Introduction: Reconnecting with the Wild

There are safari experiences that wow you with luxury, and then there are those that move you with their authenticity—experiences that strip away the barriers between you and the wild. A night under the stars at Alex Walker’s Serian fly camp is firmly in the latter category. This isn’t about infinity pools or air-conditioned suites. This is about listening to the calls of hyenas in the dark, waking to birdsong and golden light, and sleeping beneath a canopy of stars, wrapped in canvas and silence. It’s the kind of raw, unfiltered encounter that reveals the heart of Africa—and your own.

The Essence of Fly Camping

Fly camping harks back to the early days of African exploration, when lightweight mobile tents were pitched deep in the bush, far from permanent camps. At Alex Walker’s Serian, this old-school tradition has been refined into a minimalist but deeply immersive experience. After a day of walking through the bush, tracking wildlife on foot with expert guides and a scout, you arrive at a temporary camp that seems to have emerged from the landscape itself—no fixed structures, no unnecessary luxuries, just the basics done exceptionally well.

The “fly camp” is a mobile satellite of the main Serian camps in the Mara North Conservancy and Serengeti, and it is set up exclusively for private groups. It’s designed for a one-night adventure, adding an exciting and unforgettable chapter to a longer safari itinerary.

Camp Life: Simplicity, Comfort, and Magic

When you arrive at camp in the late afternoon, it feels like stumbling upon a secret. The small dome tents, already pitched under shady trees, come with comfortable bedrolls, fresh linen, and mosquito nets. There are no en suite bathrooms, but a bush toilet and bucket shower are discreetly arranged nearby, with hot water prepared by the camp team. The setup is intentionally rustic—simple yet comfortable, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

As the sun begins to set, the real magic begins. A campfire crackles, drinks are poured, and stories are shared as the sky turns orange and then deep indigo. Dinner is prepared on open flames, often a hearty stew or grilled meat, with fresh vegetables and warm bread. Under the wide African sky, with no walls and no artificial light, every star seems sharper, every sound louder, every breath deeper.

When it’s time to sleep, you tuck into your canvas cocoon with the soft murmur of the wild as your lullaby. You hear lions calling in the distance, the rustle of branches as nocturnal creatures stir, and the occasional yip of a jackal. There are few experiences on Earth that bring you so close to nature—and to your own instincts.

Walking Safaris: Where the Journey Begins

The fly camp is not just about where you sleep—it’s about how you arrive. Guests typically depart their main camp in the morning on foot, led by a seasoned guide and an armed scout. Walking safaris are where Serian’s philosophy of deep, meaningful engagement with the bush comes alive. You learn to read the tracks in the dust, to interpret the alarm calls of birds, to move with awareness and respect.

Unlike game drives, walking demands patience and humility. You’re no longer just an observer—you’re part of the landscape. You might not see a lion, but you’ll understand its movements. You might not stumble upon a herd of elephants, but you’ll smell where they passed. The slow rhythm of walking opens your senses in a way no vehicle ever can.

Serian’s Philosophy: Wild in Spirit

Alex Walker’s camps are renowned for their unfiltered approach to safaris. The emphasis is on slowing down, stepping away from checklists, and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the wilderness. The fly camp embodies this philosophy—everything is stripped back to what matters most: silence, space, connection, and raw beauty.

Each group that goes fly camping is accompanied by one of Serian’s elite guides, ensuring both safety and depth of interpretation. The experience can be customized to different fitness levels, and routes are chosen to reflect the current movements of wildlife, seasonal changes, and the interests of the guests.

Best Time to Go and What to Expect

Fly camping at Serian is seasonal, offered primarily during the dry months when walking is safest and the bush is open—typically June to October and January to March, depending on the location. The activity is most commonly offered in Mara North Conservancy (Kenya) or the Lamai region in the northern Serengeti (Tanzania), both private wilderness areas where walking is not just allowed, but actively encouraged.

Guests should be prepared to disconnect—there’s no Wi-Fi, no mobile signal, no generator hum. What you get in return is a night of pure African immersion. Pack light, wear good walking shoes, and bring a spirit of adventure.