Ubuntu Camp, Serengeti

Camp Experience

In Swahili ‘Ubuntu’ stands for kindness and generosity towards others – and this small and intimate camp certainly lives up to its name. The close-knit team of friendly staff and experienced guides ensure that warm hospitality, great food and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere remain at the heart of Ubuntu Camp.

The open-plan main area spills into the surrounding wilderness – impressive views of the landscape stretch as far as the horizon. Here you can explore the library or spend a lazy afternoon watching game on the sprawling plains. Breakfast and lunch are served under canvas in the next-door dining tent, while dinner is often enjoyed under the stars beside the glowing embers of the campfire, to the soundtrack of the Serengeti’s nocturnal animals.

Accommodation

Ubuntu’s seven suites are spacious under-canvas safari tents, designed to balance traditional safari authenticity with true comfort. Each room has king-sized beds (twin beds are available) and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets.

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Location

Three times a year this traditional-style safari camp packs up and moves to keep up with the massive herds of wildebeest as they migrate in a never-ending cycle in search of fresh grazing and plentiful water.

Ubuntu West (May to July)

In May, Ubuntu is on the move, travelling to the Western Corridor with the herds as they continue their cyclical trek to the North. Home is close to Handajega, a serene and peaceful setting between the Nyakoroma Hills and the border of the National Park, and days are spent watching the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River as the predators stalk their every move.

Ubuntu North (August to November)

From late July to October, Ubuntu is positioned to intercept the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti as the herds make their way towards Kenya and the Maasai Mara. Daily game drives stop regularly at the Mara River to observe the spectacular river crossings across waters populated with Nile crocodiles and hippo, providing dramatic and exciting game viewing. The northern plains are home to large herds of resident plains game throughout the year – this draws high numbers of predators, and so sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah roaming the grasslands are frequent. Herds of elephant can be found in the lush woodland that lines the Mara River as well as an astounding array of birdlife, with over 500 species in the area.

Ubuntu South (December to March)

As they have done for millennia, the herds will eventually answer the call of the migration and head for the southern Serengeti’s endless grasslands. Here they will rest and graze on the newly sprouted grasses, and in February, the plains are speckled with thousands of tiny wildebeest babies as the mothers calve in a remarkably synchronised and awe-inspiring event.

Activities

Moving with the Great Migration, Ubuntu consistently produces spectacular game viewing wherever it goes. It is a completely safari-orientated camp, and so activities from Ubuntu will ensure you are always at the heart of the action.

Game drives
Ubuntu’s experienced guides help you to explore the finest areas of the Serengeti on morning and evening daily game drives. We have both open and closed game-viewing vehicles.  All vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.

Hot-air balloon safaris
There is nothing quite like gliding serenely over the vast plains of the Serengeti as the wildlife teems below, on a romantic and evocative balloon safari. (at an additional cost)
Available at Ubuntu North

Cultural & community visits
The friendly atmosphere at Ubuntu focuses on community, and when Ubuntu is in the north (July to October) it is possible to visit the nearby local villages for a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Kuria people.

Bush breakfasts, picnics & dinners
Maximise your time on the game-filled plains by enjoying a delicious packed breakfast or lunch provided by camp chefs while you’re on the move.

Camp Story

Eat farm-to-table vegetables produced by the local gardeners at Ubuntu North. This initiative, started and mentored by Asilia, ensures that fresh, organic vegetables appear on your plate – but it also provides a livelihood for rural people who would otherwise have none. “It stops me from doing bad things,” says Juliana Myenjwa, farmer and mother of eight, from Merenga village.

The only impact Ubuntu Camp aspire to leave behind is a positive one in the communities who earn a livelihood through our presence. The tented camp has no permanent structures: it is broken down and moved three times a year, leaving the precious site as we found it with the exception of a couple of footpaths, themselves quickly reclaimed by the resilient African bush. Ubuntu Camp is fully supported by solar energy. Any emissions from our back-up fossil-fuel consumption are offset through a local community forestation programme.

Ubuntu is recognised by Responsible Tourism Tanzania for integrating its working culture and daily operations into a sustainable and responsible management approach. Systems are in place to monitor and direct operations. All employees understand the triple bottom line, which forms the core of the company culture. Ubuntu is also recognised by Fair Trade Tourism which benchmarks responsible tourism standards across the continent.

Our 2017 Rates

Ubuntu Camp Game Package rates include: Full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits), laundry service, scheduled open vehicle game drives, transfers to/from Serengeti South airstrip (16th Dec – 15th Mar), Kogatende airstrip (25th Jul – 15th Nov), Grumeti airstrip (1st May – 16th July).

Rates below exclude: Any applicable park/conservancy fees, any applicable camping/concession fees, and conservation charge, totalling approximately US$ 140 per person per night. Champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits, all transfer other than stated, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of a personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) US$ 25pp.

Peak Season:

1 – 28 February and 25 July – 31 August: US$ 784 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

Green Season:

1 – 31 May: US$ 369 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

High Season:

1 June – 14 July and 1 September – 31 October: US$ 724 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

Low Season:

1 – 31 January; 1 – 14 March and 15 November – 31 December: US$ 624 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

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Our 2018 Rates

Ubuntu Camp Game Package rates include: Full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits), laundry service, scheduled open vehicle game drives, transfers to/from Serengeti South airstrip (16th Dec – 15th Mar), Kogatende airstrip (25th Jul – 15th Nov), Grumeti airstrip (1st May – 16th July).

Rates below exclude: Any applicable park/conservancy fees, any applicable camping/concession fees, and conservation charge, totalling approximately US$ 140 per person per night. Champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits, all transfer other than stated, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of a personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) US$ 25pp.

Peak Season:

1 – 28 February and 25 July – 31 August: US$ 798 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

Green Season:

1 – 31 May: US$ 413 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

High Season:

1 June – 14 July and 1 September – 31 October: US$ 738 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

Low Season:

1 – 31 January; 1 – 14 March and 15 November – 31 December: US$ 638 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation