A New affordable Serengeti Safari Concept.

Isabel Conway (NUJ and British Guild of Travel Writers) brings you a very special report from the Serengeti.

Ireland’s travel trade media was recently invited to experience an exciting new concept in Serengeti’s safari lodges, catering to a wider audience through a more attainable price point, as well as offering an increased range of activities and facilities. Newly opened Serengeti Explorer   https://explorer.Africa/ where I spent a few idyllic days fills a niche between basic safari camps and ultra- luxury resorts.

The stunningly designed 74 room property, superbly located to view the famed Great Migration across the Serengeti, is a far cry from the colonial era tented African safari lodges and camps of my past visits to the Dark Continent. Then everything revolved around our twice daily game drives, perhaps a cooling dip in a small swimming pool, sundowners, drawing room chat, and restricted food and beverage choice within a ‘house party’ setting.

Arrival at Serengeti Explorer, seamlessly blending into the Nyaboro Hills, and offering incredible views for miles across these UNESCO World Heritage site plains from a grand dark stone entrance framed by massive 4 meter- high timber doors harkens a reverential silence. “We are looking at biblical pictures of paradise before God created man”, one guest remarks, in awe, as we take in the vista of one of the world’s most iconic wildlife eco systems.

The recently opened first lodge of the new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale, contemporary safari lodges was years in the planning, built on the historic grounds of Serengeti Sopa Lodge, one of the first and by far the best situated of Serengeti’s game lodge properties. The original room count was kept, explains veteran hotelier and general manager Emile Muller, and many of the existing stone and timber materials were re-used in line with sustainability and creating minimal impact on the Serengeti’s pristine wilderness.

After checking into my spacious comfortable suite, I set out along a winding grassy path for a blissful swim in the huge infinity pool, joined by a flutter of tiny birds whilst watching a herd of impala and faraway monkeys cavorting on treetops.  Explorer is home to the Serengeti’s first ever on-site hide overlooking a watering hole. Accessed through an underground tunnel from the lodge the hide allows guests to view wildlife up close from a vantage point making for awesome photo opportunities. The hide is accessible as are other amenities around the clock.

Aside from the guided game drives, the property offers a fully immersive family friendly holiday experience, such as a children’s bush craft centre, outdoor cinema, fully equipped gym, yoga and wellness and a wide selection of food and beverage options for all dietary requirements. Delicious pool side a la carte lunches, high end dining with tasting menus and wine paring and an atmospheric open air Boma featuring barbeque African and Swahili dishes, with Maasai tribal dance entertainment under the stars, were all put to the test by Travelbiz.

Laura Shelbourne who handles public relations for Ireland and the UK on behalf of the 15 Elewana luxury properties across East Africa explains “Explorer will appeal to first time safari goers, especially families because in a property this size there’s lots of choice and things to do…Having four solid walls, with that added element of security for anyone who may be a little nervous being so close to the wildlife is another bonus”.

Circuit discounts of up to 20 pc from 6-9 nights mixing Explorer with other Elewana properties are an interesting selling point. The property sells per room unlike Safari game lodges who charge per person. Two adults and a child up to 12 can share a room on full board from €658 per night exclusive of game drives and from €1,085 for the game package, offering plenty of flexibility. For further information https://explorer.elewanacollection.com/ Ireland Tour ops and agents who currently sell Serengeti Explorer includes Travel Counsellors, Mahlatini and Hide & Seek.