Shu’Mata means ‘heaven’ in the Maa language and a very fitting name for this remarkable camp in the heart of the Maasai Steppe. Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Shu’Mata Camp is an intimate refuge of luxurious Hemingway-style tents set on a craggy hill, offering sensational 360° views of the south Amboseli savannah and the highest mountain in Africa. The camp is so close to Kilimanjaro that on a clear night under the full moon, you might see details of its glaciers at the summit, which is the highest in all of Africa. This is also a great place to explore Kili itself, going on guided nature walks in the area.

Shu’Mata is situated in a private concession renowned for bird-watching and populated by majestic African wildlife like elephant, eland, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. Being in the middle of Maasai country means that your neighbours are these semi-nomadic tribespeople. Enjoy a glimpse of their every-day life, culture and traditions by visiting their bomas in the Sinya Flat. Or go on a unique and fascinating guided nature walk with the Maasai people – a wonderful experience that very few travellers are able to have. The open-topped game-drive vehicles allow you to get close to the game.

Private early morning and night game drives in south Amboseli give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife in the area, especially Amboseli’s legendary elephant herds. Experience Mount Kilimanjaro in all its glory on a scenic drive to Shira Plateau – and enjoy a delectable picnic at 3 500m / 11 483ft!

Highlights

• Sensational views of the south Amboseli savannah and Mount Kilimanjaro
• A secluded camp in the heart of Tanzania’s Maasai country
• Luxurious Hemingway-style safari tents
• Visits to Maasai bomas in the Sinya Flat
• Fascinating guided nature walks with Maasai guides
• See the legendary elephant herds of Amboseli
• Enjoy a picnic on the Shira Plateau at altitude

Activities

• BUSH DINING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• NIGHT DRIVES
• PICNICS
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS

We've chosen to showcase this intimate camp for its uniqueness; located amidst original Maasailand at the foot of Kilimanjaro, where wildlife coexists with farm life, the reviews about the service and experience have been outstanding to date.

Rooms

Tent

Five spacious and luxurious tents are set on top of a hill, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding savannah and the magical Mount Kilimanjaro. Each is uniquely furnished and decorated with a fusion of tasteful and vibrant Maasai, Arabic and Hemingway safari styles – creating an aura reminiscent of the 1920s safaris.

The elegant tented suites are equipped with creature comforts like dressing tables, classic safari cupboards, bedside tray stands and charming lockable trunks for your personal belongings. Relish the romantic atmosphere created by your private veranda and open fire, while Africa’s most gigantic mountain watches over you.

The gorgeous en suite bathrooms at Shu’Mata Camp are undeniably unique – a combination of Friedensreich Hundertwasser-inspired architecture, Tuareg design and Maasai décor. Hundertwasser was an Austrian-born New Zealand artists and architect who extended his talents to the field of environmental protection. The bathrooms at Shu-Mata pay homage to his brightly coloured, highly patterned canvases.

Facilities

Shu’Mata Camp pays homage to the classic Hemingway safari style, while seamlessly fusing contemporary and natural fabrics from Tanzania with the bright colours of the Maasai. The camp’s interior cloth and linen are handmade by local women in Arusha.

Shu’Mata is solar-powered according to environmental protection policies, and tents receive daily housekeeping services. Rise and shine every morning with a personal wake-up call accompanied by tea or coffee delivered straight to your tented suite.

Guests can relax in the communal lounge tent or gaze out over the ancient Maasai land from the camp’s main terrace.

Dining

You can expect silver service at Shu’Mata: mouth-watering international meals are served at your table from precious crockery. The chef’s delicious creations come straight off the grill or from a traditional cast iron pot.

After your tailor-made wake-up call, breakfast is served in the camp’s mess tent or al fresco. Delectable lunches and dinners are also served in the mess tent, and enjoyed under an exquisite baroque chandelier or in the tent’s ‘Arabian corner’.

For the early birds on walking safaris with Amboseli’s gentle giants, picnic breakfasts are served in wonderful locations in the private concession. Picnic lunches are also available.