Serengeti Explorer offers a central yet private location with panoramic views, extensive facilities and a competitive price point catering to an underrepresented market between budget and full luxury
For almost two decades Elewana has been delivering unforgettable experiences through its collection of 15 luxury properties across East Africa. The new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale safari lodges will cater to a wider audience through a more moderate price point as well as an increased range of activities on property. The first lodge, Serengeti Explorer by Elewana, opened its doors in January 2025. Ngorongoro Explorer will follow in 2026, and Tarangire Explorer is also scheduled for the future.
Serengeti Explorer is exemplified through its remarkable location. Sat high up on the Nyaboro Hills, the views stretch for miles across the iconic plains of the Serengeti, whilst its central, yet private location makes it the perfect hub from which to see the Great Migration. Guests will have access to one of the world’s most iconic wildlife ecosystems, where space, freedom and the great outdoors meet thrilling adventure.
The 68 well-appointed explorer rooms and six suites of Serengeti Explorer are built on the site of the previous Serengeti Sopa Lodge, and reconstruction has not caused unnecessary disruption to the environment. The room count is exactly the same, so as not to add additional population pressure to the fragile ecosystem.
All rooms have a private balcony offering famed Serengeti views, and configurations will cater for couples, friends, families and special groups of all sizes with interconnecting rooms and rooms with wheelchair access.
The property will house the Serengeti’s first ever on-site hide overlooking a watering hole, allowing guests to view wildlife without travelling far from base. Accessed through an underground tunnel from the lodge, the hide will allow wildlife enthusiast to witness nature at play as animals visit for much needed refreshment.
There will be a wide selection of dining options ranging from a chef’s table located within an extensive wine cellar with an on-site sommelier, to a Boma restaurant offering a bush dinner of African and Swahili signature dishes under the Serengeti sky. In addition, a main restaurant, poolside bistro and bar and deli and coffee shop will all serve up a delicious array of dishes celebrating the farm-to table culture.
Serengeti Explorer aims to offer guests a fully immersive holiday experience, with a plethora of activities aside from the game drives being introduced. A children’s bushcraft centre will cater for families, whilst an outdoor cinema will show African movie classics as well as more current releases.
African culture will be a central theme to Serengeti Explorer with an art gallery showcasing local talent as well as local crafts available for purchase in the retail centre. A creative photo studio will be equipped with useful technology and an on-site expert to ensure that guests take away their best images from the experience. Walking safaris with experienced guides will also be available.
A stargazing deck with on-site astronomy guide will allow guests to enjoy a galactic night safari under the sparkling African sky.
“The launch of Explorer by Elewana marks an exciting milestone for our group. This upscale safari lodge concept, set in the renowned wildlife-rich regions of Northern Tanzania, fills a unique niche by targeting the needs and price point of the mid-market safari guest. Explorer promises a range of immersive safari experiences within World Heritage-designated natural landscapes. Consistent with every Elewana property, Explorer will be characterised by exemplary service, remarkable wildlife encounters, and a deep connection to nature. Our commitment to conservation and community engagement, a cornerstone of our ethos, will continue to be at the heart of everything we do.“
– Karim Wissanji, Elewana’s Group Chairman & CEO
As with all Elewana properties, Serengeti Explorer will uphold the core purpose of expertly sharing the wonders of our natural world by providing responsible, authentic, life-affirming, luxury safari and adventure experiences
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