Serengeti Safari Camp - the camp was sublime

Right from the off Nomad and our first guide - Sylvanos were fabulous, on time. organised and over the next few days he proved to be a wise and knowledgeable guide. Unlike many jeeps that sped through the parks we took our time, able to stop and watch the animals and the environment rather than just take a quick picture and off to the next. That was exactly what we wanted and got it without asking. Lunches were fine and the experience felt like we were in it together as three people, not just the 2 of us and the guide which felt much better. Each day just got better and better and our day in the crater got off to the best start with Sylvanos getting us there just after the gates opened so for about 30 minutes there was just us in the crater - magical and well worth getting up early.

Next guide in the Serengeti – Chediel was there ready to pick us up and right from leaving the airstrip was highlighting aspects of the landscape and animals that were unique to the area. Despite the downpour of rain we had a lovely ride to the camp. Over the next 3 days he was just fantastic, again taking time to just stop and watch and get away from the comparatively small crowds. Whether it was the hours of waiting for the migration crossing or watching the elephants playing in the river or the unexpected sighting of the leopard and cub - or the lion/buffalo/giraffe -triangle that we were able to witness throughout the day and the less obvious terrapin the the puddle - it was a joy and more so to take the time to really feel what was going on. Even the final journey to the airstrip was full of excitement and again Chediel making sure we left early enough to be able to stop and enjoy rather than rush through.

Accommodation wise - the Camp was sublime. We loved it and mostly because of the staff there, particularly Babu Trifan ( Not sure on the spelling) who clearly loved the place and made us feel so welcome. The fire, the food, the beds, the hot water - probably didn't need the hot water bottles and they certainly frightened the life out of me the first night!! but that kind of attention to detail - fabulous. I can still hear him, "second shower ready". A truly wonderful wonderful stay. There was the one slight fib, when we mentioned the first night we'd heard growling and Babu told us not to worry as it was the buffalo who come to eat the grass near camp only to find the truth when on the way to the airstrip Chediel said our first instincts were in fact correct and it was a lion - they just didn't want us to worry -and it was a wonderful fib, that we repeated to other people in the following days!!
M&B - October 2010