Mapito Safari Camp named 'Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2026'

Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is celebrating its first anniversary, marking twelve months since the opening of Tanzania's first Marriott-branded safari camp. The milestone follows a landmark year for the camp, which was recently named Tanzania’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2026 at the World Travel Awards.

Located within the Ikoma Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a community-managed

conservation area forming part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, Mapito Safari Camp sits within an open wildlife landscape where animals move freely year-round. During the annual Great Migration, wildebeest and zebra also move freely through the western Serengeti corridor, creating exceptional seasonal wildlife-viewing opportunities alongside the camp’s resident wildlife.

Mapito offers an all-inclusive safari experience comprising 15 luxury one- and two-bedroom tented suites and a two-bedroom villa. Each accommodation comes with a private luxury Land Cruiser safari vehicle, guide and butler, allowing guests to explore one of Africa’s most celebrated wildernesses at their own pace.

Alongside private game drives, guests can embark on night game drives, offering the opportunity to experience the Serengeti after dark and encounter its nocturnal wildlife. Back at camp, guests can unwind at the spa or infinity pool and enjoy farm-to-table dining featuring produce from the camp’s own vegetable garden.

Retractable tent roofs allow guests to sleep beneath the Serengeti night sky, while a dedicated concierge team curates every aspect of the journey, from pre-arrival

planning to bespoke safari experiences.

From the outset, Mapito was conceived as more than a luxury safari camp. Alongside creating an exceptional guest experience, it sought to establish long-term partnerships with neighbouring communities, recognising that the future of tourism depends on the wellbeing of the people and places that make each destination unique.

Working alongside the Give a Future Foundation, Mapito Safari Camp has supported a series of initiatives that are helping improve lives across the Serengeti region. At the Hope for Girls & Women Centre, girls are being supported through education, mentoring and vocational opportunities. Through practical training at Mapito Safari Camp, participants gain experience in guiding, culinary arts and hospitality, alongside English language tuition, helping prepare them for long-term careers within Tanzania's tourism industry.

The Foundation has also expanded access to healthcare across surrounding communities, supporting a full-time doctor and essential medicines at Robanda Medical Clinic while delivering specialist medical outreach programmes that have provided free consultations, treatment and surgery to local families. More recently, a dedicated sickle cell programme has been established to provide children with ongoing diagnosis, treatment and long-term medical care.

The camp's impact extends to employment and local enterprise. During construction, Mapito created more than 250 jobs and today around 90% of its workforce, including members of the senior leadership team, are Tanzanian. This commitment to the region is also reflected in the camp itself, which was built and furnished using locally sourced materials, with an emphasis on Tanzanian craftsmanship. Throughout the camp, guests experience locally crafted design, cultural experiences and artisan partnerships that celebrate the heritage of the surrounding communities.

Rishen Patel, Founder and Managing Director of Mapito Safari Camp, said:

"As a Tanzanian, this project holds a special place in my heart. When we opened Mapito Safari Camp, our ambition was to create a safari experience that reflected the extraordinary character of the Serengeti while building long-term relationships with the communities around us. Over the past year, we have seen how hospitality can create opportunities beyond the guest experience. Through Delaware Investments and working alongside the Give a Future Foundation and our local partners, we have invested in programmes that support education, healthcare and skills development, while continuing to learn from the communities we are privileged to work with. As we look ahead to the next chapter, our commitment remains the same: to develop hospitality experiences that create lasting value for both our guests and our neighbours."

For further press information and imagery, or to discuss review opportunities, please contact: Sarah Harvey or Hannah Jamal at Dovetail Agency at mapito@dovetail-agency.co.uk