Olakira Camp
Serengeti, Tanzania
A simple camp in the Serengeti, perfectly located for wildebeest and zebra migrations
In true nomad fashion, Olakira Camp changes location according to
the time of year. Between December and March, 9 safari tents are
located in the southern Serengeti at Ndutu, amidst calving
wildebeest and zebra on their migration journey south. The
spectacle of thousands of animals giving birth to their young is
fantastic to witness, and this camp allows you to remain close to
the action when other visitors have had to leave to get back to
their lodges. And the proximity of Lake Macek and Lake Ndutu, which
normally have water all year round, further enhance the likelihood
of seeing a huge amount of game.
From June to November the camp shifts north to the Bologonja close
to the Mara River and the Lobo area. This area is famous not only
for its glorious landscapes, but also for its big cats; lion and
leopard are frequently spotted.
We loved the authentically ‘bush’ feel of Olakira Camp
which somehow seems to get you closer to the vast, open wilderness
of the Serengeti and to its ineffable beauty.
Reviewed by Guy Hunter Watts
Last updated 09 March 2012
Highs
- All meals can be taken with your guide if you wish. We loved that this gave us the chance to learn more about the Serengeti, Maasai culture and all things Tanzanian
- An authentic and remote camp, far from other lodges, in a quiet part of the Serengeti
- Highly knowledgeable guides and exceptionally friendly staff
- Top eco-credentials. The only wood burnt in camp is from trees damaged by elephants, all batteries for lighting are solar-charged, no nasty chemicals are used in camp toilets and water is heated by a state-of-the-art eco’ boiler which uses tiny amounts of wood to heat big volumes of water
Lows
- There is only a short distance between the tents which detracts from the just-you-and-the-bush feel of the camp. But this is a norm imposed by the Park authorities, not the choice of the camp’s management
- Off-road game drives - once a highlight - are no longer allowed at any time of year
