Asilia's 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. As a mobile camp, the location of Olakira Migration Camp changes with the seasons with the camp moving twice per year (Note that the camp does not operate in April and May).
Northern Serengeti: Between June and October, Olakira is setup in the Bolongoja region in the northern Serengeti, watching the wildebeest herds crossing the Mara River.
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu: From December, the camp moves to the 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. This is where the migratory herds of 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.
The main tent area is where you'll find the chill lounge and dining spots. The lounge is all about comfy sofas and killer views through the open side of the tent. It's the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or chat with fellow travelers about the day's adventures.
Outside, there's more seating where you can cozy up with a blanket and take in the starry sky. Right next to the lounge is the dining area, where you can dig into breakfast, lunch, and dinner in style. Or, if you prefer, grab your grub and eat outside to soak up the African vibes. They whip up a mix of Western and African dishes right here in camp, so there's something for everyone.
And if you're heading out on a game drive or another adventure, the chefs will hook you up with a tasty picnic to take along.
Accommodation at Olakira Migration Camp
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.
A unique feature of the Olakira tents is that they 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, the team can roll your bed into the meshed area which will afford you the opportunity 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.
The camp also boasts hot showers on tap which is a real treat given that this is a camp that gets torn down and moved across the landscape twice a year!
Insider Tip From Andrew Beck
I visited Olakira Migrational Camp at the Ndutu location in the southern Serengeti and was really impressed by the location, quality of guiding and the standard of hospitality on offer from the camp staff. Ndutu can get quite busy and crowded during the migration season but our local guide Qamara did an excellent job of keeping us out of the chaos without compromising the quality of our sightings. This is without a shadow of the doubt the best camp in the Ndutu region as far as I am concerned.
Activities on Offer at Olakira Camp
Game Drives
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. You'll 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.
Hot Air Ballooning
A hot-air balloon safari provides the ultimate panorama of the world’s most spectacular animal migration. It leaves you in complete awe regarding their sheer will to survive. A hot-air balloon safari in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most highly recommended experiences to add to your adventure-filled wildlife-viewing activities.This experience is at an additional cost and is weather dependent.
Getting To Olakira Camp
To access Asilia's Olakira Migration Camp from Arusha by air, traveler's typically departing from Arusha Airport. Closest airstrip: Kogatende (in the north - June to November) is a 45-minute drive from camp. Ndutu (in the south - December to April) is a 20-minute drive from camp.
Olakira Migration Camp in A Nutshell
- Who should go: Olakira caters for pretty much everyone from the multigeneral family right through to the more adventurous traveller. Honeymooners will love the "star-bed" facility of the tents here but may be put off by the fact that camp does accommodate children.
- When to go: Because the camp moves between regions it is closed for April, May and November. I would say peak season for the south would be mid January to the end of February and July to September for the North.
- How to get there: Helicopter or light aircraft transfers in and out of camp from Maun or other camps.
- Suggested length of stay: A minimum stay of 3 nights is suggested.
- Insider Tip: If you are wanting to see Cheetah then you have to visit Olakira Migration Camp in Ndutu. I have never seen so much cheetah action in my life!
Visit Olakira Migration Camp
Whilst there are many great examples of travel itineraries which generally combine the most popular attractions in a region, there will never be a package which has the ideal duration, combination of destinations or price that suits everyone.We will work with you to customize everything from the price and level of accommodation, to the destination and areas to visit in order to maximize the potential to see and experience as much as possible.
