Tanzania’s newest luxury safari operator, Enduata Camps, has unveiled Wild Wakati Camp—a laid-back, immersive, tented safari experience in the heart of the Serengeti. Surrounded by iconic African wildlife—from giraffes, elephants, lions, and more—the camp is positioned directly along one of the most dramatic and active corridors of the Great Migration.
Wild Wakati will operate year-round, offering an intimate camp with thoughtful design and memorable safari experiences. Remote yet refined, Wild Wakati embodies The Enduata Experience: close encounters with the wilderness, effortless luxury, and a deep connection to the land and community. Spearheaded by co-owners Matt Wilkey and Michael Shayo (a Tanzanian guide with more than 13 years of experience), Enduata Camps was born from a shared vision to create meaningful, breathtaking, yet low-impact safari experiences that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Their debut property, Wild Wakati Camp, brings this vision to life in one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
(Wild Wakati Camp)
Michael Shayo, co-founder of Enduata Camps, commented: “At Wild Wakati Camp—meaning ‘time’ in Swahili—we wanted to slow everything down and let the Serengeti set the pace. With just 10 handcrafted, spacious canvas tents, including two for families, we’ve created an intimate, unhurried experience with front-row views of this extraordinary landscape. From Maasai warriors escorting guests each evening to shared moments in our lounge, bar, and dining tents, every detail is designed to keep guests connected to the wilderness.”
Be it a family bucket-list adventure or a honeymoon to remember, Enduata tailors experiences to every guest’s needs. Perched on a small footprint within an expansive 1,722,225-square-foot plot, Wild Wakati Camp is thoughtfully outfitted for comfort and discovery. Its 10 guest tents feature emperor-size beds and en-suite bathrooms with modern flush toilets, double sinks, and 20-liter safari bucket showers, along with complimentary wellies and umbrellas, well-being amenities, torch and radio communication. Guests receive all-inclusive gourmet dining, safari cocktails and sundowners, meals on the go for game drives, and a dedicated children’s program featuring traditional fire-making, cooking lessons, an introduction to Maasai culture, safari-style soccer, and more. Additional features include charging and Wi-Fi facilities, 24-hour security, and state-of-the-art 4×4 game vehicles.
(Wild Wakati Camp)
While staying at Wild Wakati Camp, guests can witness natural wonders such as the Great Migration, where 1.2 million wildebeest, joined by 300,000 zebras and gazelles, traverse the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, offering intimate predator encounters and spectacular birdlife. Other highlights include hot-air balloon safaris over the savanna, ending with a bush-style champagne breakfast, or learning about Maasai culture—from the iconic red shukas, said to ward off lions, to the intricate beadwork worn by Maasai women and men, many of whom are employed by Enduata today. Other notable experiences that can be arranged include guided walking safaris or visits to a local Boma—a traditional Maasai family homestead where daily life and livestock are central. Guests can start or finish their journey in vibrant Arusha; a visit to Sanaa is a must—an organization that empowers people with disabilities through art—where they can buy the handcrafted blankets featured at Enduata camps as meaningful souvenirs.
(Wild Wakati Camp)
The Serengeti’s wildlife thrives throughout the year, shaped by four key seasons, each with its own character. The short dry season from January to February brings warm, pleasant weather and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. From March to May, the long rains transform the plains into a lush green landscape, ideal for birdwatching and dramatic storm-filled skies, though some roads may be muddy. June to October marks the long dry season, with cooler temperatures and clear skies, making wildlife highly visible as animals congregate near rivers and waterholes. Finally, the short rains of November and December refresh the plains, creating vibrant landscapes, newborn calves, and striking photographic opportunities, all while avoiding peak crowds.
While at the start of its journey, Enduata Camps is committed to creating safari experiences with lasting benefits for wildlife, habitats, and local communities through light-footprint tented camps handcrafted in nearby Arusha, responsible sourcing, as well as meaningful employment. At Wild Wakati Camp, guests can enjoy an exclusive rhino-viewing experience just two hours from camp near the Moru Kopjes, within a TANAPA-regulated area managed with the Frankfurt Zoological Society and closed to general Serengeti traffic. This opportunity allows guests to observe wild black rhinos while directly contributing to their conservation.
As the brand grows, Enduata will continue to work closely with local communities, park authorities and partners to ensure the Serengeti can be explored responsibly for generations to come. It plans to further support the tourism workforce by employing local talent (currently 50 percent of its staff), ensuring full accessibility at camps for all travelers, donating a percentage of nightly profits to local conservation projects, while also developing onsite farms to supply produce while creating additional local employment.
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