The Serengeti’s Newest Sensation: &Beyond Grumeti Lodge
Imagine: a private Serengeti experience on the banks of a river, complete with a seasonal hippo pod, impressive lion prides, and meaningful experiences you’ll never forget…
Photo courtesy of andBeyond South Africa
Venture to the remote western reaches of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to find the new kid on the block: andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge. Perfectly situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, breathtaking views and unparalleled sightings of the resident hippo pod and remarkable lion prides make this brand-new property a must-visit on your next safari.
Introducing &Beyond Grumeti
Due to its far-flung location, there are very few safari lodges in this pristine section of the park, which means that you’re in for an intimate and exclusive Serengeti safari experience. Twice-daily game drives from the lodge often encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena, big herds of resident plains game, and the special black-and-white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti.
Using the natural shape of the river as inspiration and paying homage to the circular forms of a traditional Maasai manyatta, the lodge unfolds to reveal an understated sense of luxury. Adorned with Kitenge fabrics and accentuated with stone walls, the lodge also features the vibrant colors of the fishing communities surrounding Lake Victoria and the grey tones representative of hippo hide that have been beautifully woven into deeply comfortable furnishings and bespoke, hand-made fittings.
Spacious decks are perfect for sundowners overlooking the river, and the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool provides a view of the hippos below. The lodge’s proximity to water draws a profusion of wildlife throughout the day and night.
Seeming to float across the landscape, ten spacious, elegant guest suites offer natural light, an enormous bed, bath, an indoor shower (with a spectacular view), and a private plunge pool. A Family Suite, with the addition of a smaller children’s bedroom, offers adventurous families the unique opportunity to explore the African bush together. Whether you’re traveling for a honeymoon safari, a family-friendly safari, or just to check a Serengeti safari off your bucket list, you are sure to be wowed by this lodge.
Dining is meant to immerse you in the local culture and cuisine, from breakfast trays with fresh-squeezed juices and house-baked bread to an interactive kitchen where you can work alongside the chefs as they plan their menus for the day. The traditional boma, a hero of nighttime dining, serves a selection of artisanal pizzas and salt-crusted, whole baked fish from the region’s great lakes, among many other meals. Cluster around the central circular bar for convivial afternoons and evenings.
And in true andBeyond style, the lodge is complete with a gym and the opportunity for in-room African wellness treatments, for everything from an active workout to a serious pamper session.
Sustainability Matters
We would be remiss if we neglected to mention andBeyond’s incredible commitment to sustainability, something we think about more and more as we all book our travels. andBeyond has worked for many years with Africa Foundation, their community and conservation development partner.
Photo courtesy of andBeyond South Africa
Not only is the design of Grumeti sustainable, but andBeyond as a whole focuses on a three-pronged approach to sustainability: the land, the wildlife, and the people. We could go on and on with examples of their sustainable practices and impressive commitment to conservation, but here are a few examples:
The Land
228,000 plastic bottles eliminated annually through on-site water bottling plants
684,000 liters of water saved
4,265 kilograms of plastic eliminated annually
728,000 kilograms of CO2 per year reduction in their Tanzanian carbon footprint since 2018
The Wildlife
An average 2,100 community children per year receive conservation lessons, creating awareness through education
$50,000 invested as a founding member of the Lionscape Coalition, a joint initiative between members of the ecotourism industry and the Lion Recovery Fund, in a collaboration dedicated to securing a future for Africa's wild lions
The People
101 Star-in-Training lodge trainees from the local community receive on-site training and workplace experience
78% of andBeyond’s Tanzania lodges’ operational expenses support local procurement
124 tertiary education bursaries awarded to rural learners through Africa Foundation's Community Leaders Education Fund program since 2014
Over 62.7 million TZS raised to provide COVID-19 support for rural schools and clinics
Poe Perks & Special Offers
In addition, andBeyond South Africa is part of our trusted Virtuoso network of travel partners. This means that Poe Travel clients will receive VIP treatment and added amenities at every turn. You will receive the cream of the crop guides and personalized service throughout your trip. andBeyond operates many swell safari lodges across Africa and work with many other luxury safari lodges, meaning your itinerary can move seamlessly from destination to destination as you explore in-depth.
Each itinerary created with Poe Travel and andBeyond is totally customized to you, but we love a nice special offer to sweeten the pot. Depending on your travel dates, you can enjoy complimentary nights or discounted rates for longer stays, discounts on your partner’s booking for honeymooners, or discounted rates for children on family safaris.
When your Poe Travel advisor is putting together your customized quote and itinerary, we will make sure to include the best rates and amenities for your group’s participants and dates.
If you would like to Go Away to &Beyond Grumeti, contact us. We will design an itinerary with you in mind to set you on your way.