Private Amboseli, Tanzania

The word ‘Shu’mata’ comes from the Maa language of the Maasai people and means ‘heaven’ or ‘the land above the clouds’. An apt description of this intimate luxury tented camp, it refers to its superlative location at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, whose snow-capped peak towers above the clouds. Located in an area known as ‘Private Amboseli’, the camp stands central to the ‘Maasai Steppe’, an area previously owned by the Maasai, but which is now being operated in cooperation with them – as a private conservancy. Loosely affiliated to Hatari Lodge (3 hours drive away), the camp is typically utilized as an add-on bush experience to the guests of the Lodge. With just five tents, the Shu’mata Camp has been designed to offer an Ernest Hemingway-styled experience that depends on the provision of ultimate under-canvas luxury in the heart of some of Africa’s most pristine bush. Activities include guided walks by local warriors and game drives in the surrounding bush, which abounds with elephants, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, gazelles and antelopes. The camp is part of the Momella Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated towards the support of this area of Maasai heritage.

Location

The camp is located at the foot of Kilimanjaro, deep in the traditional Maasai land, in an area known as Private Amboseli.

Accommodation

There are five comfortable safari tents with three more due for completion by the end of 2011. Presented in Maasai style, with authentic art, each has a private verandah with panoramic views and an ensuite bathroom with open-air shower. Styled to resemble a traditional Safari camp, each tent is furnished in antique style.

Dining and bars

There is a generous central mess tent overlooking the area of bush in which the John Wayne film ‘Hatari’ was filmed in the 1960s. The décor is a fusion of safari chic and Bedouin, the cuisine international with local overtones. There is also a spacious bar overlooking the volcanic peaks of this memorable region. Meals are also served around the camp and in the bush. The camp is operated on an all-inclusive basis (full board accommodation, tea and coffees, all drinks, concession fees, community fees, scheduled safari activities in shared open-topped vehicles, laundry service and transfers from/to West Kilimanjaro Airstrip).

Activities

Include game drives, guided walks, bush dining, safari sundowners, nature walks and elephant tracking.