Highlights
- Away from the tourist trail
- Stylish lodge with private feel
- Game drives, guided star gazing
- Serengeti Cheetah Project
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireSanctuary Kusini is a small, peaceful safari camp set high amongst granite kopjes and acacia forest in the southern corner of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe, cheetah and lion can all be seen close to the camp and the wildebeest congregate on the surrounding grassy plains for the calving season from mid-December to March every year, providing superb predator versus prey action. Accessible via road or light aircraft to the private Sanctuary Kusini airstrip, the camp is hidden away in a remote and private location.
The camp’s communal areas include a dining area, lounge and library, as well as a campfire where drinks are served. The food is very good and delicious picnic baskets are provided for off-site activities. As with all properties in the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio, there is an emphasis on providing modern conveniences, such as WiFi, whilst also conserving the local environment.
The accommodation comprises 12 stylish and open-plan guest tents with private verandas and fabulous views across the plains. A personal attendant is assigned to every tent to ensure that guests are well looked after during their stay.
Although the potential for inclement weather during the main migratory season does exist, this remote corner of the Serengeti never disappoints. Activities include game drives with highly experienced guides in customised safari vehicles. The camp does have a quiet, exclusive feel, but it’s worth noting that it is open to outside visitors so vehicle safaris may not be private. On the plus side, there is minimal vehicle traffic in the Kusini area and game drives have a peaceful, secluded feel away from the main tourist trail. In addition, anyone with an interest in astronomy can enjoy the star-gazing ‘cosmic safaris’ led by the Camp Manager from the seated comfort of the camp’s fire-pit (weather permitting). Guests are also invited to participate in the Serengeti Cheetah conservation project by submitting information on any cheetah sightings during their visit.
Children aged 6 and above are welcome, with children aged 6-15 paying a child-reduced rate when staying with 2 paying adults. Children aged 15 and younger are required to share accommodation with their parents. Note that the camp is unfenced and, although there is no extreme risk, children must remain under constant parental supervision. Friendly and attentive staff will do all they can to be accommodating to the needs of families.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp provides a comfortable and intimate retreat away from the busy safari trail. The service is superb, the facilities pristine and the location unbeatable with superb wildlife on tap.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024