We just returned from an incredible luxury safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, an iconic safari destination in East Africa. Our safari experience included unforgettable encounters with wildlife during private game drives and incredible hospitality at ultra-luxury lodges and tented camps in cinematic landscapes of sweeping plains dotted with acacia trees.

Highlights of our time in the Serengeti included:

Private Game Drives

The Serengeti offers an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and more.

As part of our luxury Tanzania safari, we stayed in the exclusive Singita Grumeti Reserves, a vast private concession adjacent to the national park that is home to the Big Five—elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffaloes. Morning and evening game drives gave us front-row seats to spectacular wildlife sightings in a secluded setting.

The lions were a particular highlight, seen up close in their natural habitat.

Witnessing the Mara River Crossing

Bordering Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the Serengeti is renowned for the annual migration (also known as the Great Migration), particularly between July and October, during which over a million wildebeests, zebras and other animals follow the rains in search of fresh grazing.

The Mara River crossing is the most iconic and dramatic part of the migration, with hundreds of thousands of animals at a time thundering through the water between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. Seeing the treacherous crossings—every year thousands of animals are swept away by high water or overtaken by predators—is a thrilling event and a bucket list for many travelers.

We recommend having us arrange accommodation at Singita Mara River Tented Camp, a luxury camp overlooking the river. With this strategic location, it’s one of the few places where travelers can potentially witness herds crossing the river right from their tents.

The setting is incredible, and expert guides closely track wildlife movements to maximize viewing opportunities. The camp offers a refined yet understated safari experience that immerses guests in nature with luxury and style.

Private Hot-Air Balloon Ride

A highlight of our time in Tanzania was taking a private sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti. Drifting silently over the vast expanse of the savanna at dawn, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the national park and spotting wildlife moving on the plains below, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush is an unforgettable experience.

Sundowners in the Bush

Evenings ended with the timeless safari tradition of sundowners, in which cocktails and light bites are served at a scenic spot after an evening game drive. Sipping a G&T while watching the sun set in the African wilderness and recounting the day’s adventures is a quintessential luxury safari experience.

Accommodation at top luxury lodges and tented camps

In addition to Singita Mara River Tented Camp (above), we also stayed at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, one of the top luxury lodges in East Africa. Set within the Grumeti Reserves, it evokes an elegant Edwardian manor house, with refined interiors and sweeping views across the plains from its hilltop location.

Spacious standalone cottages offer travelers a sophisticated retreat, featuring en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, lounges with fireplaces, plunge pools and decor that blends colonial-inspired design with local artisan details.

The food and wine are outstanding.

On-site facilities include a spa, gym, boutique and gallery, infinity pool and tennis courts.

To complement game drives, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange visits to local communities, guided nature walks, yoga sessions or time with an anti-poaching unit to learn more about conservation efforts in the region.

Another favorite option in the Grumeti Reserve is Singita Sabora Tented Camp, an ultra-luxury tented camp that evokes the romance of a bygone era of exploration.

The air-conditioned tents are decorated with Persian rugs, campaign-style furnishings and oil lamps, and each features a private alfresco dining area and meditation deck. Earthy tones and understated luxury allow the camp to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, and it’s not uncommon to see wildlife wandering through. Amenities on site include a spa tent, infinity pool, lounge tent and boutique.

Contact Artisans of leisure to plan a luxury Tanzania safari featuring the highlights of time in the Serengeti as well as other favorite destinations in the country such as the lush landscapes and coffee plantations of Arusha and the magnificent volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro Crater.