What it's like to stay at the best hotel in the world
After a three-hour drive from Sasakwa airstrip through the plains of Grumeti Reserve, we finally spotted Sabora Tented Camp in the distance.
The place seemed to blend in with the scenery. From the kitchen to the guest rooms, the entire camp is actually made of thick canvas.
We hopped out of our off-road vehicle and were greeted by Sabora's staff, who welcomed us with a hand-washing ceremony.
After a quick drink and paperwork, we made our way to our tents.
There are 9 guest tents in total, including a double tent for families. Rates are $1,425 per person per night during the high season and $1,150 during the low season.
Finally, I reached my tent. The tents are spread out to give guests privacy. It was much bigger than a New York studio apartment. Let's step inside.
It may have been a canvas structure on the outside, but inside, the room was beautifully decorated in a 1920s style and had everything I could possibly need.
One of Singita's hallmarks is personalized service. The staff knew our names from the moment we arrived, and I found this note when I walked into my tent.
The bed was very comfortable, with a heavy comforter and a panoramic view of the plains. The canopy isn't just for decoration; at night it's used as mosquito netting.
Here's what the back of my tent looked like. There was a private deck, and I couldn't see any of the other tents when I sat on it.
There was also a day bed, but it was a bit damp from the rain.
A canvas wall and red curtain separated the main room from the bathroom.
The claw-foot tub looked luxurious, but unfortunately I didn't get to try it. If I had, I would have been able to watch geckos climb up and down the mesh netting.
Laundry is included in the price of the hotel, which was great since I didn't pack much and it was so dusty outside.
On the other side of the tent flap, there's an outdoor rainfall shower. The walls were low enough that I could watch the wildebeest graze while I washed my hair.
Since I had to pack lightly, I was happy to find this toiletry tray in the bathroom.
There were also the requisite safari sprays — Doom, No-Bite, and Cheers.
Guests can walk around the camp freely during the day, but at night they are escorted to and from their tents in case there are animals around.
At 7:30, my escort brought me to the main tent, where pre-dinner drinks were taking place around the bonfire.
A group of dancers from a local tribe surprised the guests with a performance.
Our dinner table was in the dining tent. But guests are served dinner at tables set up throughout camp, and guests who stay several days can expect to eat in a different location every night.
Singita gets most of its produce from local farmers, and imports what it can't get locally from the cities of Arusha and Dar Es Salaam. The dinner menu changes nightly, but no game is served, since Singita is so focused on conservation.
I started with the roast pumpkin soup, which was thick and piping hot.
There was an intermezzo of mango and star anise granita.
There was plenty to drink, with a selection of wines from around the world and a full bar.
By the time my main course of king fish and polenta arrived, I was stuffed.
But the cheese plate looked great. I was surprised by how much variety there was on the menu, considering how remote the camp is.
I was glad to have a guard take me back to my tent, since it was pitch black outside and there were wildebeest bleating all around. Inside, I found my bed enveloped in mosquito netting.
I wasn't kidding when I said I could see wildebeest from the shower. They were everywhere when I woke up.
Days start early at safari camps, since mornings are the best times to see animals. I headed over to the main tent for breakfast by 7:30.
The view from my seat couldn't be beat. But if I wanted a closer look, there were telescopes set up around the deck.
Breakfast was delicious. My eggs were cooked to order and the bread was warm.
After breakfast, most guests head out on an early morning game drive. Guests are assigned to one of Singita's 25 or so safari guides when they arrive, and have the same guide throughout their stay. Our guide, Simon, was with us from early morning until late at night, driving my tour group around the reserve and teaching us the intricate details of the Great Migration.
Of course, there's plenty to do for folks who don't want to wake up early every day of their vacation. All of Singita's Grumeti lodges have pools, and some rooms even have private plunge pools (but not at the tent camp).
There's a small gym tent, with weights, yoga equipment, and a few cardio machines.
There's even a tennis court. The manager said it gets used fairly often, but it looked like it needed to be cleared of droppings before anyone played a match.
There was even a spa tent for facials, massages, and manicures. Guests can also have most treatments done in their own tents.
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