The
Serengeti Resort
The
Heart of Africa in the Hill Country of Texas
As darkness slowly surrendered to the early morning
light the silhouette of a tall giraffe came clear behind the tall honey mesquite covering the dew moistened savanna. The dramatic backdrop of stands of
trees partially hid the majesty of the long necked beast. Straining and
twisting its neck the species known as camelopardalis carefully stepped over
the knotted roots of the nearby foliage making sure as not to stumble in the
dawn. Not to be forgotten were the herds of gazelles ever so alert for
approaching danger as the males darted back and forth in a seemingly frenzied
state keeping a watchful eye on the females and their young.
Never
have visited the Serengeti before we marveled how so many animals seemed to
naturally co-exist in relative peace. This was Africa at its best but not the
great dark continent over eight thousand miles across the Atlantic but a small
secluded piece of Africa in the hill country of Texas just a short drive north
of San Antonio near the small city of Bergheim. This is a piece of wild nature
waiting for the adventurer to investigate all from an incredibly lavish resort.
The
Serengeti Resort is a one stop destination where daily stress seems to melt
away while one sits on the many beautifully designed verandas watching the
great variety of exotic creatures interacting with each other. The sounds of
animals breaking through the underbrush is almost unnerving but yet comforting
knowing you are witnessing sights many people only dream of. The elands and zebras blend in so well it
comes as a pleasant surprise to see these large four legged beasts emerge from
the forest of trees across the plains heading to take water from the troughs
laid across the land
Visiting
the resort means spending time in a very magical place. It is where a person
can sit back and take in the beauty of what Africa truly looks like or simply
take a walk around the acreage smelling the semi-arid lands where the Serengeti
is located.
Spending time in the Zafara Lodge while sipping a glass
of wine from any of the seventy-five different varieties of grapes from the southern hemisphere or
something just as inviting from the large well-stocked bar in the lodge lets the
traveler know why they came to this spot in south-west Texas. The lodge is home
to everything an exclusive resort would be made of in the deepest reaches of
Africa itself. Thick wooden planked exterior and interior walls, heads of game
lining the room, comfortable and soft leather chairs and sofas in which to
rest, slowly winding fans attached in the ceiling to move the air, and rustic but
highly polished tables to enjoy a midday meal or evening faire while looking
through expansive floor to ceiling glass walls taking in the wildlife strolling
the savanna beyond the lodge.
On the weekends enjoy a
wonderful breakfast buffet or order something just as tasty from the more than
generous hosts who go out of their way to ensure your visit is truly a once in
a lifetime experience. The food is fabulous and more than enough to make the
palate satisfied.
Plan
to spend an evening or two in the various accommodations available at the
Serengeti from large plush bungalows that sleep eight which directly look over
the grasslands to the more modest but equally well appointed pool side suites
which sleep four. All accommodations are unique in their individual designs and
decorations but each gives the visitor a true feeling of having spent the night
on safari.
While
staying at the resort, ensure there is plenty of time in which to travel among
the animals themselves in the nearly one hundred acres where they are fenced. Golf
carts are available to rent so the guests can patrol the resort unguided to
take in the marvels of the Serengeti and to possibly hand feed the giraffe, the
elands, the ostriches, and the other such animals making up the resort’s
inhabitants. The favorite is a young camel by the name of ‘Clyde’ who
will come when called and faster if he knows there is food held in a hand.
The total experience of
the Serengeti Resort is that of relaxation, exhilaration, and the thrill of
being in the Heart of Africa but with never leaving the comfort of the United
States.
The
Serengeti Resort
Phone
– 830.816.3600
Fax
- 207.226.5280
Email
- serengetiresort@gmail.com
Also
found on ‘Facebook’
Location:
408
Fuller Dr, Bergheim, TX 78004 (the Hill Country)
Accommodations:
Prices
for resort range from $149 to $495, depending on the outfitter tent, bungalow
or suite available.
Hours:
Open
to the Public for wine tasting on Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m.
Resort may also be rented for special events.
Resort
guests have lodging available 7 days per week/24 hours per day
