Ikoma WMA · Safari Lodge
Simbavati Grumeti
A luxury tented camp on the Grumeti plains, where a community concession means night drives and walking safaris on the edge of the Serengeti.
About
Simbavati Grumeti sits on the open plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, in the Ikoma community wilderness on the northwestern edge of the park. Because it lies in a community concession rather than the national park itself, the camp can offer two things you cannot do inside the park: guided night drives and walking safaris.
The acacia dotted grasslands hold resident buffalo, giraffe and lion through the year, often in view of the tents and the main deck, and the western corridor of the great migration moves through the area on its annual circuit. Ten luxury safari tents and two family tents are finished with king beds that convert to twins, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers and private viewing decks.
A swimming pool, a couples spa, a bar and an open boma for fireside dining round out the camp, which keeps an intimate, calm feel in keeping with the Simbavati promise. It is a characterful, well rounded base for the western Serengeti.
Signature experiences
Day and night game drives
Open vehicle drives by day, plus guided night drives in the community concession to find nocturnal wildlife, not permitted inside the national park.
Walking safari
A guided walk with an armed ranger, roughly two hours, for a closer read of the bush. Available to guests aged 12 and over.
Western corridor migration
The herds move through the Grumeti area on their annual circuit, broadly May to July, with resident plains game year round.
Pool and spa
A swimming pool and couples spa treatments for a quiet break between drives.
Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
- Lounge
- Viewing Deck
- Campfire Boma
- Outdoor Showers
Best for
- Couples
- Honeymoon
- Families
- Migration
- Wildlife Photography
Wildlife you might see
- Western Corridor Migration (roughly May To July)
- Resident Lion, Buffalo And Giraffe
- Nocturnal Wildlife On Night Drives
- Strong Year Round Plains Game
Best time to visit
May
Location & access
Ikoma WMA
Fly-in: Fly to Fort Ikoma airstrip, about 1 to 1.5 hours by light aircraft from Arusha, then a short transfer of around 20 minutes to camp. Arrivals via Seronera airstrip add a roughly 2 hour game drive transfer (Serengeti park fees apply).
Drive: About 7 to 8 hours by road from Arusha (roughly 355 km) across the northern circuit to the Ikoma gate. Most guests fly in.
Room types
Luxury Safari Tent
Canvas under thatch with a king bed that converts to twins, en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, and a private viewing deck over the plains. Available as single, double or twin.
Family Tent
Two interconnecting tents for a family, sleeping up to two adults and two children, with the same finishes as the safari tents.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (3 Meals Daily)
- House Beverages
- Bottled Water, Tea And Coffee
- Wi-Fi
- Tourism Development Levy
- Return Shared Fort Ikoma Airstrip Transfers (game Package)
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- WMA Concession And Bed-night Fees
- Game Drives And Activities (on Full Board)
- Premium Drinks
- Spa Treatments
- Gratuities
- Laundry
- Travel And Medical Insurance
- Flights And Airport Taxes
- Items Of A Personal Nature
Reviews
Frequently asked
Where is Simbavati Grumeti?
On the plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, in the Ikoma community wilderness on the northwestern edge of the park, near Fort Ikoma airstrip.
Can you do night drives and walking safaris here?
Yes. Because the camp sits in a community concession rather than the national park, both guided night drives and walking safaris are possible.
How many tents are there?
Twelve in total, ten luxury safari tents and two family tents.
How do guests reach the camp?
Most fly to Fort Ikoma airstrip, about 20 minutes from camp. Arrivals via Seronera add a roughly 2 hour game drive. Overland from Arusha is about 7 to 8 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
The western corridor migration moves through broadly May to July, and resident wildlife is strong year round. The camp closes 1 April to 15 May.
Are families welcome?
Yes. Children aged six and over are welcome, with two family tents available.
What's nearby
- Grumeti RiverThe river corridor on the camp doorstep, a focus for wildlife and a migration route through the western Serengeti.
- Serengeti National ParkFull day drives into the park itself, with park fees payable for the day.
- Ikoma community visitA cultural visit to the Ikoma community whose land surrounds the concession.
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