S. Serengeti Under Canvas
Step into the "Cradle of Life." From January to March, South Serengeti Under Canvas follows the Great Migration to the Ndutu plains for the calving season. Experience high-society luxury and raw predator action from the heart of the short-grass plains.
Details
Primitive! Wild! Pure Elegance! South Serengeti Under Canvas is designed for the traveler who wants to touch the “tangible soul” of the wild—to feel the earth, the ancient rhythm of birth, and the raw energy of the plains without the distractions of permanent structures. From January to March, this mobile masterpiece is positioned in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions to coincide with one of nature’s most miraculous events: the calving season.
This is where adventure meets high-end luxury. By stripping away the buildings and crowds of civilization, the camp offers that intangible “something” that makes the Serengeti so legendary. While the camp is “under canvas,” the service is anything but basic. With a private butler for every tent and a staff dedicated to first-rate hospitality, you are treated with the same level of care found at the world’s most exclusive resorts, all while being parked in the middle of the world’s largest migration.
The Cradle of the Calving Season
During its southern residency, the camp is strategically placed within the Lake Ndutu and short-grass plains ecosystem. This is the stage for the Great Migration’s most vulnerable and vibrant chapter.
Front-Row Seats to New Life From this base, guests are perfectly positioned to witness the synchronous birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves. The lush, nutrient-rich grasses of the south attract the herds in staggering numbers, creating a landscape that is “choked black” with life. However, with new life comes the ultimate challenge; the open plains become a prime hunting ground for cheetahs, lions, and hyenas. The wildlife viewing here is intense and immediate—don’t be surprised to see families of elephants moving through the acacia woodlands or a cheetah scanning the horizon from a nearby mound while you enjoy your morning coffee.
The Art of “Glamping”
With just nine luxury tents (including one family suite), the camp offers an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. The design is a romantic nod to the golden age of safari, where custom-made rugs and polished brass samovars meet the emerald-green landscape of the rainy season.
The Guest Experience:
- Silverware and Chandeliers: Inside your tent, the “primitive” world is replaced by elegance. You’ll find comfortable king or twin beds with fluffy duvets, set beneath shimmering chandeliers and illuminated by candle-lamps.
- The Safari Shower: Enjoy the ultimate ritual—outdoor, heated his-and-her bucket showers filled with hot water on demand by your private butler.
- Private Butler Service: Each tent is assigned a dedicated butler to manage everything from your morning wake-up call to your evening turndown.
Authentic Immersion: To provide a true wilderness experience, the camp does not have Wi-Fi, 24-hour electricity, or traditional running water. It is a “glamping” experience designed for those who value total immersion over digital connectivity.
Dining on the Short-Grass Plains
Dining at South Serengeti Under Canvas is a celebration of the senses. The guest areas include a dedicated sitting and dining tent featuring deep, comfortable sofas that invite you to contemplate the vastness of the Southern plains.
Meals are served with a touch of old-world class—think heavy silverware, crystal glassware, and gourmet dishes prepared by a professional chef. In the afternoon, iridescently hued lovebirds often flit through the sunlight of the open-air dining area. As night falls, the experience moves to the roaring bonfire. Under a canopy of brilliant stars, you can share stories of the day’s predator sightings while listening to the deep, resonant throb of lions roaring across the Ndutu plains.
- Migration Calving Access: Positioned specifically for the January–March calving season.
- Private Butler Service: Personalized, high-touch care for every guest tent.
- Classic Safari Luxury: Features chandeliers, silverware, crystal, and custom rugs.
- His-and-Her Bucket Showers: Heated on demand for a traditional rinse under the African sky.
- Intimate Scale: Just 9 tents ensure total seclusion in the heart of the short-grass plains.
- Authentic Wilderness: A true “off-the-grid” experience with no Wi-Fi or permanent infrastructure.
- Predator Hotspot: Ideally located for viewing cheetahs and lions on the open southern plains.
- Family Tented Suite: A specialized tent designed for families seeking a shared adventure.
Nearby Attractions
Seasonal Highlights
| Month | Season | Weather | Wildlife Sightings | Rec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant | Yes |
| Feb | Green Season | 60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Wildebeest Calving | Yes |
| Mar | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant | Yes |
| Apr | Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant | Yes |
| May | Northward Migration | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant | Yes |
| Jun | Beginning of Dry Season | 56 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant (early June only) | Yes |
| Jul | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
- - - - - | No |
| Aug | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
- - - - - | No |
| Sep | Dry Season | 55 - 81 F Mostly sunny |
- - - - - | No |
| Oct | Dry Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny |
- - - - - | No |
| Nov | Southward Migration | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Giraffe, gazelle, Walking Safaris and Cultural Interactions | Yes |
| Dec | Beginning of Green Season | 60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers |
Wildebeest Migration and Zebra Migration, Lion, Cheetah, Elephant | Yes |
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