The wildebeest are on the move – all 1.5 million of them – slowly making the long, dangerous journey northwards, from the grasslands of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Western Corridor, across the Grumeti River, through Ikorongo and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, before heading south again. The annual migration is one of the natural wonders of the world, an incredible sight to behold, and one that has been made all the more unique by its unusually early start this year.
“We’re all pretty astounded at their early arrival,” says Bradley Murray, general manager of Singita Faru Faru Lodge at Singita Grumeti. “We originally thought a couple of thousand [wildebeest] had broken away from the main herd, but then huge lines of tens of thousands started flooding in. From the outside of Singita Faru Faru Lodge, all you can see is wildebeest – it’s an awe-inspiring sight, especially as it’s so early this year.”
Unseasonably dry conditions in the southern Serengeti are thought to have forced the wildebeest northward – good news for discerning travellers, who can now experience the migration at off-peak prices. The Gentleman’s Journal picks the 5 best luxury lodges and campsites from which you can marvel at migration (gin and tonic in hand, obviously).
SALA’S CAMP
Perched on the confluence of the Sand and Keekerok Rivers in the southern Masai Mara, Sala’s is a serene seven-tent camp where the quintessential safari experience is embellished with comfort and class. The daily excursions into the Mara offer guests excellent views of the migration, and a good chance of spotting the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, water buffalo and rhino). Back at camp, guests dine communally in a beautifully appointed dining tent, while the campfire outside provides the perfect backdrop for a nightcap.
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SERENGETI UNDER CANVAS
The location of &Beyond’s two luxury camps is determined by the movements of the wildebeest, meaning that guests can enjoy the migration from the comfort of their own tent. Of course, to describe Serengeti Under Canvas’s accommodation as ‘tents’ is a huge disservice to the high-end safari company – the camp offers every luxury imaginable, including private butler service, chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, private butler service, and (importantly) flushing lavatories.
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SERENGETI SAFARI CAMP
One of the first camps of its kind – Serengeti Safari Camp started in the 1990s and has been going strong ever since. The camp features six simple walk-in meru tents (complete with en-suite bathrooms), a dining tent, and a well-stocked bar tent. Head out at first light and return at dusk (taking a picnic lunch and a few light refreshments for sundowners on the Serengeti) or simply opt for a morning game drive and be back for a long, lazy lunch.
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SINGITA FARU FARU LODGE
Singita Faru Faru Lodge is located on the northernmost edge of the Serengeti National Park, equidistant from the Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves. As such, the lodge is perfectly placed along the migratory route, so guests can watch wildebeest meander across the savannah from the comfort of the infinity pool. The lodge itself is a marriage of contemporary and traditional design features, which are seamlessly integrated into the rugged, rustic Serengeti setting.
(Photograph: Bradley Murray)
For more information, click here.
MKOMBE’S HOUSE LAMAI
Scheduled to open on July 1 this year, Mkombe’s sets itself apart from other lodges and camps by marketing itself as the first ‘truly private’ house on the Serengeti. This traditionally styled luxury property is perfect for families, small groups, or anyone in search of a more personal safari experience. Mkombe’s is located a short distance from the Serengeti River, where wildebeest brave strong currents and crocodiles in their attempts to cross to the other side.
For more information, click here.
by Oliver Robinson
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