Alex Walker's Serian Serengeti: Our full report
A stylish tented camp - Alex Walker's Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation situated in one of two ...
... locations in or around the Serengeti depending on the time of year. Aiming to give guests a simple, authentic bush experience, it's a relaxed and friendly camp which retains a luxurious edge.We had the immense pleasure of visiting the camps in the Lamai Wedge in October 2019, and the experience was phenomenal! The Serian Serengeti operation moves to two general areas – the northern Lamai Wedge/Kogatende area and the southern Serengeti Plains – during the year, and there are two camps in each location.
From July until mid-November the camp is in the north, and the two camps are known as “Serengeti North” and “Serengeti Mobile Lamai”. The operation is located up in the Lamai Wedge and Kogatende area of the Serengeti - close to the Mara River, which means at the time of year you should be able to witness some great game sightings as the wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River. You can read more about the wildebeest migration here… On our last visit, we had the incredible experience of witnessing a crossing of 2,000+ wildebeest braving the roaring waters of the Mara River as well as the razor-sharp jaws of hungry crocodiles.
From mid-December through until the end of April the operation (meaning both camps) moves down south. One camp, known as “Serian's Serengeti South” is actually inside the western-most portion of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, bordering the short grass plains of the Maswa Game Reserve and southern Serengeti - within fairly easy reach of both the Serengeti itself, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater (a two-hour drive away). The camp lies 50 kilometers due south of Ndutu, and access to this camp is either by road as a part of a private-guided overland safari or by air to Mwiba Airstrip. Serian's Serengeti South offers complete isolation as it is the only tented camp in this area, and it also offers adventure fly camping.
50 kilometers northwest tucked inside the Kusini area in the Serengeti National Park lies its sister camp, known as “Serian's Serengeti Mobile Kusini”. This camp offers a massive advantage of being in a rhino-breeding area and being near one of the few places inside Serengeti National Park where you can do walking safaris. Furthermore, the camp is south of Ndutu Road, which is the only place in the Serengeti National Park where vehicles can legally drive off road.
In the operation's southern positioning, the camps lie in two very distinctively different areas; so much in fact, that they can even be combined to offer a diverse itinerary. The important thing to remember is that “Serian's Serengeti South” offers a much more adventurous experience with the fly camping element and operating in an area where wildlife is still not accustomed to mainstream tourism whereas the game where “Serian's Serengeti Mobile Kusini” lies in an area where game is used to seeing vehicle with tourists on photo safaris.
The most important aspects to consider with Serian Serengeti are guiding experience, location, and high service standards. Firstly, every booking is guaranteed a private vehicle, guide, and spotter. Secondarily, the operation is always located in a remote area that offers exceptional wildlife viewing – especially for the migration – far removed from mass tourism. Guides like to head out early and return early, avoiding the possible crowds later in the morning. And finally, the operation's exponentially high staff-to-guest ratio makes for unrivaled high service levels.
The camps are mirror images of one another and consist of 6 meru-style tents are simply furnished and decorated in a traditional safari style. Expect comfortable wrought iron beds, velvet sofas, and rugs covering the floor. All have en-suite plumbed bathrooms with flushing loos, and a basin with a jug of water by the sink. These are not posh or pretentious, but the eclectic furniture gives them a shabby chic feel. They are not slick and shiny, but nor are they trying to be; this is an unfussy bush experience where everything works seamlessly.
Four tents are suitable as a double, twin or triple. There are then two family tents which consist of two interconnecting bedrooms with a central lounge.
The communal mess tent is where guests will gather for a drink and dine together in the evenings. The dark canvas walls and antique sofas created a cosy, homely atmosphere where you can relax and watch the world pass you by. The Serian operation has a very high staff-to-guest ratio, and we were floored by how great the service and attention to detail were on our last visit. Amongst the staff and guests, however, a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is maintained.
There is no guest WiFi anywhere in the camp, and we did not miss it. A stay at Serian Serengeti is really about getting back to nature and having a real bush experience where guests are encouraged to disconnect. In a world where safari camps are increasingly trying to compete to have the most luxurious tents, WiFi and mod cons, Alex Walker Serian Serengeti delights in the simplicity of an authentic safari with excellent guiding and great food and service.
Activities tend to be focused on game drives and walking safaris, and where possible their guides like to take you off the beaten track and in to more remote areas of the park. If you stay at “Serian's Serengeti South”, “Serian's Serengeti Mobile Lamai” or “Serian's Serengeti North” you can get a real feeling of being out in the wilderness by taking advantage of their fly camp (which is included in the price) - a simple dome tent set up in the middle of the bush, with short-drop toilet and bucket shower.
Our view
The Serian Serengeti operation is professional and well run with superb guides, authentic and comfortable tents, and offers a tremendous bush experience in remote areas of the Serengeti ecosystem. Our experience exceeded our high expectations, and we are extremely confident it will deliver consistent phenomenal experiences.
Country manager: Tanzania
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for 3-4 nights, or more if you want to do some fly-camping too.
- Directions
- Reach the north camp by flying to Kogatende or Lamai airstrip - the camp is then just 20 minutes drive away from either airstrip. Reach the south camp by flying to Ndutu or Mwiba and then transferring.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We found the food at Serian Serengeti to be exceptionally delicious on our October 2019 stay. Breakfast is served with both hot and cold options with eggs, bacon, sausage, and vegetables cooked to order as well as a buffet of cereals, breads, fruits, and yoghurt.
Most guests, including ourselves, spend the day on game drive in the park, so the camp prepares a box lunch consisting of something simple, such as roast chicken, fruits, and bread roll in addition to preferred drinks, which are arranged in advance.
Dinner is a special occasion every night at Serian Serengeti, and guests can expect a festive atmosphere when dining along with the highly engaging guides and camp managers. The staff serves 'family style' dishes on large, silver plates where guests select the portion that is just right for them for each course. We enjoyed delicious warm tomato and basil soup for a starter, rosemary lamb shank for a main course, and a rich, savoury chocolate cake for dessert. If Alex Walker is in camp himself, he dines with the guests and makes for excellent and entertaining conversation and reflection on the day's game viewing experiences. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- If a couple particularly wanted to dine privately in their tent it could be arranged.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included with the exception of premium wines, spirits and champagnes, which are at extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The camp welcomes children, but not young babies. There is a strictly enforces a minimum age of 12 for walking safaris.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No formal age restrictions, but babies are not accepted.
- Special activities & services
- The camp can happily arrange child friendly activities such as making bows and arrows and going on nature walks. Because a private vehicle is included in the cost you can plan your activities to suit your family's needs. There is also the chance for some cultural interaction, which children may enjoy.
- Equipment
- Serian Serengeti has cots available but no high chairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- The relaxed atmosphere at Serian Serengeti would make it a good option for families with children; however, as with all bush camps - we'd recommend this only for mature children over the age of 8, as game is free to wander through throughout the camp.
- Notes
- Parents must note that children are always their responsibility.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Serian Serengeti
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Alex Walker's Serian Serengeti have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
80% success
80% success
80% success
50% success
50% success
25% success
25% success
20% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Generator is run for 4 hours in the morning when guests are out and is shut off before they return.
- Communications
- There is no WiFi in camp, however if guests need to connect then it is possible to drive to the nearby rangers’ post where WiFi can be picked up. The managers can help you to check in to you international flight if needed.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Borehole in the north and water tower and well in the south
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All guides and managers are first aid trained.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There is a small team of night watchmen on duty. There are torches and whistles in the tents in case of emergencies.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the central area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included however due to cultural sensitivities lady’s underwear is not accepted.
- Accepted payment on location
- There is a small curio shop and all items will need to be paid for in cash. The camp accepts all major currencies, including US dollars and GB pounds.
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.
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.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
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.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
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.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
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.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
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.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
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.
