Sanctuary Retreats Expands Portfolio with 4 New African Camps

As of June 1, 2014, the comprehensive portfolio will enable guests to experience a complete circuit of the Great Migration – the richest game viewing in East Africa. Joining the four existing Sanctuary properties in Tanzania is a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Manyara, a new seasonal camp in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and a seasonal camp in the Serengeti National Park that will follow the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. In Kenya, a new seasonal camp on the banks of the Mara River will offer up-close viewing of the wildebeest migration from July to October. These additions give the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio a total of 17 luxury camps in five African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda and Zambia.

Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Reopening as a Sanctuary Retreats property June 1, 2014, Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge is a magnificent retreat situated high on the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley overlooking Lake Manyara National Park in Northern Tanzania. This serene location offers spectacular views over the lake and the ridge of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The lodge has 16 guest chalets each with indoor and outdoor showers, an expansive bath and a private terrace overlooking the lake below. A large infinity swimming pool also offers incredible views over Lake Manyara. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, walking safaris and a tour of a local Masai village.

A bird-watchers delight, the lake attracts over 380 species of bird such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, cormorants, Egyptian geese, and spur-winged geese. The area is also famous for the tree-climbing lions that make the mahogany trees their home during the rainy season. On the plains, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, elephant and the occasional leopard can be spotted.

Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge is open year round. Rates from $465 pp/night.

Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp – Ngorongoro Conversation Area, Northern Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as the eighth natural wonder of the world. Just under ten miles in diameter it is the largest intact crater in the world and home to more than 25,000 animals including the “Big Five”, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo.

Joining Sanctuary Retreats in July 2014, Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp will havae 12 luxury safari tents on the rim of the crater. and will have 12 luxury safari tents. A main dining tent and two bar and lounge tents will give guests the choice of a stunning spot to soak in views during evening sundowner cocktails. Activities include morning, afternoon and full-day game drives in and on the rim of the crater, along with a cultural tour of traditional Masai dwellings. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is open year round. Rates from $700 pp/night.

Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp– Year Round Migration Access, Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania

The Serengeti is one of the most magnificent parks in Africa with its vast landscapes and abundant game. Tanzania's oldest and most popular national park is famed for the annual migration, when millions of hooves cross the open plains with more than 200,000 zebra and 300,000 gazelles joining over one million wildebeest as they trek in search of fresh grazing.
Joining Sanctuary Retreats in July 2014, Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp will follow the migration, moving between three different locations. Depending on the movement of the herds, the camp will be in the Western Serengeti from April to July, the Northern Serengeti from August to November and the Southern Serengeti from December to March

Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp will be comprised of eight luxury safari tents. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in and around the migration and bush picnics. Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp is open year round. Rates from $700 pp/night.

Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp – Masai Mara, Kenya

Sanctuary Masai Mara Seasonal Camp in Kenya will also join the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio in July 2014.Located in a private concession on the banks of the Mara River, this area attracts a spectacular array of wildlife. From July to October, the annual wildebeest migration is here with herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the rivers between Tanzania and Kenya. This camp will be open from June 30 - October 31, offering a fantastic vantage point for migration viewing.

This seasonal camp has nine spacious safari tents and activities on offer include morning and afternoon game drives, nature walks, sundowners and bush dinners. For those looking for a particularly memorable experience, there are also hot air balloon safaris at an additional cost. For families, childcare services can be organized in addition to the superb children's club, which offers a variety of outdoor and cultural activities with local Masai guides and a resident naturalist. Those looking for a slightly more indulgent experience will also be able to enjoy a mobile “mini-spa”, offering signature Sanctuary treatments. Rates from $689 pp/night.

For bookings information and prices, visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com