Camp Zebra: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
As if on cue, a zebra trotted by our tent cabin and then seemed to pose a short distance from the open-door flap to casually graze in front of us. I had to take a picture.
We had just checked into the appropriately named Intimate Camp Zebra and found this welcome delightful. It was the cherry on top of an already-smooth arrival at this mobile lodge in Serengeti National Park that follows the annual wildebeest migration.
That means it’s always in an excellent location close to the main game drive areas regardless of the season.
The park, found in north-central Tanzania, is one of the best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It spans almost 15,000 square kilometers and is home to 2 million ungulates, thousands of lions and leopards, hundreds of cheetahs, and about 500 bird species.
The entire Intimate Camp Zebra packs up and moves to the Northern Serengeti from around July 1 to November 30, and the southern Ndutu area from roughly December 15 to March 31.
Despite its portability, the lodge didn’t feel like a temporary set up; it looked well established, cozy and even a bit luxurious.
We were immediately handed delicious glasses of fresh juice upon arrival and directed by the kind and helpful staff to a large, tented reception area decorated in wood furniture, handmade art and stylish carpeting.
A polite guide from the nearby Maasai tribe, dressed in intricate beadwork and a traditional brightly colored wrap, escorted us to our cabin.
This was a lovely touch.
We enjoyed getting to know our soft-spoken new friend a bit better each time he accompanied us on the nature stroll from our room to the dining tent.
The food served at Intimate Camp Zebra was exceptional. Whether it came out as a buffet-style breakfast or a classy multiple course dinner, there were plenty of tasty options (with special attention given to any food restrictions).
I especially enjoyed their grilled eggplant and generous pours of a red wine blend served with dinner.
There are 12 accommodation tents offered here (including a two-bedroom family tent) and they all feature a veranda, dressing area, spacious bedroom and fully plumbed en-suite bathroom with shower, flush compostable toilet, and hot and cold running water.
And that water — it actually got hot fast. I was impressed.
The amenities and small details at Intimate Camp Zebra were so impressive that it quickly became my favorite stay of the whole safari trip.
Solar-powered electricity and WiFi ran through the cabins so seamlessly that it was hard to believe we were in the middle of the Serengeti. Thoughtful additions like bottles of fresh water, shower shoes, toiletries, umbrellas and flashlights could be found throughout our large room.
Each evening, we not only returned to a turned-down bed but also a hot water bottle blissfully tucked deep into the sheets for extra warmth.
I began to expect the sight of zebras grazing on the property or ambling by throughout our three-night stay. A few giraffes even strutted through one afternoon. One late night it sounded like the animals were having a raging party: From our beds we could hear lions roaring, elephants trumpeting, hyenas laughing. It was quite an experience.
What stood out consistently at Intimate Camp Zebra was how truly experienced and accommodating the staff was at every turn. Our questions were always answered and any time we returned to the lodge, someone offered us coffee or stirred us up a drink. Every evening, they put together a large campfire and encouraged everyone to socialize.
The atmosphere was inclusive and friendly from morning to night. We made new friends from Illinois.
We were sad when it was time to leave.
