Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is a permanent camp, perfectly situated in the remote Southern part of the Serengeti, perched on beautiful rocky kopjes (rocky outcrop), and closely located to the beautiful spectacle of the Great Migration. Sanctuary Kusini has the privilege of overlooking predator-populated plains where game viewing is on a high-definition throughout the year.
The views from the kopje are simply breathtaking, that you don’t just have front-row seats for when the Great Migration passes through at full throttle, but you can ogle game congregating on these grassy plains year-round.
Accommodation
Sanctuary Kusini Camp has 12 spacious tents shaded from the sun by acacia trees. Each tent has a personal attendant to look after guests during their stay at the camp. Nestled amongst the woodland, all tents have carefully been positioned with views of the surrounding plains making it the perfect hideaway for casual game viewing.
These tents feature mosquito nets, hairdryers and in-room safe. A large private wooden veranda with comfortable furnishings extends in front of each tent, with many having views of the plains below where zebras, buffalos and lions are a common sight throughout the year, the perfect spot to relax for a sundowner after a hot restorative shower.
Dining (Food and Drinks)
Sanctuary Kusini Camp offers bush breakfasts, private picnics, sundowners on a kopje and three course dinners to its guests.
A full English and continental breakfast is served in the main area before setting off for your morning game viewing.
A three course lunch can be served back in camp or alternatively a special bush picnic basket can be arranged with a choice of hot or cold meals, in case you want to spend more time in the bus.
Facilities
Besides its spectacular rocky outcrop, or kopje, the camp’s communal areas include a dining area, lounge and library, as well as a campfire. The views from the kopje are idyllically breathtaking – the perfect spot for sundowners and stargazing.
The library is stocked with reference books to read up on the day’s discoveries, and of course, the experienced guides are always on hand to fill in about local knowledge where books cannot.
How to get to Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp can be accessed by either road or air:
By road
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is approximately 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Ngorongoro Crater and 10 hours from Arusha.
By Air
Sanctuary Kusini Camp has a private airstrip (Serengeti South Airstrip (SGS) and can easily be reached by a daily scheduled light aircraft flight from Arusha, Kuro, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar and Dar-es Salaam.
It only takes 30-45 minutes’ drive with en-route game drive from the airstrip to Kusini Camp. However, Private charter flights can also be arranged.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is accessible by air from:
Arusha (ARK) to Serengeti South airstrip (SGS) airstrip in 90 minutes.
Serengeti South airstrip (SGS) to Sanctuary Swala (Kuro airstrip) in 70 minutes.
Sanctuary Kusini’s location was specially selected after much research for a suitable place where the camp will overlook the spectacular plains where animals are seen all year round.
Activities at Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Serengeti cheetah project
At Sanctuary Kusini Camp, you can contribute to the Serengeti Cheetah Project by monitoring the cheetah so as to learn how they monitor the demographics of the cheetah in the area.
Venture out into this remote region of the Serengeti with an experienced guide to look for cheetahs. The guide will introduce you to the cheetah’s habitat and brief you how to correctly identify and photograph the cheetah you spot, and record their behavior and location.
Your contribution to the project could uncover new movement patterns and aid development of conservation programs.
The cheetah project is one of the last few ecosystems where cheetah exist in large numbers in East Africa.
Game drives
Sanctuary Kusini is one of the great regions in the world to spot large predators including lions, cheetahs as well as elusive leopard can be seen lying in the kopjes close to the camp.
During the months of January, February and March the great migration returns for calving, comprising of vast herds of wildebeests, zebra which cover up the plains as they give birth to their young ones. These plains are also a permanent home for cheetah.
Other wild game such as buffalo, elephant, hyena and giraffe can also be seen close to the camp.
Bird life is particularly good on the forest edge where woodpeckers and brightly colored kingfishers can often be seen.
Star gazing safari
Depending on the Weather conditions, Sanctuary Kusini Camp offers some of the best star gazing in the world. In the evening, sit on a comfortable cushion up on top of the main kopje or around the campfire and through the camp manager’s guidance, uncover the universe. With a green laser pointer to show you the way, embark on a walk through the stars where you can trace back millions of years in time and get lost in the beauty of the night sky.
Sunsets, cocktails and snacks
Upon arrival at the camp, you are encouraged to hike to the top of the main kopje just behind the main area to view the stunning scenery. The views from the kopje are simply sensational and breathtaking. This is where you will have your cocktails and snacks. This is definitely one of the camp’s more special moments as you take a moment to enjoy and appreciate an African sunset.
The camp also allows for special occasions including special private sundowners and special dinners to be arranged, upon request.