu community.
With the desire to continuously surpass the ultimate guest experience, and Beyond has recently redesigned and rebuilt several of their properties. Added to this is the creation of unique adventures, ensuring a lifetime of unforgettable memories for guests. If you are in the market for a trip to Africa, we highly suggest you take a look at this lodge!