Safari in Style > Seasonal camps

Seasonal camps

Seasonal tented camps

A recent development in Kenya and Tanzania has been the introduction of seasonal tented camps. These may move between two locations – one spot in the green season and another in the dry season, or they may follow the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, moving to three different sites in the year. These camps are small but not exclusive (unless you are a large enough group to book the whole camp), so you can swap stories with other guests there. They are very similar in structure to a traditional mobile camp with much the same atmosphere but, because they do not move often, they have more furniture and other odds and ends. They can be wonderful places to stay for a few nights as they may be nearer the migration, or they allow you to see a different area without having to pay the expense of sending your own camp there.

Here are some favourite seasonal tented camps that we visit in Tanzania -

Olakira – in the Serengeti national park

Olakira Camp follows the migration of the wildebeest, moving between the Ndutu area in the green season, and the Central Serengeti in the dry season. The camp has six well appointed en-suite tents, and a common area and dining tent. At certain times of year Olakira is best sited for those wishing to be amongst the vast migrating herds.

Nduara Camp – in the Loliondo area just outside the Serengeti

The camp has only six innovative ‘yurt-style’ accommodation tents, each with en-suite shower and loo. There is a separate dining yurt and another lounge yurt. This camp moves between two locations, both in Maasai-land just outside the Serengeti National Park, allowing for freedom of night drives, walks and cultural visits as well as the opportunity to game drive both outside and within the Park.

Chada Camp - in Katavi National Park

Chada is in one of the most remote parts of Tanzania – Katavi National Park, renowned for its enormous pods of hippos, its huge herds of buffalo and its wildness. The camp has only six accommodation tents, and it is possible to “fly-camp” from here in even more remote spots! Nights are punctuated by hippos bellowing, and the calls of lion and hyena on the prowl. It is home to the rare puku, sable and roan antelope.