Serengeti Migration Camp Elewana Review: A Classic Migration Experience
Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp is a semi-permanent luxury camp that moves with the seasons to track the Great Migration. Operated by the Elewana Collection (known for its portfolio of East African properties), this camp offers a unique proposition: the comfort of a permanent camp with the flexibility to follow the herds.
Quick verdict: Elewana's Migration Camp delivers the best "mobile luxury" experience in the Serengeti. The tents are spacious, the service is warm, and the ability to position the camp near active migration crossings gives guests a genuine front-row seat to the greatest wildlife show on Earth. It's not as polished as permanent luxury lodges, but the location flexibility more than compensates. Rating: 8.3/10
Location and Seasonality
What sets Migration Camp apart is its mobility:
| Season | Location | Why |
|---|---|---|
| June-October | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) | Mara River crossings |
| November-March | Central Serengeti (Seronera) | Calving season, resident predators |
| April-May | Closed | Heavy rains, camp maintenance |
This seasonal positioning means guests always have access to the best wildlife viewing in the Serengeti.
Accommodations
Luxury Safari Tents
The camp features 20 spacious tents (approximately 500 sq ft each) on raised wooden decks. Each tent includes:
- King or twin beds with Egyptian cotton linens
- En-suite bathroom with hot-water shower, flush toilet, and double vanity
- Indoor and outdoor shower
- Writing desk and seating area
- Private veranda with views of the plains
What works: The tents are genuinely luxurious — hot water on demand, comfortable beds, and enough space to spread out. The outdoor shower with views of the Serengeti is a standout feature.
What doesn't: Because the camp is semi-permanent, Wi-Fi can be unreliable (especially in the northern location). Power is available for charging during limited hours.
Dining
| Experience | Quality |
|---|---|
| Camp dining | 8/10 |
| Bush breakfasts | 9/10 |
| Sundowners | 10/10 |
| Private bush dinners | 9/10 |
Elewana's culinary team does an impressive job given the logistical challenges of running a mobile camp. Expect international cuisine with African influences, fresh ingredients flown in weekly, and excellent wine selection.
Game Drives and Migration Viewing
The Big Draw: River Crossings (June-October)
When positioned in the north, Migration Camp offers access to the Mara River crossings — the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on Earth. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra plunging into crocodile-infested waters.
Resident Wildlife (November-March)
In the central location, guests enjoy:
- Year-round big cat sightings (lion, leopard, cheetah)
- Resident elephant, buffalo, giraffe
- Excellent birding with over 500 species recorded
- Calving season (January-February) with high predator activity
Vehicle Quality
New-model Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, window seats guaranteed, maximum 6 guests per vehicle. The guides are Elewana-trained and among the best in the Serengeti.
Pricing
| Season | Price per person per night | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| High (July-October) | $950 | 3 nights |
| Shoulder | $750 | 2 nights |
| Low | $650 | 2 nights |
Includes: Accommodation, meals, two game drives daily, laundry, drinks (excluding premium spirits and champagne). Park fees ($70/person/day) extra.
Who Should Stay Here?
Ideal for:
- Migration chasers wanting guaranteed crossing viewing
- Photography enthusiasts
- Travelers who want luxury without sacrificing mobility
- Repeat safari-goers who've done the permanent camp circuit
Less ideal for:
- Those who require absolute reliability (Wi-Fi, power, hot water 24/7)
- Travelers with mobility issues
- Anyone wanting spa facilities or resort amenities
Final Verdict
Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp is the gold standard for mobile luxury in the Serengeti. The ability to follow the migration while maintaining high comfort levels is unparalleled. If seeing the Great Migration river crossings is on your bucket list, book this camp.
Rating: 8.3/10