Those who know little about the bush are still likely to have heard of the Serengeti and its annual Great Migration. It's a dramatic, often televised event, and Nyikani Camp sits at the intersection of it all. Set up in the busy migratory region of northern Tanzania's Mara section of the Serengeti, this small mobile camp takes advantage of key river crossings from late May to mid-November, when wildebeest and zebra migrate for more fertile grazing. With just eight canvas tents, the in-camp experience is much like those classic safaris featured in travellers' tales. This is high adventure, Serengeti-style...
Location
From December to March, Nyikani Migration Camp’s location is just south of the Serengeti, in the Ndutu region of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The camp relocates to the Northern Serengeti for the period from May to October. Nyikani Migration Camp is often booked in combination with its sister camp, which is based in the Central Serengeti all year round.
Rooms
You won’t find many excesses in any of the eight double tents, but you will find everything you need. Because Nyikani is a mobile camp, permanent amenities like bear-claw bathtubs don’t exist, but you will have flush toilets, warm bucket showers, a soft mattress with high-quality crisp white linen and a shaded veranda with chairs to enjoy the views. You might be surprised to find a writing desk, solar-powered lighting and plug points to charge your batteries.
Communal Areas
Two tents set in a clearing between a few trees form the camp’s communal area. Good, nourishing meals are served in the dining tent or, for a touch of romance, beneath the stars. In the lounge tent, canvas chairs and a wicker sofa are arranged into smaller seating areas. Neither tent is exceptionally stylish, but both offer unobstructed 360-degree views of wildlife passing through camp (a common occurrence). At night, the camp comes alive with candles, lanterns and enthusiastic travellers.
Activities
We don’t have to beat around the bush when it comes to activities at Nyikani, it’s all about experiencing the astonishing Great Migration up-close. The camp follows the thundering herds as they make their way towards the Masai Mara and you’ll leave in the early hours to watch this spectacle from your 4×4, cameras at the ready, or pick a spot at the river banks where the famous crossings are a flurry of hoofs, teeth and adrenaline. If it’s a more serene morning you’re after, watch the world’s greatest wildlife show from the basket of a hot air balloon.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
‘SHOULDER’ DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains. The Great Migration takes place within the southern regions of the Serengeti ecosystem during this period.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. During this period the Great Migration starts to make its way north towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
'MAIN' DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the Great Migration will gradually move into the Lamai region of the Serengeti (the northernmost point), as well as the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.
The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT' RAINS
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains. November can therefore still be a great time to visit.
The Great Migration will start moving back towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara. Given the distance involved, we tend to see a more fragmented movement of wildlife.
Its proximity to the equator means that the Serengeti has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (1,140 to 2,099m/3,740 to 6,886 ft) moderates these to a very pleasant 25°C/77°F to 27°C/80°F, the mornings can still be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.