Ubuntu Migration Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Ubuntu Migration Camp follows the colossal herds of wildebeest as they journey around the Serengeti. From the dramatic river crossings in the north to the fertile grasslands in the south where the wildebeest give birth, we set up camp nearby to ensure you’re always close to the action.
About Ubuntu Migration Camp
Our traditional tented camp is designed to leave no trace. We can quickly disassemble it and move with the herds to new pastures. Every day, we’re out in the bush looking for wildlife such as lion or cheetah attracted by the huge gatherings of prey. Over morning coffee, watch wildebeest males chasing each other or zebras tussling. For a sunrise to remember, start the day by gliding above the plains in a hot-air balloon. In the evening, look up as the stars reveal themselves.
-
Open: Mid-November to mid-March (southern Serengeti), mid-June to October (northern Serengeti)
Closed: Mid-March to mid-June, beginning to mid-November -
Closest airstrip: Lamai (mid-June to October); 1-hour 40-minute drive from camp. Serengeti South (mid-November to mid-March); 90-minute drive from camp.
-
Families: children aged five and older
-
Year round
Accommodation AT Ubuntu Migration Camp
Take a look around
Featured Offer
Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Our traditional tented camp is designed to leave no trace. We can quickly disassemble it and move with the herds to new pastures. Every day, we’re out in the bush looking for wildlife such as lion or cheetah attracted by the huge gatherings of prey.
-
10 tented suites (including 1 four-sleeper family tent)
-
En-suite bathrooms
-
Hot-water safari bucket showers
-
Flushing toilets
-
Complimentary laundry service
-
Solar and generator power
-
Battery-charging facilities
accommodation
Rooms
At Ubuntu Migration Camp, we have ten canvas safari tents, including one family tent. They all have mesh side panels to let the light in during the day and king-sized or twin beds for a good night’s sleep. The en suite bathrooms have hot-water bucket showers and flushing toilets. Spend afternoons relaxing on the porch outside your tent, watching the nearby herds or immersed in a good book.
LOCATION
Location of Ubuntu Migration Camp
The wildebeest migration moves in a continuous cycle throughout the Serengeti and the Masai Mara of Kenya. To give you the best chance of seeing these restless herds, our mobile camp moves between the northern and southern Serengeti.
Ubuntu Migration Camp North - June to mid November
In mid-June, we head up to the north of the Serengeti to watch the wildebeest cross the Mara River. This is one of the most dramatic parts of the migration, with hungry crocodiles lying in wait. The huge herds attract a healthy number of predators to the area, with lions, cheetahs and leopards prowling the plains. Herds of elephants are also found browsing in the lush woodlands along the river and there are more than 500 species of birds to spot.
Ubuntu Migration Camp South - mid December to mid March
After all the excitement of the river crossings, we move to the lush grasslands of the south where herds gather to rest, graze and calve. Watch tiny newborn wildebeest quickly learn to steady their wobbly legs and prepare to begin their endless migration, while predators enjoy the easy pickings the newborns offer.
Experiences
The ultimate Migration camp
Ubuntu Migration Camp is designed to make the most of the vast plains. Spend afternoons relaxing in front of the main tent watching the wildebeest herds or curled up in an armchair with a book. We serve breakfast and lunch under canvas, but dinner can be enjoyed under the stars, followed by a nightcap around the campfire.
‘Ubuntu’ means humanity and it’s a word that suits our small, intimate camp. Our close-knit team offers warm hospitality, great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Ubuntu Migration Camp
While specific times for game drives may change with the seasons, if you have a private vehicle you can plan your personal schedule with your guide.
Start the day with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast after your morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic). Arrive back at camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch.
After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Take a nap, read a book or just relax and soak up the atmosphere. Refuel with afternoon tea before we depart for an afternoon/evening game drive. You'll be back in time for drinks around the campfire and dinner — the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush.
Experiences
Game drives
Safari is at the heart of Ubuntu Migration Camp and we run twice-daily game drives. Our customised open Land Cruisers provide unobstructed wildlife viewing, and a comfortable ride across the open plains. All vehicles have power points to keep cameras fully charged and drinks cold throughout the day.
Experiences
Hot-air balloon rides
When in the south, watch the sun rise over the Serengeti plains from a hot-air balloon and appreciate the full scope of the migrating herds from above. Booking is essential. This activity is at extra cost and is weather dependent.
Experiences
Family safaris
Ubuntu Migration Camp is great for families. We welcome children over the age of 5 and have a family tent. Children under 12 should share a tent with an adult. Please speak to an agent about booking a private vehicle for your family’s safari.
Experiences
Meals and refreshments
After the morning game drive, have breakfast back at camp with a choice of a continental buffet or a full English. For lunch, it’s a light buffet with fresh salads, or we can pack a picnic to enjoy in the bush. In the evening, we’ll either cook up a feast on the barbecue or serve a three-course dinner.
When Ubuntu Migration Camp is in the north, we source fresh fruit and veggies from our community-upliftment programme in the nearby village.
We can cater to most dietary requirements, from gluten-free to vegan. Please let us know in advance.
When to go
What to expect during the year
Ubuntu Migration Camp follows the wildebeest herds through the Serengeti, so guests can see the Great Migration at any time. The camp is closed from mid-March through mid-June, and the first half of November. July and August are the busiest months for tourism, and we recommend travelling outside this time. January, February, September and October have fewer crowds and great wildlife viewing.
-
January - March
Why travel at this time
Ubuntu is in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest herds are grazing and calving until mid-March. There’s usually a break in the rains during January and February and fewer crowds. Migratory birds are in the region as well.
Climate
The long rains start in March, though there may be showers in January and February. The average temperature peaks at 27°C/81°F and the average low is around 15°C/59°F.
-
Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
-
High temp: 27°C / 81°F
-
Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in
-
-
April - May
Why travel at this time
Ubuntu closes for the traditionally wetter period of mid-March until mid-June, using this time to migrate the camp to the northern Serengeti.
Climate
The average high is 25°C/77°F and the low is 14°C/57°F. May is the last month of the wet season and the dry season begins in June.
-
Low temp: 17°C / 61°F
-
High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
-
Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
-
-
July - October
Why travel at this time
Ubuntu packs up in mid-March and reopens in mid-June in the north, where the famous Mara River crossings take place. The dry season is great for wildlife sightings.
Climate
The average highs throughout the dry season ranges from 24°C/75°C in July to 26°C/79°F in September, while the low drops to about 13°C/55°F.
-
Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
-
High temp: 25°C / 77°F
-
Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
-
-
November - December
Why travel at this time
The last of the river crossings usually take place in October, as the herds travel back into the Serengeti. In early November, Ubuntu closes and reopens two weeks later in the south, where the wildebeest spend the next few months grazing and calving. The short rains refresh the parched grasslands and the migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Climate
The short rains start around late October or November, usually lasting for month. December receives the most rainfall in this period, though it usually only rains in the afternoon. The average high is 27°C/81°F and low is 15°C/59°F.
-
Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
-
High temp: 26°C / 79°F
-
Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
-
Guest reviews
The staff at Ubuntu provided us with the best safari experience especially the managers Paul and ketto. This is glamping not camping! We were amazed with the plumbing and the hot bucket showers at this tented camp. Our guide Nelson was great and we saw some amazing wildlife!! I think what really made Ubuntu special was the amazing staff especially the surprise sundowner (cocktail hour) by the Mara river with the hippos.
We would like to thank Ketto, Francis and their team again for their toop-grade service. Our assistant Dominic was very attentive during our stay, giving us a truly care-free experience in Ubuntu Camp. Our guide Sabaya did a really great job, I am impressed by his knowledge, and grateful for him bringing us to see all those animals and the river crossing. I hope he can keep up with his good work and I would like to be guided by him again for my next visit.
The site is beautiful and very well maintained. The staff is unbelievably welcoming and attentive, and the food is top notch. Everything at the camp exceeded expectations. I would highly recommend anyone traveling to Tanzania stays at the Ubuntu camp.
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 concession 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
-
Closed: 15 Mar 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure
-
Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
-
High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
-
Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
-
-
Low season (North): 01 Jun 2024 - 30 Jun 2024 Rate: US$708
What to expect
-
Migration herds may start arriving
-
Potential to see the first crossings of the season
-
Great game viewing with fewer crowds
-
Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F
-
High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
-
Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
-
-
High season (North): 01 Jul 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$985
What to expect
-
Great time to see The Great Migration and predators
-
High visitor numbers
-
Dry conditions
-
Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
-
High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
-
Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
-
-
Low season (North): 01 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024 Rate: US$708
What to expect
-
Migration herds may start arriving
-
Potential to see the first crossings of the season
-
Great game viewing with fewer crowds
-
Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F
-
High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
-
Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
-
-
Closed (Camp moves): 15 Nov 2024 - 14 Dec 2024 Rate: US$0
Seasonal camp closure
-
Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
-
High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
-
Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
-
-
Low season (South): 15 Dec 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$708
What to expect
-
Great game viewing with fewer crowds
-
Migration herds may start arriving
-
Chance of afternoon showers
-
Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
-
High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
-
Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
-
-
High season (South): 20 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$985
What to expect
-
Great game viewing with fewer crowds
-
Migration herds may start arriving
-
Chance of afternoon showers
-
Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
-
High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
-
Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
-
-
Low season (South): 01 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 Rate: US$708
What to expect
-
Great game viewing with fewer crowds
-
Large migratory herds congregating on the Ndutu plains
-
Beautiful birding with many migrant species
-
Low Temp: 17°C / 61°F
-
High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
-
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.
-
Buffalo
-
Topi
-
Wildebeest
-
Hippo
-
Zebra
-
Black and white colobus monkey
-
Thomson's Gazelle
-
Lion
-
Cheetah
-
Giraffe
-
African Wild Dog (RARE)
-
Leopard
-
Klipspringer
-
Nile Crocodile
-
Oribi
-
Elephant
-
Spotted Hyena
-
Black Rhino (RARE)
-
Bat-eared Fox
-
Golden Jackal
-
Serval (RARE)
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.
Tanzania ITINERARY
Kenya and Tanzania Combined
Experience some of East Africa’s highlights, combining safari and beach. Begin in the Masai Mara searching for cheetah and learning about Maasai culture before flying across the border to the Serengeti, staying in a tented camp that moves around the park following the Great Migration. Fly south to the lesser known Ruaha, watching herds of elephant dig for water in dry riverbeds and leopards lurking in the trees. Finally unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
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.
