Sametu Camp

Highlights

  • Most Known For

    • Pristine wilderness area with few tourists
    • Front row seats to supberb big cat viewing
    • Listen for lions roaring in the night
    • Roaring bonfires under the African sky
  • Activities

    Private Game Drives, Sundowners & Bonfires

  • Wildlife

    Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Bat-eared Fox, Reedbuck, Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo, Rhino, Warthog

Sametu Camp

Adventure! Seclusion! Wildlife! This is what Sametu Camp is all about. Tucked in the remote reaches of the famous Seronera Valley and near the legendary Sametu Kopjes, lies the hidden gem called Sametu Camp. This property is all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Within minutes of leaving the camp (or sometimes not leaving the camp at all), guests can witness thick populations of resident wildlife. This intimate Camp has a maximum occupancy of just 36 guests.

View East Serengeti Map Nearby Attractions Seasonal Highlights Nearby Lodges

Lodge Overview

Adventure! Seclusion! Wildlife! This is what Sametu Camp is all about. Not to mention stunning landscapes, wide open spaces, and a profound peace of spirit that is inherent to any true wilderness like this one. What an unexpected off-the-beaten path place for a camp! And that's precisely what we love about it!

Tucked in the remote eastern reaches of the famous Seronera River Valley and near the legendary Sametu Kopjes, lies the hidden gem that is Sametu Camp. This venue boasts a devoted staff and private chef determined to bring luxury to the bush. Within minutes of leaving the camp (or sometimes not leaving the camp at all), guests have the opportunity to witness the thick populations of resident wildlife that thrive in the Central Serengeti ecosystem. Lion, giraffe, elephant, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, warthog, hyena and several species of antelope are regularly encountered within a few minutes from camp.

Keeping in theme with Seronera Sametu's pristine and secluded location, accommodations consist of just fourteen (14) tented suites and (2) additional two-bedroom family suites for a maximum occupancy of 36 guests. There is also the main lodge tent, which contains the lounge, library, dining room, bar and sundowner/fire pit area. Gourmet meals may be served by the flicker of candle lamps with a billion stars overhead. Spacious sleeping tents, en suite bathrooms and a comfortable bed round out these tented accommodations. Bask in the radiance of an authentic wilderness, where civilization seems a million miles away. It just doesn't get any better than this!

Sametu Camp is definitely one of a kind here in the Central Serengeti, being the only small tented camp serving as a base to game-drive this part of the Serengeti ecosystem, and offers a feeling of authentic seclusion that simply cannot be duplicated. This property is all about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Sametu Camp offers easy access to the teeming wildlife of the Central Serengeti - including Makoma Hill, Moru Kopjes, Maasai Kopjes, Sametu Marsh and Kopjes , Barafu Gorge, and the Seronera River Valley.

Sametu Camp was created to fill a special niche in the Central Serengeti where there is simply not one single viable option for a small, tented venue with a good location. Although the Seronera Valley is arguably the finest wildlife viewing destination on the face of the planet, the area is dominated by large hotel style lodges with less than optimal locations. Sametu Camp was hence created to provide a lodging option for guests seeking a superb location in the Seronera Valley with a small and intimate setting and all for an unbeatable value.

Sametu Camp is our #1 top pick in the entire Serengeti for the best wildlife viewing property (especially for the big cats). We think the lions certainly agree as they seem to sing (i.e. roar) on a nightly basis! Expect attentive service, expect authentic safari accommodations, expect a true wilderness experience and expect to be in close proximity to prime wildlife viewing areas. After all, isn't this why you have made the long trek to the Serengeti?

Location

With Sametu Camp it's ALL about location! The Camp is located on the eastern fringe of the Seronera River Valley, which is virtually devoid of tourists especially compared to the high impact area to the west. The nearest lodge or campsite is over a 1-hour drive away, which means that you will likely have your wildlife sightings all to yourself. To have a slice of the world famous Seronera Valley relatively undisturbed by tourists is really quite extraordinary in this day and age. The camp is located just south of the Ngare Nanyuki River and to the west of beautiful Soit Le Montonye. Further to the east is the incredibly remote Barafu Kopjes and Gorge, which beckons to be explored.

A few miles to the south of Camp are the stunningly beautiful Sametu Kopjes and Marsh. Sametu is home to the Sametu Lion Pride, a powerful plains pride that manages to squeeze out a year round existence on the harsh Serengeti Plains, and the subject of a charming book entitled 'Lions Share'. Jeanette Handy, field biologist with the Serengeti Lion Project, spent several years studying the Sametu pride and her book entitled 'Lions Share' is the story of how the pride came into existence and the struggles the lions endured protecting their prized territory.

Though 'Lions Share' was written in the 1970s, the Sametu pride is still intact today and the great, great granddaughters of the lions written about in the book still hold the Sametu area. Currently the pride is ruled by a coalition of four resident males. This famous coalition of extraordinary large male lions is known as the "Greek Gods" (Zeus, Ares, Apollo and Demeter). The Greek Gods are often spotted together around the Sametu Marsh, which lies directly in front of the Sametu Kopjes.

The Sametu Marsh is a magnet for wildlife as it holds the only permanent source of water in the area. Next to the marsh are several wells that have been carved out of bare rock perhaps hundreds of years ago by the Maasai. The water beneath is fresh and clear and the reeds that surround the wells provide a safe haven for the cubs of the Sametu pride. The mothers of the Sametu pride often leave their defenseless cubs here while off hunting especially during the dry season when they sometimes must wander for miles in search of food.

Accommodations

Accommodations consist of just fourteen (14) individual tented suites and two additional 2-bedroom family suites. There is also the main lodge area, which contains the lounge, library, dining room, bar, sundowner area and a beautiful swimming pool. A blend of comfort and practicality, each canvas sleeping suite is spacious, secure and well-appointed with the fundamental necessities including beautiful hardwood floors, comfortable beds, lounging chair, writer's desk and ensuite bathrooms with running water, dual washbasins, toilet, shower and even a hairdryer.

Each of the suites are elevated above the ground and have large wraparound verandas that lookout over the beautiful savannah towards the Ngarenanyuki River. Stepping down from the veranda, you'll find your own personal fire pit surrounded by black cast iron fencing, that the staff can prepare a private campfire upon your request. There is 24-hour electricity and Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge areas.

Food & Drink

Get ready for serious gourmet in the bush! Meals at Sametu Camp are absolutely fantastic. Breakfast consists of a mixed buffet with orders taken for eggs, omelets, bacon, toast, etc. The buffet consists of yogurt, nuts, cereal, breads, fruit and juice. Alternatively, breakfast boxes can be arranged for early morning game drives. Similarly to breakfast, you have your choice of dining in the main tent for lunch or enjoying a lunch box if you plan a full day adventure game drive. The choice is yours - this is YOUR private safari, after all!

Dinner is a wonderful event to look forward to at Sametu Camp, and it is one of few places that guests can join together for a family-style dinner or choose to dine separately. Additionally, driver-guides are welcome to dine with guests at no extra cost. Usually the mingling with other guests starts over sundowners around a roaring campfire while the camp staff arranges a feast for you in the main dining tent nearby. Once everything is prepared the staff comes out to the campfire to "collect" all the guests from the fireside and lounge areas and seats everyone at candle-lit tables. Sitting around the nightly bonfire at Sametu Camp is a highlight for most guests especially when the resident lion pride or resident hyena clan begins vocalizing at nightfall.

Special Features

  • Private game drives
  • Sundowners Roaring evening campfires with popcorn and drinks under the African sky
  • In-camp game viewing
  • 14 individual tented suites configured with one king size bed or two twin beds
  • 2 two-bedroom family suites featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom with a separate dining and sitting area
  • Each tent contains en-suite bathroom facilities including a wash basin with hot/cold running water and a proper flushing toilet
  • The shower is a safari style or bladder shower that is filled with plenty of hot water upon demand
  • Each tent is supplied electricity from solar power and is equipped with a power strip for charging camera batteries and other electrical devices
  • Separate dining tent with refrigerator, lounge, library and full bar
  • Talented staff including cooks, camp crew and waiters
  • Inclusive of 3 superb meals a day including 4 course dinners with appetizers, soup, salad, beef or chicken, potatoes, rice, several selections of vegetables and dessert (vegetarian meals available on request)
  • Soft drinks and bottled water are complimentary.
  • A wide selection of beer, wine and spirits are available at an extra charge.
  • Picnic breakfasts and lunches available
  • Hot towel greetings upon arrival
  • Hot water bottles embedded in your sheets each night
  • Bar and sundries cash only policy; no credit card facility available

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

For the Sametu Camp

Recommended Month to Visit

Month Season Recommended Weather Wildlife Sightings
Jan Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Feb Green Season YES 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Mar Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Apr Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
May Northward Migration YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration
Jun Beginning of Dry Season YES 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration (early to mid June only)
Jul Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Aug Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Sep Dry Season YES 55 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Oct Dry Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny
Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo
Nov Southward Migration YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo
Dec Beginning of Green Season YES 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo

Nearby Lodges

Rates & Booking

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