The Serengeti ecosystem is perhaps one of the most famous places in Africa, and is home to the Great Migration. Not only is it the largest movement of wildlife on earth, it is also one of the planet’s most captivating natural spectacles.
Over a million wildebeest, and half a million zebra and antelope migrate from the Masai Mara in Kenya all the way to the southern Serengeti ecosystem. It is a perilous trek with crocodiles lurking at river crossings, predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards a constant threat – and yet it takes place every year, a complete cycle of life, birth and death.
The Serengeti and the Great Migration have to be seen to be believed – vast expanses of untouched plains, teeming with Wildebeest as far as the eye can see. Your guide will add extra significance to your trip with in-depth explanations of some of the incredible sights you will witness.
From December to March, the migration moves to the South of the Serengeti and Ndutu plains (in the Ngorongoro Conservation area - part of the greater Serengeti Ecosystem). This is also calving season - where the wildebeest give birth to their young (usually in February). The foals have a month or two to gather their strength before migrating Northwards.
Planet Africa Adventures brings you the best of the Southern Serengeti.
ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTHERN SERENGETIOlakira Camp. The mobile Olakira Camp follows the Great Migration as it makes its way across the Serengeti. From mid December to March, the camp is located in the southern Serengeti when the vast wildebeest herd gives birth – a natural spectacle that very few people will see in their lifetimes.
With no more than eight tents, Olakira Camp offers an authentic, intimate bush experience with spacious, well-equipped bathrooms and large comfortable beds. Food is exceptional, with the smell of freshly baked bread often wafting through the Serengeti air. A great camp which Planet Africa is especially fond of.
Ubuntu camp is a seasonal camp of just eight tents. The intimate camp is designed to reach key areas of wildlife activity when a camp is most needed. The camp is lightweight enough to move seasonally but is also offers every comfort possible. Each is tent is either a double or a twin with an ensuite bathroom with a ‘bush’ shower at the rear. To the front is a small veranda and seating area that allows guests to enjoy the peace of the bush in their own space. The communal areas of the camp are set around an open fire and comprise of a dining area and a sitting area from which guests can enjoy the space this wilderness offers.
Between December and March the camp is located in the Southern Ngorongoro Conservation area. It is truly a remarkable area as it offers a blend between culture, walking and animals, in a quiet and unspoilt area. The wildlife is plentiful, especially with the migration which concentrates in the Ndutu area, relatively close by and sometimes comes very close to the camp. Combine this with plenty of walking opportunities in the mountains, to the waterfalls, overlooking Lake Eyasi, and visits to one of the local Maasai bomas, markets and the chance to herd cattle with them.
Lake Masek Luxury Tented Lodge is set by the shores of Lake Masek in Ndutu. Situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lodge is in an excellent position to view the Wildebeest Migration from December to March each year.
The upmarket lodge has 20 luxury ensuite tents. It is run on power supplied by solar electricity and water is harvested during the rainy season and collected for use. All products used are biodegraded to ensure that the environment is kept pristine.
As well as offering excellent game viewing, guests can also enjoy Maasai guided walking safaris and night game drives. For the price of this camp, you can often get better value for money at some of the other camps in the South.
Ndutu Safari Lodge, one of the oldest in Tanzania, is situated in the southern part of the Serengeti ecosystem, just outside the border of the Serengeti National Park. Its location is perfect for witnessing the spectacular Great Migration as it moves through the southern Serengeti.
Set under a canopy of acacias overlooking Lake Ndutu, this mid-range lodge offers a descent service at an agreeable price - comfortable accommodation and tasty home cooking. A good place, however we tend to prefer sending guests to camps within the Serengeti.
EMC (Exclusive Mobile Camp) has three different locations during the year, according to the movements of the seasonal wildlife migrations in the Serengeti National Park. From December to March it will be located in the southern plains, right in the midst of the migration.
Two attractive tents host the library/lounge and dining areas. Evenings are spent around a blazing fire, exchanging stories. All rooms are en suite, and a satellite / telephone is available. This is a perfectly decent option for a mid range camp in the Southern Serengeti.
