Olakira Star Gazing Tent Under The Milkyway
Camps & Lodges

Olakira Migration Camp

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Enquire

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.  

  • Calendar

    Open: June to October, December to March
    Closed: April, May, November

  • Airplane

    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

  • 1 Families

    Families: children aged five and older

  • 43 Migration Season

    Year round

1. Olakira Full View Of The Star Gazing Tent Reduced Size
Olakira View From The Bed Within The Star Gazing Tent

Accommodation AT Olakira Migration Camp

Take a look around

  • 15. Olakira The Olakira Team

    Olakira Migration Camp - Meet our incredible team!

  • 1. Olakira Full View Of The Star Gazing Tent Reduced Size

    Olakira Migration Camp - Nights spent in our stargazing tents will have you mesmerised by the beauty of the night sky.

  • 2. Olakira En Suite Double Room With Wooden Deck Platform And Lounge Area

    Olakira Migration Camp - Your bedroom at Olakira.

  • 3. Olakira Star Gazing Tent, Set Up For Guest To Spend The Night Under The Stars Reduced Size

    Olakira Migration Camp - Roll your bed out into the stargazing area of your room for a night underneath the stars

  • 16. Olakira Asilia Waiter Bringing The Morning Wake Up Call Drinks To The Guests, Using The Butlers Hatch

    Olakira Migration Camp - A morning wake-up call with hot tea, coffee, and biscuits to start the day.

  • 17. Olakira Bush Breakfast With Chef Cooking Out In The Serengeti

    Olakira Migration Camp - Guests enjoying their lunch out in the bush with wildlife strolling past nearby.

  • 4. Olakira Family Room, Main Bedroom Looking Down The Corridor To The Additional Room

    Olakira Migration Camp - A more detailed look at our incredible stargazing tents.

  • 5. Olakira View From The Lounge Area Onto The Star Gazing Tent

    Olakira Migration Camp - Can you imagine spending a night here with the galaxies glittering above you?

  • 6. Olakira Double Vanity En Suite Bathroom With Plumbed Shower

    Olakira Migration Camp - Your bathroom at Olakira with traditional bucket showers.

  • Olakira Star Gazing Tent Under The Milkyway
    Stargazing at Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa Youtube Video Play

    VIDEO: Stargazing at Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa

  • 7. Olakira Lounge And Open Air Reading Area

    Olakira Migration Camp - Your stargazing tent at Olakira boasts views of the region and sky above.

  • 8. Olakira Migration Camp Mess Tent Exterior

    Olakira Migration Camp - Spend time relaxing in the lounge area at Olakira.

  • 12. Asilia Olakira River Crossing

    Olakira Migration Camp - Experience all of the unbridled action and excitement of The Great Migration

  • 9. Olakira Migration Camp Breakfast Table Staff

    Olakira Migration Camp - Lunch being prepared by one of our wonderful chefs.

  • 10 Olakira Migration Camp Sundowners In Camp

    Olakira Migration Camp - Sundowners are the perfect way to end your day.

  • Olakira Bush Breakfast With Giraffe In The Background
    Experience Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa Youtube Video Play

    VIDEO: Experience Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa

  • Asilia Staff Setting Up Dinner
    Our People - Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa Youtube Video Play

    VIDEO: Our People - Olakira Camp, Asilia Africa

  • 12. Asilia Olakira River Crossing
    The Great Migration - Northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa

    VIDEO: The Great Migration - Northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa

  • 13. Olakira Migration Camp Elephants

    Olakira Migration Camp - A herd of elephant sighted while out of exploring the region on a game drive

  • 11. Olakira Migration Camp Hot Air Balloon

    Olakira Migration Camp - A hot air balloon safari is an experince you'll never forget

Previous
Next

Accommodation

Take a 360° Virtual Tour

Experience Olakira Migration Camp through this 360 VR video. Once open, move your phone or drag your mouse to look around.

Featured Offer

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. 

  • Tents

    9 tents (including 1 family tent)

  • Stargazing Tent

    Stargazing tent design

  • 3 En Suite Bathrooms

    En-suite bathrooms

  • 13 Shower 2

    Hot-water showers and bath

  • 24 Flushing Toilets

    Flushing toilets

  • Complimentary Laundry Service

    Complimentary laundry service

  • 26 Solar&Generatorpower 2

    Solar and generator power

  • Battery Charging Facilities

    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, 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.

3. Olakira Star Gazing Tent, Set Up For Guest To Spend The Night Under The Stars Reduced Size
5. Olakira View From The Lounge Area Onto The Star Gazing Tent

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.

10 Olakira Migration Camp Sundowners In Camp
13. Olakira Migration Camp Elephants

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. 

12. Asilia Olakira River Crossing
Olakira-Camp-Wildebeest-Dana-allen-LR-1-1024x680.jpg

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.

17. Olakira Bush Breakfast With Chef Cooking Out In The Serengeti
13. Olakira Migration Camp Elephants

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. 

Asilia Olakira Thompson Gazelle 4
12. Asilia Olakira River Crossing

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. 

11. Olakira Migration Camp Hot Air Balloon

Experiences

Photographic safaris

When the camp is in the north, guests have access to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles, based at Sayari. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. You can read more about the vehicle here. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees. 

Photography (1)
Photography

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.

Family Safari
Family Safari (2)

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. 

9. Olakira Migration Camp Breakfast Table Staff
Olakira Bush Breakfast In The Serengeti

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.

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 14°C / 57°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 13°C / 55°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

Guest reviews

I stayed here with my husband and our three children (aged 14, 13 and 9) during the October half term. The camp is very comfortable, the food is great and the people could not have been more helpful. the game drives themselves were fantastic - leopards, lions, 4 crossings - all very imformative and frequently exciting.
helenU3453DO
Tripadvisor 1
From start to finish my wife and I were wow'ed by the team at Olakira. It was a perfect Safari experience with great animal sightings and a wonderful "glamping" experience. The room was unique, comfy and fun to watch/hear animals from. Our guide Kanael was very knowledgeable and accommodating when out on safari. All meals were fantastic with great service as well - fun to interact with the other guests. It was evident the whole staff truly cares and really makes a guest feel special.
hunerb2015
Tripadvisor 1
It’s difficult to put such perfection in words. But it’s true. Everything was absolutely perfect. The service, the food, the room, the adventures on the safari, our guide, the management of the camp. I’ve never met a team more dedicated to their cause than the Olakira family. If you do a safari, do it right.
Andashtravels
Tripadvisor 1

Special offers

Special offers now available

• Special Offers •

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

  • Rate includes

    Full-board accommodation, house drinks, limited laundry service, game drives, transfers to/from nearest airstrip

  • 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

  • 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

  • Peak season (North): 01 Jul 2023 - 30 Sep 2023 Rate: US$1256

    What to expect

    • Great time to see The Great Migration and predators

    • High visitor numbers

    • Dry conditions

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in

  • High season (North): 01 Oct 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 Rate: US$1140

    What to expect

    • Good time to see the last crossings of the wildebeest moving south

    • Great wildlife viewing

    • Decreasing tourist volumes

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 43mm / 1.7in

  • Closed: 01 Nov 2023 - 30 Nov 2023 Rate: US$0

    Camp migrates to the south

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Low season (South): 01 Dec 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$926

    What to expect

    • Great wildlife viewing with fewer crowds

    • Migration herds may start arriving

    • Chance of afternoon showers

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 79°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in

  • High season (South): 20 Dec 2023 - 31 Jan 2024 Rate: US$1140

    What to expect

    • Great wildlife viewing

    • Great migratory herds in the southern Serengeti plains

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 91mm / 3.6in

  • Peak season (South): 01 Feb 2024 - 29 Feb 2024 Rate: US$1256

    What to expect

    • Excellent time to see The Great Migration and predators

    • Wildebeest calving season in the south leading to increased predator action

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in

  • Low season (South): 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Mar 2024 Rate: US$926

    What to expect

    • Great game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Migration herds may start moving northwards

    • Chance of afternoon showers

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Closed: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0

    Seasonal camp closure

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Low season (North): 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$996

    What to expect

    • Migration herds may start arriving

    • Potential to see the first crossings of the season

    • Great game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in

  • High season (North): 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$1350

    What to expect

    • Great time to see The Great Migration and predators

    • High visitor numbers

    • Dry conditions

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in

  • Closed: 01 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 Rate: US$0

    Camp migrates to the south

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Low season (South): 01 Dec 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$996

    What to expect

    • Great wildlife viewing with fewer crowds

    • Migration herds may start arriving

    • Chance of afternoon showers

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 79°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in

  • High season (South): 20 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$1350

    What to expect

    • Great wildlife viewing

    • Great migratory herds in the southern Serengeti plains

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 91mm / 3.6in

  • Low season (South): 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$996

    What to expect

    • Great game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Migration herds may start moving northwards

    • Chance of afternoon showers

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Closed: 01 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$0

    Seasonal camp closure

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

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. 

  • Wildebeest (Crossing)

    Wildebeest
  • Lion

    Ruaha National Park Lioness With Cub Down Eric Frank MR
  • Giraffe

    19. Selous Giraffe River Reflections RR
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah In The Grass Serengeti Paul Joynson Hicks HR
  • Leopard

    George Turner Ruaha 22
  • Zebra

    Zebra
  • Klipspringer

    Klipspringers Serengeti Eric Frank MR
  • Nile Crocodile

    Nile Crocodile
  • Oribi

    Oribi
  • Elephant

    Ruaha 24
  • Spotted Hyena

    Spotted Hyena
  • White Rhino (RARE)

    Black Rhino (2)
  • Bat-eared Fox

    Bat Eared Foxshutterstock 58267507
  • Golden Jackal

    Alert Golden Jackal On Dirt 600W 41291833
  • Grant's Gazelle

    Grants 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.

Migration Arrives At Rekero 3

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

  • 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.

close
Maa Beadwork Newsletter Signup
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER Join our monthly newsletter. Stay in touch and travel when ready.
Conde Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards
Responsible Tourism Tanzania
Fair Trade Tourism
Travel + Leisure 2019
World Tourism Awards