A new luxury safari camp is set to open in the heart of the Serengeti, offering South African wildlife lovers a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience just a few hours from home. Launching later this year, the Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection will offer guests front-row seats to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural events — the Great Migration — and year-round access to Africa’s iconic Big Five.
Nestled near the Fort Ikoma gate between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly on the migration path of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope. With only 16 tented suites — each featuring outdoor decks, fire pits, and retractable roofs for stargazing — this is safari at its most immersive and luxurious.
Guests can expect day and night game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking trails, bush dining, and meaningful cultural interactions with the local Ikoma tribe. Inspired by the natural landscape and local traditions, the camp also places strong emphasis on sustainability and low-impact tourism.
Backed by one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, Marriott International, this marks the first time the Autograph Collection brand expands into nature-based travel, combining boutique hotel charm with the wonder of the wild. South Africans will be able to enjoy the benefits of loyalty through the Marriott Bonvoy programme, making this a highly attractive option for milestone trips, romantic getaways, and once-in-a-lifetime family holidays.
With East Africa remaining one of the most accessible international destinations for South Africans, and with the Serengeti long considered a bucket-list safari destination, this new offering promises to become a firm favourite for travellers seeking something truly extraordinary.
