Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti: A Stargazing Retreat Debuts in Tanzania

Experience the Serengeti Like Never Before with Autograph Collection's First Safari Camp

Get ready, travellers! Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, has officially opened its doors, marking the debut of the Autograph Collection brand's very first safari camp. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Serengeti, near the Fort Ikoma Gate of Serengeti National Park, this camp isn't just a place to stay—it's an invitation to an immersive journey. It beautifully celebrates nature's rhythm, the artistry of local Tanzanian craftsmanship, and a vibrant community spirit.

Key Highlights of Mapito Safari Camp

Thinking about a Tanzanian adventure? Here’s what makes Mapito Safari Camp shine:

Stargazing Focus: Sleep under the stars with retractable canvas roofs and explore constellations with in-room telescopes. Even the pool mirrors the night sky!

Deep Cultural Connection: Every design detail and many experiences are rooted in local Tanzanian craftsmanship and community support.

Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: Enjoy expertly guided game drives and rare nocturnal safaris to spot the "Big Five" and elusive night species.

Sustainable & Impactful Tourism: The camp actively supports local livelihoods and operates with strict ethical wildlife-viewing standards.
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: Earn and redeem points as part of the award-winning travel program.

Design: Rooted in Land, People, and Stars

True to the Autograph Collection Hotels ethos of unique, independent hotels, Mapito Safari Camp reflects a dedication to quality and distinctive design. Here, every single detail pays heartfelt homage to the Tanzanian land, its people, and the vast, endless sky above.

Accommodations: Luxury Under the Cosmos

The camp offers a range of luxurious options designed for unforgettable Serengeti nights.

15 Tented Suites:
Each suite opens onto a private deck with sweeping views of the Serengeti wilderness.
Features a retractable canvas roof, inviting guests to sleep directly beneath a canopy of stars.
In-room telescopes transform evenings into celestial adventures.
One Two-Bedroom Villa:
Offers expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, perfect for families or groups.
Includes a private dining room, a personal pool, and a kitchen for ultimate comfort.

Local Craftsmanship: A Story in Every Detail

Designed by the talented Arusha studio Dunia Designs, the interiors are a vibrant celebration of Tanzanian craft and culture. Clean architectural lines beautifully blend with authentic, handmade artistry throughout the camp.

Ethical Sourcing: Nearly every detail, from woven kikoys by the Ifakara Women Weavers Association and exquisite beadwork from Randilen and Fort Ikoma to hand-blown glassware from Shanga, was crafted by local, female-led, and artisan cooperatives.
Meaningful Pieces: Each piece tells a powerful story of place, people, and purpose, directly supporting local livelihoods.
Sustainable Design: Dunia Designs’ signature recycled materials are creatively integrated throughout the camp, appearing in artistic sculptural works, stools, sofas, and benches.

Elevated Experiences Under Endless Skies

At Mapito Safari Camp, your days naturally align with the captivating rhythm of the Serengeti wilderness.

Morning Adventures:
Rise above the plains in a breathtaking sunrise hot-air balloon.
Embark on expertly guided game drives, offering the chance to observe a remarkable diversity of wildlife. This includes iconic species like lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and giraffes.
Signature Night Drives:
As night falls, Mapito Safari Camp's unique night drives reveal the wilderness under a blanket of stars.
Witness leopards slipping between acacia shadows, hyenas calling across the savannah, and elusive nocturnal species emerging in the darkness. Look out for civets, genets, bush babies, and nightjars.
*Note:* Night safaris are conducted only on designated routes around the camp, using softened lighting and thoughtful viewing practices to limit disturbance to wildlife.
Authentic Cultural Connection:
Visit the nearby Robanda Village for a truly immersive experience.
Ikoma artisans lead hands-on activities such as canvas painting, beadwork, cooking, and drumming, sharing traditions passed down through generations.

Flavours of the Serengeti: A Culinary Journey

At the heart of the camp, Njia Restaurant takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey. Here, global sensibilities gracefully meet the rich soul of Tanzanian cuisine.

Farm-to-Table Freshness: Seasonal ingredients are carefully sourced from the camp’s own vegetable garden.
Innovative Dishes: These fresh ingredients are transformed into elegant, flavourful dishes that honour both heritage and innovation.
Relaxation Spots:
The Njia Lounge invites slow afternoons with a good book and a fine glass of wine.
The Mapito Bar offers a prime vantage point to soak in the stunning Serengeti sunset, serving signature cocktails as the plains shift from gold to indigo.
The Boma Experience: As dusk deepens, The Boma becomes a cherished circle of warmth and connection. The flicker of firelight sets the perfect stage for traditional storytelling and the timeless customs of the Ikoma people.

Wellness in the Wild: Rejuvenation Amidst Nature

Anchored in Africa’s ancient healing traditions, the spa at Mapito Safari Camp draws on the restorative properties of natural botanicals. Think baobab and moringa for a truly grounding experience.

Signature Treatments:
The Calabash Massage, performed with warm gourds, soothes the body while evoking ancient wellness rituals passed down through generations.
Active Wellness:
Maintain your fitness routine in the well-equipped gym, framed by sweeping views of the Serengeti.
Greet the day with serene sunrise yoga sessions that unfold in quiet harmony with the awakening plains.
Rim-Flow Pool:
Take a refreshing dip in the stunning rim-flow pool.
By day, the pool beautifully mirrors the vast African sky. By night, lights embedded in the pool floor mirror the stars above, creating the magical illusion of swimming through the night sky.

A Safari with Positive Impact: Sustainable Stewardship

Located in the wilderness area adjoining the Serengeti National Park, Mapito Safari Camp was founded on a core belief. True stewardship means actively safeguarding the surrounding environment and empowering the local people who live alongside it.

Ethical Wildlife Viewing: Professionally trained local guides follow strict ethical wildlife-viewing standards. This includes maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife, using designated routes, and carefully controlling light at night to provide meaningful safaris that do not impose on the wildlife.
Significant Community Initiatives:
The camp is actively restoring the Robanda Healthcare Centre.
It has employed a full-time doctor to provide free consultations and medicines in an area where healthcare was previously unavailable.
During its construction, Mapito Safari Camp generated over 250 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
Today, an impressive 90% of its workforce – including senior leadership positions – are proud Tanzanian citizens.

Getting There & Booking Your Stay

Mapito Safari Camp is conveniently located near Fort Ikoma Airstrip, which is just a one-hour and 15-minute flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, proudly participates in Marriott Bonvoy®, the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International. This allows members to seamlessly earn and redeem points for their stay at the resort and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
Reservations: For more information and to book your unforgettable stargazing safari, please visit: [https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/jrosk-mapito-safari-camp-serengeti-autograph-collection/overview/]