Singita Mara River Tented Camp: Our full report
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is set in the wonderfully remote Lamai wedge, a 400km² area of land in the ...
... northernmost tip of the Serengeti National Park. Opened in 2012, this small, luxury camp lies along a sweeping bend of the meandering Mara River. During the wildebeest migration, between July and October, it is not uncommon to see crossings right in front of camp.Singita Mara is the first permanent safari camp within the Lamai wedge, which fits between the Mara River to the south and the southern border of Kenya's Maasai Mara National Park. Permission for the camp was granted,by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) following Singita's success in the Singita Grumeti Reserve, in the western part of the Serengeti, where they have a number of excellent camps. These include Faru Faru, Sasakwa and Sabora.
Although Mara River Tented Camp is not in a private concession, it is comparable in style, design, and quality with its sister properties. It also – and perhaps most importantly – shares their commitment to giving visitors an authentic safari experience in a secluded location.
Singita Mara is the only camp in this area for most of the year, although a couple of small seasonal camps arrive during the wildebeest migration, between July and October. With permission from TANAPA, Singita's guides have created game-drive routes from scratch. This makes for a really offbeat safari experience, on relatively uncharted routes, with very few other visitors.
The whole camp is designed in the Bohemian-chic fashion with splashes of bold colour, that has become synonymous with Singita properties. Using natural and recycled materials wherever possible, Singita Mara was styled by South African interior design company Cécile & Boyd. A huge amount of thought has gone into the detail, from the modern African wall art, to the cushions, baskets and beadwork. We loved the combination of contemporary design and traditional materials.
The eight tents at Singita Mara make up six separate units. Closest to the main area are two family units, each comprising two tents, with a shared decking area, while a further four double tents are located slightly further along the river. All are set on wooden platforms about a metre off the ground, with a large veranda and seating area; and are sheltered by canvas fly-sheets. In the family units, the two tents – either double or twin – are joined by a covered walkway and a shared deck. All of the tents are made from canvas, have zip entrances and gauze windows which lets a nice cooling breeze through. There are also fans in the rooms to help with really hot nights.
Inside, the tents feel modern and bright, with white, perfectly pressed, sheets and matching mosquito nets draped over the bed. The furniture is very smart with matching, safari-style bedside tables, wardrobe and bureau, and a spotlight that wouldn't look out of place on a film set!
Athough Singita Mara is a tented camp, it provides the same sort of comforts you might expect from a modern hotel: hairdryers, electronic safes, phones for contacting the staff, plug sockets and fans. There has been an incredible level of thought that has gone into providing guests everything that they may need during their stay. Bathrobes, light weights, yoga mats, kettle bells, a set of Vortex binoculars, wildlife guides, water colour paints and pencils, playing cards, safari hats and bags, along with a well-stocked cool box – complete with a selection of soft drinks, spirits, beers, wine sweets and gourmet chocolates! – set Singita Mara apart from most tented camps.
Each of the tents has a well-designed en-suite bathroom with metal flush toilet, rain shower and basin with running hot and cold water. One of the best features is the open-air bath that overlooks the Mara River in front, yet remains completely private.
The views down the river from the tents, as from the main area, are maximised by the camp's setting on a sweeping bend of the Mara River.
In the main area itself, the lounge is beautifully decorated and a really sociable place to relax, with chaise-longues, sofas, board games and a viewing platform. Next to this is a small dining area and bar where breakfasts and lunches are often served. Dinner tends to be served in a variety of locations, often under the stars. In front of the dining area is a firepit, surrounded by chairs, ideal for a pre- dinner drink.
Nearby is a lovely swimming pool with a seating area and sundeck facing the Mara River. Almost reminiscent of a seascape this features ropes, hoops, pebble chairs, modern sunloungers and white sail canvas.
Activities at Mara River Tented Camp primarily focus on twice daily game drives in the surrounding area. In order to minimise environmental impact, private vehicles are not available at Singita Mara. Instead a maximum of six guests share brand new vehicles. Guided walks are also possible .
Singita Mara River Tented Camp provides an excellent opportunity to view river crossings in July, August and September. Although please bear in mind that with so much wildlife surrounding the camp, there can also be quite a distinctive smell of wildebeest! Guests visiting outside of these months will virtually have the whole Lamai wege to themselves and game viewing will be varied because of the permanent water source nearby.
After a game drive relax with a facial, manicure or massage in your tent or on your private deck. Massages from $120 per hour dependent on treatment.
Our view
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is one of the most stylish camps in the Serengeti, and we were particularly impressed by the attention to detail. The location is ideal for those wanting to experience the Serengeti without the crowds, and during July, August and September, it is hard to think of a camp that is better placed for the wildebeest migration. It certainly meets the need for the discerning traveller, however, the price tag is very high, and for people who prefer simple bush camps the style may be a bit too much.
Country manager: Tanzania
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for 2–3 nights to enjoy the game viewing of the area.
- Directions
- Singita Mara is about 1½ hours' game drive from Kogatende airstrip, or 45 minutes from Lamai airstrip. It is around a 2 hour flight from Arusha.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last stayed at Singita Mara River Tented Camp in October 2018 the food was very good. There was a real variety on offer, with dishes deliciously prepared and beautifully presented.
There are no set meal times, and guests are encouraged to be as relaxed as they wish.
Breakfast at Singita Mara usually starts with a selection of granola, cornflakes and other cereals, followed by freshly baked pastries, yoghurt, and – for those who want it – a full cooked breakfast. Breakfast times can be flexible and for those who want to go on game drives early can also take a packed bush breakfast with them.
Lunch is usually something quite light like a fresh salad and homemade bread.
Dinner is either a three-course menu, or maybe a themed evening with multiple small dishes brought to your table. On our latest visit, the camp had a ‘Swahili evening’, where we were served plentiful amounts of barbequed beef, pilau, maharage (beans in coconut) ugali (maize meal) and kachumbari (tomato salad).
On a previous stay we enjoyed goats cheese prepared three different ways, beetroot salad, and an orange reduction to start; pan-fried duck breast, croquette potatoes, braised red cabbage and a thyme jus for main, and a malva pudding to finish. It was all superb.
Singita is one of Africa’s most influential collectors of wine, and so you can expect a good selection of well paired wine with lunch and dinner. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Included
- Drinks included
- Most drinks (including the mini bar in the tents) are included apart from premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Wildlife safaris
- Singita Mara River Tented Camp is perfectly located to view wildebeest crossing the Mara River in July, August and September. Often guests won’t even need to leave camp to see some of the action!
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris
- Luxury
- As well as making the most of its stunning location, Singita Mara River Camp pairs sumptuous natural fabrics with contemporary details in Bohemian-chic interiors. Incredible attention to detail results in a luxurious, stylish aesthetic with an authentic connection to nature.
- See ideas for Luxury
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Singita Mara accept children over the age of 10.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 10+
- Special activities & services
- There is a special children’s programme called ‘Watoto Pori‘ which teaches them a number of bush skills. Children are welcomed with an age-appropriate survival kit in a small satchel with to which they are encouraged to attach badges earned for the skills they learn. These can include tracking animals; frogging; butterfly capture and release; astronomy; bush survival techniques; flower-pressing; game-spotting competitions and nature quizzes.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- Singita Mara is a grown up camp and will cater best for older children.
- Notes
- Singita Mara Tented Camp is an open camp without any fences and big game can, and frequently does, walk straight through camp. You should therefore take the upmost precaution.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Singita Mara River
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Singita Mara River Tented Camp 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
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp is proud of their state-of the-art solar panels, which provide energy even on cloudy days. There is a back-up generator, so power is available 24 hours a day. Both European and American plug adaptors are provided.
- Communications
- There is free WiFi throughout the camp and internal phones in all of the tents. Mobile phone signal is very intermittent.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- There is running hot and cold water in the bathroom that can be used for washing, but filtered water is supplied for drinking. All the toilets have flush systems and are plumbed in.
Sustainability
New, creative uses for old African tools
Opened in 2012, Mara River Tented Camp is the perfect representation of Singita’s philosophy of preserving iconic locations by offering ‘fewer beds in larger areas’. With only 16 beds within 98,000 acres of wilderness, the camp is widely recognized for putting forward the concept of sustainable construction that creates an immersive African experience, and also minimizes the impact of the buildings on the environment.
To create a contemporary African design, the architects used traditional objects that have been converted for new uses. The camp has brought hand crafted African baskets from local designers, and used them as decorative elements. For example, baskets used for filtering traditional beer have been painted and act as a décor element. Similarly, wooden pendant lights, whose shapes are derived from African pots, are manufactured from sustainable jacaranda wood. When it comes to the building’s structure, wooden decks and basket walls and roofs have been used to minimize the pressure of the construction on the ground. The camp also uses custom-designed solar panels on which it relies entirely for electricity, making it 100% ‘off the grid’.
The predominant use of colours black, red and blue pays homage to the Masai culture and the heritage of local Kuria tribes. Guests have the opportunity to explore the interior and invite the staff to share stories of how African culture and design has been reinterpreted.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are first-aid kits in all of the tents, vehicles and main areas. The guides and managers are trained in first aid. In an emergency it would be a three-hour drive for a paramedic to reach the camp.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Traditionally dressed Maasai, armed with spears, will escort you to and from your room at night
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all of the tents and the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service included. Machine washed and dried.
- Money
- There are electronic safes in all of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted without surcharge. Cash in US dollars and euros may also be used.
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.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
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 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 comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
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.
