As part of our commitment to our guests, we are continually exploring new safari lodges and partners throughout Southern and Eastern Africa. We make it a priority to experience select properties in the field ourselves, alongside insights from trusted industry partners, to ensure they align with our standards in guiding, hospitality, conservation, and overall guest experience before we recommend them. This marks the beginning of our “Behind the Safari: Lodge Review Series,”...
Grumeti Game Reserve Adventure: A Luxurious Wilderness Escape
In the third part of our East African safari series, we continue the adventure with Dennis & Sherri Wright as we journey into the heart of the Grumeti Game Reserve. This time, our home for the next leg of the trip was the stunning &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge—a place that truly exceeded all expectations.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by our local guide, Charles, who guided us through this pristine wilderness with an intimate knowledge of the land and its wildlife. The &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, nestled on the banks of the river, was undoubtedly the most spectacular accommodation of our safari. With its luxurious yet natural design, we found ourselves spending hours simply watching animals come to the river to quench their thirst, as life ebbed and flowed around us. The private splash pool offered a refreshing escape from the midday heat, while the expansive grand room invited us to slow down and soak in the serene surroundings.
One of the true perks of staying at Grumeti during this time was the tranquility. With the Great Migration having already passed through the region, we had the reserve nearly to ourselves, enjoying private and uninterrupted wildlife sightings. We were fortunate to encounter the Nyasarori Pride and their cubs, watching these majestic lions in their natural habitat. The Nyasarori males had also taken down a massive giraffe bull during the night, and we observed them feeding on the carcass—a rare and powerful sight.
The surprises didn’t end there. A stunning female leopard was spotted resting gracefully in a towering sausage tree, providing a perfect photo opportunity.

We also encountered a clan of spotted hyenas at a dam, feasting on a wildebeest carcass they had scavenged. Each day brought a new chapter of the untamed wilderness to life, with Charles ensuring we were always in the right place at the right time.

Our stay at Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge was undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights, and it’s no surprise that this extraordinary property has been awarded a prestigious spot in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. We can personally attest to its well-deserved acclaim.
Stay tuned for the next part of our journey as we continue exploring the wonders of East Africa, and if you're ready to experience the magic of Grumeti Game Reserve for yourself, contact us today and start planning your own tailor-made safari adventure with Hylton Langley Safaris. Your journey to the heart of Africa awaits!
Further Reading
In February 2026, Swedish tour company, Ubuntu Resor, brought its third group to Southern Africa for a journey that blended powerful history, vibrant culture, and exceptional wildlife. Beginning in Johannesburg with a moving visit to Soweto, the adventure continued into Botswana’s wildlife-rich Tuli Game Reserve before returning to South Africa’s scenic Lowveld near Kruger National Park. Along the way, the group experienced rare wildlife encounters, meaningful conservation insights, and breathtaking landscapes including...
January tested us in every way. Unprecedented flooding in the Kruger Lowveld forced rapid changes to carefully planned safari logistics, from access routes to lodge stays. With calm, experience, and constant monitoring behind the scenes, we pivoted the itinerary, secured a new lodge, and adjusted travel plans seamlessly. While the landscape reshaped itself, our guests continued to enjoy an exceptional journey, proving that with the right team, even Africa’s wildest challenges can...













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