olakira camp

Tanzania’s famous migration is a restless thing: shifting with the seasons as the great herds of wildebeest wander between Kenya and Tanzania. And moving with them are the Olakira camps... as the migration progresses, so the camps' luxury tents pick up their feet and follow...

In the dry months of winter, Olakira Mara River enjoys some of the best views of the herds migrating out of Kenya across the treacherous Mara River. Close by is Olakira Lamai, nestled in the game-rich valleys and plains of the wild Lamai Wedge. By November, with the herds on the march, Olakira swiftly follows to witness the incredible calving in the great grassy plains of the southern Serengeti.

Touching the earth lightly, Olakira Camp all but disappears into the surrounding bush, and with just 8 luxury en-suite tents, Olakira (meaning “shining star” in Swahili) ensures an intimate and authentic wilderness experience.

accommodation

Olakira Camp offers a modern take on the vintage charm of an East African safari under canvas - without abandoning too many creature comforts: the king-size beds are bedecked with fine linen, a canvas chaise lounge graces your private veranda, while flickering Arabian lanterns offer a touch of nomadic romance in this timeless landscape. And with the Serengeti literally on your doorstep, magnificent views naturally come standard.

olakira in the north (june-november)

Olakira Mara River Camp

From June to November Olakira Mara River occupies one of the most pristine corners of the northern Serengeti; pitched in the tranquil Bolongoja region to ensure an exclusive unspoilt taste of Tanzania. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, Olakira Mara River is located just 300 metres from one of the crossing points used by the herds to traverse the Mara River.

While daily game drives regularly stop at the Mara to observe the dramatic crossings across waters populated by hippo and crocodile, the area also offers plenty of biodiversity. The wide-open plains of Lobo and Wogakuria are meeting points for the vast herds of migrating wildebeest; gathering on the plains to brave the treacherous waters of the Mara River and begin their march south. Once the wildebeest move on, topi, eland and smaller antelope return to the grasslands, which become quiet once more...

olakira in the south (december-march)

Olakira Ndutu Camp

As they’ve done for millennia, the herds will eventually answer the call of the Migration and head for the southern Serengeti’s endless grasslands; the perfect place to calve, graze and rest. They won’t be left alone here though... lion and cheetah will follow in their wake to claim their share of the spoils!

And so Olakira Ndutu will follow: in November the camp is closed to visitors as Olakira is dismantled and moved to the south.

From December until March, it is a small shady forest east of Ndutu that Olakira calls home; views of a seasonal stream framing the vistas of iconic grasslands. Officially situated inside the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area (NCCA), it allows Olakira’s highly trained guides to offer drives both within the NCCA and across the border in the southern Serengeti.