Olakira Migration Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The mobile Olakira Migration Camp follows the wildebeest migration around the Serengeti, from the epic river crossings in the north to the southern plains where they give birth to thousands of calves each year. Stay with us to witness the greatest animal migration in the world.
About olakira Migration Camp
Between June and October, Olakira is in the north to witness the crossing of the Mara River. Here, watch thousands of wildebeest take a leap of faith into the water, facing hungry Nile crocodiles and cantankerous hippos. When the herds are on the move, the air is full of grunting, thudding hooves and billowing dust. From December until March, we move camp to the southern plains of the Serengeti, where the wildebeest go to give birth and graze on lush grass, and predators such as lions and cheetahs gather to prey on the young.
Even at night, the Olakira Migration Camp experience is special. Our mesh-covered stargazing tents allow guests to sleep under a sky of glittering stars.
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Open: June to October, December to March
Closed: April, May, November -
Closest airstrip: Kogatende (in the north - June to November). 45-minute drive from camp. Ndutu (in the south - December to April): 20-minute drive from camp
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Families: Children aged five and older
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Year round
Accommodation AT Olakira Migration Camp
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Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Olakira Migration Camp follows the migration throughout the year, offering the closest possible view of the action. The canvas tents are designed to blend into the bush without leaving a trace, though that doesn’t mean we scrimp on comforts. Admire the sprawling plains of the Serengeti or Ndutu region from the dining tent, or spend a leisurely afternoon in an armchair, watching zebras or Thomson’s gazelles pass by. After dark, dinner is served under the stars.
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9 tents (including 1 family tent)
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Stargazing tent design
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En-suite bathrooms
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Hot-water showers and bath
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Flushing toilets
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Complimentary laundry service
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Solar and generator power
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Battery-charging facilities
accommodation
Rooms
There are nine tents at Olakira Migration Camp, including one with two bedrooms ideally suited to families. The tents have king-sized beds (twins are also available) and en suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and solar-heated hot water showers. Our tents have been perfectly designed for stargazing; a portion of the tent boasts a 270°-view from beneath a net, offering you the best of the outdoors while remaining indoors. At night, we'll roll your bed into the meshed area to spend the night with the stars glittering above while dreaming about the day’s adventures. It truly is an experience you don’t want to miss.
LOCATION
Location of Olakira Migration Camp
As a mobile camp, our location changes with the seasons. We pack up camp and move twice per year. Note that the camp does not operate in April and May.
Olakira Migration Camp North: June to October
Between June and October, we are in the Bolongoja region in the northern Serengeti, watching the wildebeest herds crossing the Mara River. Watch hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the water and hurry across in a bid to avoid the crocodiles that lie in wait.
Olakira Migration Camp South: December to March
From December, we move to our southern base in Ndutu, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, the camp is conveniently close to an airstrip, besides being well positioned for excellent wildlife viewing. From here, we look across grassy plains, on which the wildebeest gather to give birth around February each year. Watch thousands of wobbly-legged young finding their feet, something they have to do quickly to avoid the watchful big cats that stalk these plains.
Experiences
The ultimate Migration camp
Olakira Migration Camp follows the migration throughout the year, offering the closest possible view of the action. The canvas tents are designed to blend into the bush without leaving a trace, though that doesn’t mean we scrimp on comforts. Admire the sprawling plains of the Serengeti or Ndutu region from the dining tent, or spend a leisurely afternoon in an armchair, watching zebras or Thomson’s gazelles pass by. After dark, dinner is served under the stars.
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Olakira Migration Camp
The best time to see wildlife is at dusk and dawn, when the temperatures are cooler and nocturnal animals are either beginning their night’s activities or winding down. We head out on our first game drive just as it begins to get light, so the time differs slightly depending on the season. If you have booked a private safari vehicle, you can plan your schedule with your guide.
Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). You'll arrive back at camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch.
After a leisurely lunch, enjoy some down time. Read a book or just relax and soak up the atmosphere. Refuel with afternoon tea before we depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. Return in time for a relaxing evening of drinks around the campfire and dinner.
Experiences
Game drives
Game drives are led by expert local guides. We depart early in the morning and again late in the afternoon, when it’s coolest and we’re most likely to see predators on the move.
Experiences
Hot-air balloon rides
Don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soar above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon, appreciating the full scope of the wildebeest migration and watching the colours change as the sun rises. This experience is at an additional cost and is weather dependent.
Experiences
Family safaris
We welcome families with children over 5 years old and have a large family tent with two separate bedrooms. Depending on camp occupancy, we may be able to accommodate younger children. Please enquire and we can advise further. Note that, although our guides and camp team happily cater for younger guests, Olakira has no specific programme for children. Please ask your agent for information regarding private vehicles for your family’s safari.
Experiences
Meals and refreshments
We source our organic produce from local farmers for a menu of wholesome, delicious meals. Start the day with a continental buffet or a full English breakfast. At lunch, the light buffet includes fresh salads and homemade bread. Dinner is a three-course affair served in the dining tent or under the stars.
When to go
What to expect during the year
Olakira Camp follows the wildebeest herds through the Serengeti, which ensures you’ll see the Great Migration at any time of year (except April, May and November, when the camp is closed). July and August are the busiest months in the Serengeti, when there will be many other visitors in the area. We recommend travelling outside this period, if possible.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
Olakira is in the southern Serengeti at this time, where the wildebeest are grazing and calving. There’s usually a break in the rains in January and February and there are fewer tourists in the Serengeti. Birders can spot some of the migratory birds.
Climate
The long rains begin in March, but guests can expect some showers in January and February. The average temperature high is 27°C/81°F; the average low is between 15°C/59°F and 16°C/61°F.
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Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in
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Jun
Why travel at this time
Olakira is closed in April and May, over the long rains. In June, it reopens in the northern Serengeti. June is dry and a good time to visit before peak season fully begins. At this point, the wildebeest are travelling into the northern Serengeti, en route to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Climate
June is the start of the dry season. The average high is 25°C/77°F and the low is 14°C/57°F.
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Low temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
This is peak season and when the migration herds can be seen crossing the river into the Mara. Olakira is in the north, close to the most popular crossing points. It’s dry season, which is the best time for seeing wildlife.
Climate
This is the driest time of year. The maximum temperature ranges from 24°C/75°C in July to 26°C/79°F in September. The low hovers around 13°C/55°F.
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Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
Guests might be able to catch the last of the river crossings in October, as the herds make their way back into the Serengeti. Olakira is closed during November when it relocates to the south, where the wildebeest will spend the next few months grazing and calving. At this time, the Serengeti is quieter with fewer tourists. The short rains turn the land green again and the migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Climate
The short rains last for a month or so, beginning around late October or November. Most rainfall tends to occur in December. The temperature high is around 27°C/81°F and the average low is 15°C/59°F.
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Low temp: 17°C / 61°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Guest reviews
We had such an amazing time at Camp Olakira. We stayed for 4 nights and saw an incredible variety of animals and got to experience VIP camp life in the middle of the wilderness. The staff were so friendly and engaging and our guides were best in class. The camp setup is very impressive with a focus on safety, luxury and supporting the conservation of the land around them. Would highly recommend
Brilliant experience even though the migration had already left. We enjoyed every aspect and the guides did an amazing job of bringing the nature to life for us. Rooms were incredibly comfortable and surprisingly well equipped. Couldn’t have been happier… only thing missing was a leopard!
And fall asleep to a gloriously full tummy and the calls of the wild. I know this camp is famous for the migration - we missed it by about 10 days but didn't miss an ounce of this magical experience. We learned a ton, laughed till our sides hurt and saw more animals than we ever imagined. The service is impeccable, the style sophisticated and I can't recommend it more. Honestly I think off season might be there best kept secret!
Rates
When would you like to go?
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, limited laundry service, game drives, transfers to/from nearest airstrip
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Rate excludes
Park and camping fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature, private vehicles
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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Closed: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure
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Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Low season (North): 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$996
What to expect
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Migration herds may start arriving
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Potential to see the first crossings of the season
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
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High season (North): 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$1350
What to expect
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Great time to see The Great Migration and predators
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High visitor numbers
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Dry conditions
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
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Closed: 01 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 Rate: US$0
Camp migrates to the south
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Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Low season (South): 01 Dec 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$996
What to expect
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Great wildlife viewing with fewer crowds
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Migration herds may start arriving
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Chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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High season (South): 20 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$1350
What to expect
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Great wildlife viewing
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Great migratory herds in the southern Serengeti plains
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 91mm / 3.6in
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Low season (South): 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$996
What to expect
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Migration herds may start moving northwards
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Chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Closed: 01 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure
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Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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WILDLIFE
Serengeti National Park wildlife
The Serengeti is home to a remarkable number of species, including over 70 big mammals and more than 500 bird species. The main event is the Great Migration, but there’s much more besides the migration herds. You’ll find the Big 5, big cats like cheetahs, and even hyenas and wild dog, among many others.
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Wildebeest (Crossing)
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Lion
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Giraffe
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Cheetah
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Leopard
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Zebra
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Klipspringer
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Nile Crocodile
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Oribi
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Elephant
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Spotted Hyena
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White Rhino (RARE)
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Bat-eared Fox
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Golden Jackal
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Grant's Gazelle
eBook Guide to the Great Migration
Learn everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Great Migration Safari in our eBook guide. Inside the guide you'll find: a month-by-month summary; a detailed map of how the migration moves; a selection of the best places to stay on safari; and expert tips for an unforgettable safari.
Tanzania ITINERARY
6 Day Serengeti and Great Migration Itinerary
After arriving in Kilimanjaro, you'll fly to Seronera airstrip in the central Serengeti. Enjoy your first short game drive while en route to Dunia Camp - run entirely by women - where you'll stay for 2 nights. At Dunia, relax on your private terrace with a chilled G&T and enjoy the peace and stillness in between your daily game drives.
Your next stop is a short flight to Olakira Migration Camp, our classic tented safari camp in the Ndutu region. This prime wildlife location in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area borders the southern Serengeti region; it is here where you'll see hundreds of thousands of wildebeest as they gather to calve during January and February. At night, feel and hear African nature around you, while sleeping under the glittering night sky in your mesh-covered stargazing tent.
The Serengeti is abundant with wildlife - see, hear and feel it up close on daily game drives in our comfortable, customised Land Cruisers, driven by our expert local safari guides. All of our staff, vehicles and camps have strict hygiene measures and COVID-19 protocols in place to keep you safe, and our friendly camp crew is ready and waiting to bring you an outstanding safari the Asilia way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a typical day on safari like?
Life on safari has a rhythm of its own, largely dictated by the animals’ movements. Generally, the most rewarding times for game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and also late in the afternoons when the animals are at their most active.
A typical day on safari will vary depending on the camp you’re staying at, but will include early morning and late afternoon game drives, with time during the hottest part of the day to relax in camp. Get a better idea of what a safari with Asilia entails here.
