Faru Faru Lodge | Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti One Of Tanzania’s Best Safari Lodges

The burbling Grumeti River, bird calls and occasional bark of a monkey combine to make the perfect soundtrack to the view before me, which spans 140,000ha of untouched wilderness in the Grumeti Reserves. We’re at Faru Faru Lodge, a magnificent safari lodge that has seven guest suites, a family suite and a villa nestled on a hill. I’m told it mimics a 1940s botanists’ retreat, and if so, I might need to rethink my career! I look past the river towards the horizon, scanning the plains for the frontrunners of the Great Wildebeest Migration. The lodge is on the migratory route, so if I choose I can relax here until the animals come to me – the height of luxury!

I slowly unwind as Kim, my masseuse, gently works a blend of marula and neroli oil into my muscles. Before we got started she told me that the massage tool she’d be using is unique; it’s made from a medicinal tree that’s used to treat more than 40 ailments. Our soaring canvas-ceilinged room has natural elements of stone, warm woods and bamboo that fuse beautifully with the views outside – perfectly suited to a private spa spoil. I’m awash in happiness. I gaze out the glass windows, which – at the touch of a button – open up to incredible views of the vast plains below. As I slowly drift in and out of consciousness, I wonder if we’ll catch the Great Wildebeest Migration. If not, there’s enough wildlife sightings to be enjoyed right here at the lodge, with colobus monkey darting among the treetops and the parade of animals that come to visit the waterhole, all of which can be viewed through the Swarovski spyglass on my private deck. I’m so relaxed after my massage I decide to take a nap. After, I rinse off the massage oils in our outdoor shower before walking barefoot to one of the two infinity pools, which are curved to mirror the waterhole below. I sink my toes into the soft Serengeti sand, feeling like I’m at the beach.

I love the two temperature-controlled infinity pools overlooking the waterhole, which quenches the thirst of various animals throughout the day – and the soft sand next to them is a lovely touch. I’m also delighted to be in a private reserve; not only are there hardly any other vehicles around, but our guide can take us off road to get closer to the animals. The food has been wonderful too, and what a treat to eat while taking in panoramic views of the savannah. Faru Faru Lodge has provided a completely unique Serengeti experience.

• Intimate safari lodge with infinity pools and Serengeti-style beaches, spa and gym, and seven tented suites, a family suite and a villa (with private plunge pool).
• Private conservancy, only six guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost), private dining available, flexible schedules and spyglasses provided.
• Game drives, walking safaris, spa treatments (additional cost) and environmental education centre visits.
• Children welcome. Babysitting available and activities tailored to suit each family. Family suite and villa on offer.

• Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
• It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
• Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you.  Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
• However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.