Built on a gently sloping hill alongside the Grumeti River, Singita Faru Faru Lodge is positioned on the renowned migratory route in 350,000 acres of the Serengeti's epic grasslands. It is a very special spot, and one where guests have the unique opportunity to experience a very close connection with the wilderness. With an ever-changing landscape, thriving wildlife populations and the action of the Great Migration, it is an experience that is constantly evolving, so we thought we would check in with lodge manager, Wilson Owino, for an update on the latest news from the property.

Singita: What characterises this time of year in the reserve? Wilson: The weather at the moment is mostly sunny and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings. We are anticipating short rains any time now as dark clouds have started gathering in the evenings. We really need the rains so that fresh grass can germinate after the control burning which has been done in some parts of the reserve.

Singita: Any interesting, recent wildlife sightings or experiences to share? Wilson: In general, the game viewing in the reserve is always awesome. At the moment, most of the game is concentrated close to the camps where there are water holes. At Faru Faru Lodge there are herds of elephants visiting the watering holes just in front of the lodge every day. Lions also showed up last week and spent some time by the water hole and one even gave chase to a wildebeest! The migration is trickling back from the Mara into the reserve but due to the dry season they are seen migrating in a single file and resting under the trees during midday when the sun is scorching hot. As I am writing this, a guide has just radioed in with news of a pride of lions headed to the lodge!

Singita: What activities have guests been enjoying most recently? Wilson: As always, guests absolutely love the twice daily game drives! In between, the swimming pool is always very popular, especially as it faces the waterhole and guests can watch wildlife while relaxing on the sun loungers. We've had a few guests recently trying their hand at archery, and most pay a visit to the spa and the Boutique & Gallery during their stay.

Singita: What's happening on the community development front and how are the lodge staff involved? Wilson: As part of the broader community development work done by the Grumeti Fund, the staff at Singita Faru Faru Lodge have planned an upcoming visit to the local village to help clean and maintain the primary school. We usually take the opportunity to speak to learners as well and teach them about the opportunities involved in a hospitality career.

Singita: How have things been at the lodge this year? Wilson: Faru Faru Lodge had a very busy and successful peak season, and we received such wonderful, positive feedback from our guests. The game viewing has been exceptional and continues to grow from strength to strength. Every morning we wake up to another thrilling wildlife sighting, many of which happen with sight of the lodge. The Faru Faru team is always so upbeat and very much in love with the job that we do here; something I find extremely gratifying. We really count ourselves privileged to be living and working in this iconic location.

Thanks Wilson! To get a feel for this amazing property, watch the short video below and see for yourself why Singita Faru Faru Lodge and the other lodges in Singita Grumeti were named the Best Safari Lodge in Africa in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards:

Informal, unconventional and surprising at every turn, Singita Faru Faru Lodge is a mix of contemporary, organic style and the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp. It is one of six lodges and camps Singita operates in the Serengeti, each of which contributes to the work of the Grumeti Fund, a non-profit organisation that ensures the continued protection of this precious ecosystem. Read more here.