Morning light across the plains, coffee on a private timber deck, and evenings gathered around a fire: Mereshi Safari Camp Serengeti, Autograph Collection is taking shape around the quieter pleasures of a safari stay. Anticipated to open in November 2026 near Fort Ikoma Gate, the new camp will pair an intimate collection of tented suites with a commitment to local employment, Tanzanian suppliers, and community investment.
Developed by Delaware Investments, the company behind Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection, Mereshi will occupy 55 acres of open savanna. Its 18 elevated suites are designed to make the landscape a constant presence, from the first light of day to dinner beneath the stars.
Tented Suites Inspired by the Acacia Tree
The acacia tree provided the starting point for the camp’s architecture. Designed by Dunia Design, which also worked on Mapito, Mereshi combines timber, canvas, woven elements, and natural textures in a layout informed by the site’s existing features.
The design approach emphasizes limiting unnecessary ground disturbance and vegetation removal, allowing the camp to take its shape from the landscape around it.
Each suite will face east to catch the morning light. Inside, dark greenwood furniture, open shelving, and locally sourced textiles will bring Tanzanian materials and workmanship into the guest experience. Large mesh panels will frame views of the plains and acacia trees, while private timber decks will extend the living space outdoors.
Those decks are intended for unhurried moments between excursions: an early coffee, time spent watching the landscape, or a private dinner by lantern light.
Safari Days and Evenings Around the Fire
Planned experiences will draw on both the surrounding wilderness and the region’s cultural heritage. Game drives and sundowners will be complemented by fireside storytelling, Tanzanian music, and opportunities to learn about local traditions.
The emphasis is on giving guests time to explore and time to settle into camp. With just 18 suites spread across the property, Mereshi’s appeal lies in its modest scale and the connection between its accommodation and outdoor spaces.
The camp will be part of Autograph Collection, Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of individually distinctive hotels and safari camps.
Built with Tanzanian Materials and Expertise
Much of Mereshi’s story begins with the people and businesses involved in its construction. According to Delaware Investments, approximately 95 percent of the camp’s materials, furnishings, and equipment have been sourced and produced in Tanzania, including canvas, timber, and construction materials.
More than 150 Tanzanians have contributed to the build. Local suppliers, craftspeople, artists, and businesses have also played a role, extending the project’s economic reach beyond the camp itself.
Once operational, Mereshi is expected to create approximately 100 permanent jobs, with more than 90 percent of those positions held by Tanzanians.
“Every camp we open should allow us to do more,” says Rishen Patel, founder and managing director of Delaware Investments. For Patel, that means expanding local employment, purchasing more within Tanzania, and directing additional resources toward programs that create lasting opportunities.
Opening Doors to Careers in Tourism
Mereshi is also expected to participate in the next phase of a residential hospitality mentorship program supported by Give a Future Foundation, Delaware Investments’ nonprofit arm.
Developed with Hope for Girls and Women, an organization providing shelter, support, and skills development for vulnerable girls and young women, the program will give at least five young women the opportunity to live and train at the camp.
Mereshi will cover accommodation, meals, and daily living costs while participants gain practical experience across the operation and work toward careers in Tanzania’s tourism industry.
The foundation’s broader work in the Serengeti region includes healthcare provision in Robanda and support for children living with sickle cell anemia. The mentorship program adds a direct connection between the company’s hospitality operations and opportunities for the next generation.
For travelers considering a Serengeti safari, Mereshi promises a stay shaped by its surroundings, from the materials used in its suites to the people helping bring the camp to life.
Opening is anticipated in November 2026. Property information and reservation inquiries are available through Marriott.
