Big news from Africa's luxury scene: Sanctuary Retreats will be expanding its camps in Tanzania and Kenya with four additional properties – three in Tanzania and one in Kenya. As of June 1, the portfolio will let guests go on a complete circuit of the Great Migration and some of the the best game viewing in East Africa. Joining the four existing Sanctuary properties in Tanzania is a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Manyara, a new seasonal camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a seasonal camp in the Serengeti National Park that will follow the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. In Kenya, a new seasonal camp on the banks of the Mara River will give visitors up-close viewing of the wildebeest migration from July to October.
These additions give the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio a total of 17 luxury camps in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda and Zambia.
Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Lake Manyara, Tanzania
Reopening as a Sanctuary Retreats property on June 1, Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge sits on the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley overlooking Lake Manyara National Park in Northern Tanzania with top views over the lake and the ridge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
The lodge has 16 guest chalets, each with indoor and outdoor showers, a bath and a private terrace overlooking the lake below. A large infinity swimming pool also offers some sweet views over Lake Manyara. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, walking safaris and a tour of a local Masai village.
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp – Ngorongoro Conversation Area, Northern Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is just under ten miles in diameter and is home to more than 25,000 animals including the “Big Five,” zebra, wildebeest and buffalo.
Joining Sanctuary Retreats in July 2014, Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp will have 12 luxury safari tents on the rim of the crater, as well as a main dining tent and two bar and lounge tents. Activities include morning, afternoon and full-day game drives in and on the rim of the crater, along with a cultural tour of traditional Masai dwellings.
Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp–Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania
Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park is famed for the annual migration, when millions of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras cross the open plains in search of fresh grazing.
Joining Sanctuary Retreats in July 2014, Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp will follow the migration, moving between three different locations. Depending on the movement of the herds, the camp will be in the Western Serengeti from April to July, the Northern Serengeti from August to November and the Southern Serengeti from December to March
Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp will have eight luxury safari tents. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in and around the migration and bush picnics.
Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp – Masai Mara, Kenya
Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp in Kenya will also join the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio in July 2014. Located in a private concession on the banks of the Mara River, the seasonal camp (open from June 30 to October 31 each year) will focus on the other side of the Great Migration.
The camp will have safari tents, and guests can go on morning and afternoon game drives, nature walks, sundowners and bush dinners. Even cooler, the camp will offer hot air balloon safaris at an additional cost. For families, childcare services include a kids club outdoor and cultural activities with local Masai guides and a resident naturalist. Those looking for a slightly more indulgent experience will also be able to unwind in a a mobile “mini-spa”, offering signature Sanctuary treatments.
For bookings information and prices, visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com.