Wild Wakati Camp, the Serengeti National Park’s newest eco-luxury safari destination, has opened on the park’s remote eastern edge, offering visitors a blend of exclusivity, sustainability, and immersion in Tanzania’s iconic wildlife landscape. Co-owned by Tanzanian native Michael Shayo and English partner Matt Wilkey, the camp aims to provide a meaningful, low-impact safari experience away from the heavily trafficked central Serengeti areas.
The camp is accessible via a two-hour drive from the Seronera airstrip, a journey that traverses seldom-visited terrain where tourists are rare and sightings of wildlife—including lions, impalas, and solitary elephants—are frequent. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a traditional Swahili greeting by the camp’s staff, reflecting the locally rooted ethos of the operation.
Wild Wakati features 10 canvas tents designed to blend into the landscape, with eight tents accommodating two guests each and two larger tents suitable for families or groups up to five. Each tent includes modern amenities such as electricity, Wi-Fi, mosquito netting, and outdoor decks, though water for showers is limited to cool temperatures, consistent with the area’s moderate climate. Safety protocols require guests to be escorted by staff when moving around the camp due to the presence of nearby wildlife, though staff members do not carry firearms.
The camp emphasizes sustainability and local engagement, hiring Tanzanian staff, sourcing 80% of its food locally, and focusing on conservation efforts. Dining at Wild Wakati includes a range of meals prepared by a team of Tanzanian chefs, with offerings that cater to both carnivores and vegetarians. Guests may expect hearty breakfasts preceding early morning game drives, leisurely lunches paired with wines, bush sundowners with craft cocktails, and four-course gourmet dinners.
Safari activities at Wild Wakati center around twice-daily game drives during wildlife-active dawn and dusk hours. Over the course of a six-day visit, guests can expect to encounter hallmark Serengeti species, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. Black rhinoceros and leopards remain elusive; in one instance, the safari vehicle became stuck in mud while pursuing nearby leopard sightings, necessitating an extended wait before rescue.
Complementing land excursions, the camp offers optional hot air balloon safaris—operated by Miracle Balloon—providing aerial views of the plains and wildlife. These balloon rides, led by pilot Amanda Brodbeck, a two-time U.S. Women’s National Ballooning Champion, add a further dimension to the wilderness experience.
Wild Wakati’s location affords guests rare solitude in the Serengeti, with vast stretches of plains often devoid of other vehicles. One remarkable observation occurred when a large herd of approximately 45 elephants passed near the camp’s vehicle, showcasing the park’s thriving ecosystem in a setting unspoiled by heavy tourism.
Travelers from the United States typically reach the Serengeti via Kilimanjaro International Airport, connecting through European or Middle Eastern hubs such as Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Doha. Many choose to spend time in Arusha before taking a small charter flight to Seronera airstrip. Nearby accommodations like the Arusha Coffee Lodge provide upscale amenities for rest and acclimatization.
Wild Wakati, as an emerging entry in the region’s safari offerings, contributes to Serengeti’s evolving tourism landscape by prioritizing ecological stewardship and authentic cultural connections, while delivering the comfort and luxury sought by modern travelers.