On 7 April 2024, Amandine, our Africa specialist at Étendues Sauvages, was the very first guest at the new Laba Migration Camp, which, for the season, has taken up residence in a little-visited region of the Serengeti, at the foot of the Musabi Hills.
She shares her stay with us here. Remarkable, as one would expect!
” Ochre earth, limited patches of woodland, vast grassy savannah, photogenic acacias and isolated sausage trees, gentle hills, sweeping perspectives, volcanic relief on the horizon — this is the local setting. A superb backdrop.
The camp faces north, with a view of the sunset, at an angle admittedly, but the light is remarkable!
A 180° view opens onto the Musabi plains.
In the Lounge tent, the cabinet-of-curiosities spirit is very much present, with minerals gathered from the four corners of the world, a superb Louis Vuitton trunk still bearing its labels from the liner Normandie, beautifully bound books, a design chess set, and soft throws.
The sofas are as handsome as their cushions are plush, the lighting well placed, the small tables and safari chairs arranged to face the view outside. The bar is well stocked, and the glassware, coffee cups and tea service are as appreciated as their contents!
In the “Dining” tent: comfortable armchairs, a dresser, a mother-of-pearl sideboard, chandeliers, delicate tableware, recycled glasses… Everything is coherent, considered, harmonious.
As for the food, the kitchen caters to every taste, with local fruit blended to order (pineapple, watermelon, mango…). No industrial fruit juice. Products are nearly 90% organic, and organic wines (South African or French) complete the offering.
And now, the time for reverie…
In our tent, everything matches exactly the idea one has of a bush camp. The bathroom is fully equipped (that little bathtub gave me a lovely moment of pause!), the linen of excellent quality, the mattresses soft and comforting, made of natural materials…
Here as elsewhere, elegant details abound: a full-length mirror by the dressing area, reed diffusers by the toilet, a copper jug and basin outside for a quick wash on returning from safari, hurricane lamps, a range of organic toiletries, a whisky decanter… whether the Jameson on offer was an 18-year-old Blended, history does not say!
As for the safaris, they match the standard of the lodging: vehicles in perfect condition and very well equipped, with USB ports to recharge cameras or smartphones, fly whisks, storage pouches, water bottles, a cooler, fleece blankets, ponchos just in case… everything is there. So are the animals!
In April and May, the annual wildebeest migration passes through the central-western Serengeti as the herds gradually move toward the Grumeti region and cross the river of the same name, confronting, generation after generation, the Nile crocodiles waiting for their grim feast. But that is another story… ”
Laba Migration Camp is, without question, our Tanzanian favourite of this spring 2024!
Following in the footsteps of Jongomero Camp and Siwandu Camp (which we revisited last year, after their recent renovation), Migration Camp is part of a genuine approach to responsible tourism, close to the heart of Étendues Sauvages. Round off your safari with a few days on Laba Fanjove Island, and you will certainly have a memorable experience!
© A. Desforges – Etendues Sauvages
© Laba Laba Collection
