Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp is a luxury mobile tented camp that follows the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park. Following the journey of more a million wildebeest and zebras as they traverse the Serengeti plains. During the annual migration cycle. ‘Kichakani’ is Swahili for ‘in the bush’, and this is exactly where you will find yourself at this extraordinary camp. A gem that celebrates the ultimate remote, close-to-nature experience.
The camp boasts a grand central area. Flowing into lounges and dining wings. All with awe-inspiring panoramas of the stunning surroundings. In the evenings, guests can gather around the traditional fire pit, swap stories under starry skies. And listen to passionate guides share their knowledge of wildlife encounters and local legends.
Stay in remarkable 5*tents in a style evocative of the pioneering explorers of the 19th century. Yet with all the modern comforts. The small and intimate mobile camp has just 10 x luxury safari tents with king-size beds. The en-suite bathrooms feature authentic hot bucket showers that add an extra element of authenticity to the luxurious camping experience. All the tents also have a fan, hairdryer, mosquito nets, and in-room safes.
Wooden decks accompany every tent with views of the Serengeti. Providing guests with the ideal spot to savor a freshly brewed cup of Tanzania’s finest coffee. A personal tent attendant is available around the clock to fill each bucket shower to the perfect temperature. Thanks to the on-the-go nature of the whole sand colored canvas constructed camp, there is little impact on the environment. Casting a lighter ecological shadow.
Luxury Serengeti accommodation
Tanzania Family Safari
Children of 6 years and older are welcome at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. When booking sole use of the camp, the minimum age restriction does not apply. However, there are no formal childcare facilities in the camps. Thus children must be under the care of their parents / guardians at all times.
Children aged 6 years stay free of charge. One child (7 – 15) staying with two adults pays 50% of the adult sharing rate. When two children are staying with one adult, one child pays the standard adult sharing rate. The second pays 50% of the adult sharing rate.
For safety reasons, children aged 15 and younger must share with their parents. Two triples are available on request.
The camp can also be booked on an exclusive use basis for groups of friends or family. In this case, eight of the ten rooms need to be booked and paid for.
Game Viewing And Activities
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp’s location is based on the natural wildebeest migration path offering unbeatable wildlife viewing. The stars of this seasonal path are wildebeest, zebra, Thomson’s gazelles. And the predators that this migratory journey attracts.
The Serengeti is home to the Big Five. Plus cheetahs are a highlight. Along with African wild dogs, giraffes, waterbuck, and impala. Key wildlife: lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, wildebeest, and zebra.
Cheetah
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp offers guests the opportunity to experience the great migration! The experienced guides know every inch of the park. Game drives are focused on the wildebeest migration. Plus all the other species and predators that come along with this incredible spectacle. Should you wish, you can enjoy a full day out in the bush on safari.
Cheetahs and wild dogs often provide thrilling highlights. While giraffes, waterbucks and impalas are among the other fascinating creatures that can be spotted along the way.
Lions
Sundowners are the perfect way to end the day and take some time to enjoy the magnificent sunsets of Africa. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a signature cocktail as you celebrate the end of the day. All while being surrounded by thousands of wildebeest and zebras.
The park also hosts about 500 bird species. These include ostrich, secretary bird, crowned crane, marabou stork, martial eagle, lovebirds. And many species of vultures. The bird life is particularly good on the forest edge. Where you should see woodpeckers and brightly colored kingfishers.
Making Your Safari Count ↓
Understanding the Dynamics
Rural African villages that border national parks are impacted hugely by human-animal conflict. Predators, such as lions and leopards are prone to hunting domestic livestock. While elephants trample on crops and raid farmers’ fields. It is essential that these communities maintain their commitment to living with wildlife. To ensure the continued survival of Africa’s animals. How? Through educating and supporting the children of these communities.
Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy
A commitment to conservation and responsible tourism is an integral part of Sanctuary Retreats’ DNA. Ever since they began in 1999, they pledged to make a positive impact on the areas in which they operate. And to nurture enduring relationships with the rural communities that live there.
Their goal is to identify and sponsor long term, viable and self-sustaining projects. That will improve the well being of local people. And earn the support of staff and visitors. All of the projects are collaborative. They work closely with the communities to understand their needs. So that they can be sure of delivering impactful initiatives. And meaningful solutions that will improve lives for generations to come. Some of the projects in Tanzania are:
Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs
Tanzanian children with hearing impairments or mental and physical special needs are often left with limited opportunities for a formal education. More than a decade ago, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy funded the construction of the Ilboru School for Children with Special Needs. The first primary school in Arusha designed for deaf and disabled children.
They began an innovative literacy program at the school, in partnership with Worldreader. This gave the children access to a large library of digital textbooks and literature. In both English and their native language of Swahili. Helping to improve reading comprehension and inspire a passion for learning.
Guests are welcome to visit the school, so that they can meet the teachers. And learn about the challenges of delivering special education to children in Tanzania.
Secondary School
The primary school has proven a huge success and a beacon of hope for Arusha’s disabled community. However, upon graduation, students had no choice but to return to regular mainstream education. Where teachers are not trained to deal with their unique learning needs and specialist facilities are lacking. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a high drop-out rate.
Sanctuary has therefore amplified their support at Ilboru with the construction of a secondary school. In partnership with Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, which is providing specially trained teachers to work at the facility. In addition to standard academic courses, the school teaches vocational skills such as sewing. To increase the children’s chances of finding employment upon graduation.
Doffa Bike Shop
The Doffa Bike Shop is an enterprise that provides women with the opportunity to earn a much-needed income. While also giving their community vital access to transportation and helping to address the gender gap.
Part of the Bike Shop Program, it employs four local women who have undertaken extensive training to become bicycle mechanics. And learn the skills necessary to own and operate their own business. What makes Doffa Bike Shop unique is that all the women employed at the shop have HIV. Just a handful of the 780,000 or so women aged 15 and over that live with the virus. In parts of Tanzania, gender inequality and stigma against HIV positive individuals are still issues. Acting as major barriers to HIV prevention. Doffa Bike Shop aims to empower women to live a dignified life. Fighting discrimination and the stigma of HIV.
Stock is made up of used and donated bikes that are sent via shipping container. With new shipments received on a regular basis. All proudly paid for with proceeds of the business. Even the shop itself is part of the story. It is made from the shipping containers that brought over the very first batch of bikes. Not only does this project empower women to learn a new field of skills and support themselves. But it also helps to break down socially constructed gender norms.
Safe Water for Schools Tanzania
Sanctuary Retreats believe creating access to clean drinking water is one vital for quality of life. Not only can it save communities from infectious disease, malnutrition and health complications. But improved water supply and sanitation can also boost economic growth and help to reduce poverty.
Wining and Dining
Indulge in a fantastic all-inclusive culinary experience at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. Where meals are both plentiful and thoughtfully crafted. The dinner experience unfolds into three exquisite courses. For example, start with Zucchini Soup, followed by Chicken Puttanesca. Ending with a delightful Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Cream and Pumpkin Seeds.
Breakfast is served before the morning game activity. If you would like a packed breakfast, coffee, tea and a selection of morning snacks will be enjoyed out in the bush during your morning game viewing activity. Either returning to the camp for lunch. Or a bush picnic when on a full day safari. Coffee tea etc. during game drive will only be done If guests are taking a breakfast picnic. Romantic private dinners can be arranged upon request.
With prior notice, camps are able to arrange halaal meals. However, please note the kitchens aren’t strictly halaal. And chefs are not trained in food preparation. Unfortunately, they are unable to arrange kosher meals.
Best time to visit
Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp moves with the migration (mobile camps in north and south). So it is always a great time to visit.
Witness an incredible view of wildebeest crossing the Mara River from the north camp. During the great migration from June to November. While the southern camp enjoys a prime position for witnessing wildebeest calves. Every December to March.
Aside from the migration, there is spectacular predator and prey action at both locations. Thanks to an abundance of wildlife, from zebras, wildebeest and gazelles to lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards.
Wildebeest migration
Tanzania has a tropical climate with mostly warm days and cool evenings. December to March are usually the warmest months of the year. While June to August is the coolest. April and May often see intermittent rains. This is why Sanctuary Tanzania camps are closed at this time. From September to November, the days are warm. With short scattered rains falling in November.
Getting to Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp
As the camp moves with the migration, it differs from the Northern to the Southern Serengeti. It is usually open in the Northern Serengeti from 1st June – 15th November. And in the Southern Serengeti from 1st December – 31st March. Sanctuary Kichakani is closed from 1st April – 31st May.
For light aircraft transfers, allowed luggage is 15kg / 33lbs in one soft bag.
The airstrips are: Northern Serengeti – Lamai Airstrip. Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to camp Southern Serengeti – Serengeti South Airstrip. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes to camp
Flying times: From Arusha to either Lamai or Serengeti South Airstrip. This is approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute flight from either.
Access by road is also possible. The camp is approximately three hours drive from the Ngorongoro Crater. Or, seven hours from Arusha.
Below are the game package rates in USD. The full board rates are available should you be driving to camp yourselves / with your own guide. Therefore they don’t include transfers and game drives.
Game package rates, in USD in a Safari Tent
Length of stay (Per Person Sharing)
1-3 Nights
4-6 Nights
7+ Nights
High: 3rd January – 31st March 2024 / 1st June 2024 – 2nd January 2025
$1 350
$1 215
$1 080
1st April – 31st May 2024
Closed
Please note: There is no single supplement for single occupancy of a maximum of 3 x suites in the low season. Further single occupancy bookings in the low season are subject to a 50% single supplement. In high season, singles will pay a 50% single supplement.
Game package rates include: All meals All drinks (excluding premium brands) Laundry, and daily housekeeping Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and afternoon game drives. This can also be a full day safari. Return transfers to and from the airstrip to the camp 24-hour on-site staff and security Emergency medical evacuation.
Excludes: Park, Camping and Concession Fees. Tourism Development Levy. International and domestic flights, landing fees, Road transfers to and from other camps and lodges. Travel insurance, Boutique purchases, Masai Village contribution, Gratuities, and all other items of a personal nature.
Sanctuary Kichakani Accommodation Special Offers
Serengeti Honeymoon Package
Book at least 2 nights at and one partner gets 50% discount on accommodation. For a honeymoon safari like no other!
This special offer can be combined with our existing long stay discount for even greater savings. Extend your Tanzania honeymoon by staying in other Sanctuary lodges in East or Southern Africa.
Valid for travel within 6 months of marriage certificate Offer does not apply to GK Suite at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, GK Suite at Sanctuary Olonana. Or the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
Guests celebrating their honeymoon will receive special surprises during their stay. All attempts are made to keep honeymooners separate from other guests.
The honeymoon services include: Private bush picnic with blanket and pillows (subject to the site availability) Romantic private dinners Romantic turn downs
Single Supplement Offer
We will be waiving the single supplement for all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa in April 2024 and October 2024, as well as in all low season months. This is in addition to waiving of single supplements in low season.
Stay 3 Pay 2 in East Africa
Stay 3 nights and receive your 3rd night free.
Travel valid from 1st October 2024 – 21st December 2024
Can be combined with the long stay discount
Family / Group Travel Offer
Experience a family group safari like no other at our camps and lodges across Africa.
For groups of eight full paying guests, one guest travels free For groups of 12 full paying guests, two guests travel free with two private vehicles
Valid for travel from 1st February – 31st May, 1st October – 21st December 2024 and 3 January 2025 – 30 April 2025 Valid for travel to all Sanctuary camps and lodges across East and Southern Africa Groups with 6+ full paying adults. Children aged 6+ count towards the min pax Cannot be combined with any other offers Excludes Geoffrey Kent Suite at Sanctuary Olonana and Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Or the Private Villa at Sanctuary Tambarare
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge; western reaches of the Serengeti is ideally positioned for dramatic migration river crossings. Best rates and offers
