Laba Grumeti Art Lodge

To have the doors hiding a near endless panorama of the Serengeti Plains opened somewhat ceremonially – by members of the Maasai no less – is a fitting introduction to a lodge that sits so in awe of its environment. In each of the twelve tented suites here, three walls are draped only by mesh, meaning guests can make the most of this remarkable landscape from dawn to dusk. And with such extraordinary access to one of the most preserved areas of Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, an immersive experience feels almost essential. Best for Big Five sightings or to see the Great Migration with your own eyes, twice-daily game drives are a must. Time spent on all safari excursions is a private affair, too, no matter if for each new dawn you choose two game drives, a walking safari, or even a full day excursion complete with a picnic for an added dash of adventure. 

This slow safari concept is best taken advantage of by renting the lodge’s professional photography equipment (for an additional charge), if only to further embrace the artistry found at every turn in Laba Grumeti’s design. In celebration of the continent’s contemporary art, 46 pieces by 10 eminent African artists are showcased throughout interiors that are at once sophisticated and homely, with design inspiration taken from the work of ZiziPho Poswa, and crafted from locally sourced materials such as teak, banana palm and Tanzanian onyx. As authenticity goes, this is a lodge that simply couldn’t exist elsewhere.