Laba Grumeti Art Lodge

Overview

Laba Grumeti Art Lodge occupies a dramatic rocky hilltop in the western Serengeti, overlooking the Grumeti River corridor, one of Tanzania’s most important wildlife areas and a key route for the Great Migration. As the flagship property of Laba Laba, the lodge takes a distinctive approach to the safari experience, combining the vastness of the Serengeti with a carefully curated collection of contemporary African art. The result is a property where the landscape outside and the creative expression within are given equal consideration.

Eleven spacious tented suites and a two-bedroom family suite are spread across the hillside, each measuring approximately 120 square metres and opening onto a private terrace with uninterrupted views across the Grumeti plains. Canvas walls, timber decking and understated Art Deco-inspired furnishings create a refined yet grounded atmosphere, allowing the surrounding wilderness to remain the focus.

More than 40 commissioned artworks are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the lodge, with each space designed to complement both the landscape and the collection. The result is sophisticated without feeling overly polished, retaining the sense of place that is central to a Serengeti safari.

Art is at the heart of Laba Grumeti’s identity. Initially shaped by the work of South African sculptor Zizipho Poswa, the collection has grown to include works by ten African artists, with pieces displayed throughout the lodge. The artwork is integrated into the property rather than confined to a traditional gallery space, encouraging guests to discover sculptures and installations as they move between their suite, the dining areas and the lodge’s open-air spaces. For travellers with an interest in contemporary African art and design, the collection adds an entirely different dimension to the traditional safari experience.

The surrounding wilderness remains central to a stay at Laba Grumeti. Positioned along the western migration corridor, the lodge offers an unusual opportunity to experience the Great Migration during two periods of the year, with herds moving through the area from May to July and again between September and November.

Game drives take place in the early morning and afternoon, with night drives available when conditions permit, allowing guests to experience the changing rhythms of the Serengeti beyond daylight hours. Refurbished vintage safari vehicles, adapted to diesel, ethanol and electric power, add a distinctive character to the experience. Guided walking safaris provide another way to explore, offering a slower and more intimate perspective of the landscape while following tracks, spoor and other signs of wildlife on foot.

Back at the lodge, a 22-metre infinity pool sits along the edge of the hill with expansive views over the plains. Guests can also unwind at the spa, where thermal treatments incorporate naturally occurring volcanic water, or spend time on the suspended terraces and in the lodge’s small gym. Dining is centred on organic, seasonal ingredients, complemented by biodynamic wines from South Africa and France. The emphasis throughout is on thoughtful, high-quality experiences rather than formal luxury.

Sustainability is also woven into the property’s operation. Laba Grumeti runs on solar and battery power, while Laba Laba directs 30 percent of its profits towards conservation and community initiatives across Tanzania. This commitment extends beyond the lodge itself, supporting the wider landscapes and communities that make the safari experience possible.

Laba Grumeti Art Lodge is particularly suited to travellers seeking a more distinctive interpretation of the Serengeti. It combines exceptional wildlife and migration viewing with contemporary African art, considered design and beautifully integrated spaces for relaxation. For guests who want their time between game drives to feel just as memorable as their time in the bush, Laba Grumeti offers a rare balance of wilderness, creativity and understated luxury.