Grumeti Game Reserve
While the Serengeti is a dazzling place to watch wildlife, some park rules restrict visitors from engaging in certain activities. And you should note that the park authorities do that to protect this ecosystem because it receives nearly 350,000 visitors yearly. That huge number alone is enough to disturb the ecosystem, thanks to park rules. If every one of these visitors decides to drive off the trail, overspeed, or overload, then we wouldn’t have this world-famous park.
However, there’s an alternative to avoid strict rules in the main park. It’s visiting the game reserves surrounding it. Grumeti Game Reserve is a private game reserve in the far corner of the Serengeti. The reserve is not only the best way to avoid stricter regulations, but also a perfect destination to avoid the crowd. In this article, we feature this enormous game reserve and all that it has to offer. Let’s dive in!
History of Grumeti Game Reserve
The government mandated the establishment of the Grumeti Reserve in 1994, targeting to protect the wildebeest migration overflow in the western corner of the Serengeti. The wildebeest migration paths went far out of the park, endangering wildlife in this essential ecosystem.
In 2002, the government gave the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund (now, Grumeti Fund) to preserve 350,000 acres of the reserve. In another crucial step, the Singita and the fund agreed to bring low-impact, luxury tourism to the reserve. This step saw the establishment of Singita properties. We’ll get to that later.
Wildlife in the Grumeti Game Reserve
Being an integral part of the majestic Serengeti ecosystem hosts diverse wildlife like the main park. Also, no fence separates the reserve from the park; therefore, animals can move seamlessly between these protected areas. Here you can find:
Lions. Grumeti harbors a fantastic lion population in its vast plains. It’s common to see large prides of lions of up to 60 individuals. Here, you won’t compete for a lion sighting with a pack of safari jeeps. Instead, you’ll watch the whole scene on your own.
Elephants. The king of the beasts usually roams the woodlands of Grumeti. They’re common along the Grumeti riverine forests and in acacia woodlands. Guests staying in this reserve usually receive peaceful visits from these grey giants.
Wildebeest migration. As June kicks in, the migration herd is in the western reaches of Serengeti National Park. They cross the Grumeti River and follow two ways: a portion enters the Grumeti, while the other heads northwards through the Lobo Valley. So, between June and July, this reserve welcomes massive herds of wildebeests. This makes wildlife viewing captivating.
Birds. Grumeti has a fair share of bird species. Here, you can encounter even the unexpected ones. If your trip falls between November and May, we remind you to never forget a good camera and binoculars.
The Grumeti is home to other animals like cheetahs, buffalo, elands, bat-eared foxes, serval cats, and warthogs. The Grumeti River teems with hippos, crocodiles, and river birds.
Activities to do in Grumeti Game Reserve
Private game drives.
We don’t say private just to entertain. Grumeti Reserve receives a few visitors yearly, with an annual peak of about 100 visitors. That means the reserve is still virgin, with a few trails. As a result, game drives are private and more relaxed because you can off off-road, allowing you to get so close to animals for an intimate safari experience.
Night game drives.
No doubt that you know night safaris are not available in the main park. Here? They’re available. Often running from 20:00 to 23:00 hrs., this comfortable night journey gives you a glance into the nocturnal world. The Serengeti ecosystem boasts elusive species, including leopard, jackal, aardvark, porcupine, nightjar, owl, hyena, and more. They come out in the night when it’s cool and quiet to hunt.
Walking safaris.
A one-hour walk across this reserve gives a study tour. You start to notice minute creatures – the ones that didn’t catch on a drive. Expert, ecology-conscious guides organize this intimate, quiet, close-to-nature experience. And you can chat with them as you see strange flowers or beautiful birds singing melodious songs.
Hot air balloon safari
Another way to view the vast plains from above. Here, premium guests usually have this thrilling activity included in their itinerary. Fly from a launch site with a colorful balloon and celebrate the experience with a champagne breakfast under a tortilla tree shade.
Where to stay in Grumeti Game Reserve?
As we mentioned earlier, only high-end permanent Singita properties are available in this reserve. This makes it perfect for visitors ready to splurge. Despite being top-end, these lodges and camps sell out months in advance. So, prior booking is king. Here are the accommodations within this reserve:
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
- Has nine tented suites
- Rates start at $2,125 per night per person.
- Available year-round
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
- Nine stone, canvas, and thatched suits
- Rates start at $2,125 per night per sharing
- Available year-round
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Nine private cottages
- Rates start at $2,125 per night per sharing
- Available year-round
Getting to Grumeti Game Reserve
You can get to this stunning reserve by road or by flight. The most convenient way is to fly (on a charter flight or scheduled flight) to Sasakwa Airstrip. From there, a private vehicle will take you to your accommodation. You can also fly to Grumeti or Seronera airstrips, then drive to your lodge. These airstrips have multiple flight connections compared to Sasakwa. So, it can be a better choice.
Alternatively, you can book a drive-in safari from Arusha to the reserve. The journey starts in Arusha and follows the highland route to the Naabi Hill Gate. After you arrive at central Serengeti, enjoy lunch and finish the route to the reserve.
Final word
We all know that private reserves are expensive. But they offer a more relaxed way of discovering the Serengeti ecosystem. The night drives, walking safaris, fewer crowds, and the ability to go off-road are worth the price. If you’re ready to start planning, we can help. Drop us a call and let planning begin.