If there was one reason to safari in East Africa, it’s the great migration. Well north of a million wildebeest and zebra follow the rains as they move between the great grassland ecosystems of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti on a continuous loop.
Since the migration is seasonal and highly concentrated at different times of the year, knowing when and where to go is crucial if you are to fully appreciate one of the natural world’s great wildlife shows.
One authentic mobile tented camp, but in two locations, Lemala Ndutu & Lemala Mara moves north and south with the seasons to ensure guests enjoy ringside seats to the spectacle of the magnificent wildebeest migration year-round. Both camps are set up in sublime locations offering a high-quality safari experience with excellent guiding.
Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp is in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the border of the Southern Serengeti.
This area is classic savannah, characterized by flat grassy plains, and the camp is in one of the finest locations in Ndutu to see the migration between December and March. Tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle usually arrive in December to graze on the newly-watered, highly nutritious short grass plains, and then by February, the main calving season takes place. Predators – especially the big cats – are highly concentrated in the Ndutu area in these months, and take full advantage of the birthing season to snap up easy meals among the newborn wildebeest.
With nine tents, Lemala Ndutu is perched on the edge of a permanent marsh and acts as the ultimate amphitheatre to capture the boundless drama that accompanies the migration.
The twelve tents of Lemala Mara Tented Camp travel north between June and October to set up under large Euclea trees in one of the best game viewing areas of the Northern Serengeti. The exact location varies from year to year. Sometimes the camp set up camp close to the Mara River, but are always far enough away to remain discreet and not interrupt wildlife behaviour as the wildebeest mass along the steep banks during their frantic crossings on their way north to the Maasai Mara.
Here, in this immense remote wilderness, guests can enjoy fabulous landscapes and terrific game viewing with almost no crowds. Resident wildlife numbers are always high, but nothing compared to the dramatic scenes during the migration as tens of thousands of animals gather to then plunge into the crocodile-infested river.
Lemala Mara & Ndutu is a mobile tented camp offering an authentic bush experience, but the tents are spacious and each is furnished with two queen-size beds and all the little luxuries and amenities that make them wonderfully comfortable. After an evening game drive, your tent attendant ensures your safari shower is filled with hot water to wash away the dust of the African savannah.
Delicious meals are prepared fresh, and for those who want to go on extended full-day game drives, great picnic breakfasts and lunches are available. The communal areas have separate lounge and dining areas and are beautifully decorated with leather sofas, chandeliers, side cabinets, rugs, chests and a bar. In the evening, guests can gather around the campfire to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes and share their safari stories of the day.
Lemala Ndutu & Mara is a superb option for those who want to be in awae of the great migration, and want the feel of an old school authentic safari.
The canvas tents of the camp make you feel so much more a part of the ecosystem, rather than removed from it when you return from your game drive.
Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about the great migration and the best way to experience it…