Reviews of safaris to Serengeti Migration Area
380 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Serengeti.
"Magnificent Tanzania"
What more can you ask for?" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Our Oct 2015 safari to Tanzania/Kenya"
Our trip was amazing but even after planning nearly a year prior we were not able to experience our first choice camp in Naboisho especially as we only saw one vehicle with 2 people from Naboisho Assilia camp over 3 days when we were told that that camp was full." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Kenya safari
"My Sep 2015 trip"
We were not aware of the strong tipping culture in Tanzania and would have appreciated this being pointed out to us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It seems Expert Africa are worthy of their name!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Tanzania safari
"A memorable and well organised trip"
Our advisor Ellie was knowledgeable and helpful, and was mindful of the fact that we were hoping to have high quality wildlife experiences but that we did not have an unlimited budget. She made many helpful suggestions, and was very successful in meeting our aims. I spoke to Chris at one time, and he made some helpful suggestions which we later appreciated, particularly about flying from Arusha directly to Ruaha, and not taking the Dar Express to Dar first (which was our original plan so that we might visit the Usambara Mountains, but this would not have been feasible in the time available). Ellie's planning was very thorough, and everything worked smoothly.
The only thing that didn't work was that the mailed package did not arrive in time before we left. It would have been better to allow more time.
Ubuntu and Kwihala were easily the most professional people we stayed with, and we thoroughly enjoyed staying at their two tented camps. Please pass this comment on to them. Both managers, staff and guides were excellent at both camps.
The only reservation we had was about our first guide, Kevin. He was quite pleasant and was also fairly knowledgeable about wildlife and birds. However, he has been a guide for some time, and seemed to be going through the motions a fair bit, and was not particularly enthusiastic (certainly compared to other guides we have used). He did not usually proffer a lot of information on his own initiative, apart from an excellent dissertation about the Rift Valley. He would provide information when we asked, but we had specifically told him we were interested in everything, including local culture.
When we were driving along in Tarangire (in particular) and Ngorongoro, he was not constantly scanning as the best guides do.He would often just drive along, frequently listening to the CB radio which tended to be on all the time. I would often spot things he would not, and I know from using other guides that my eyes are nowhere near as good as the best guides' eyes.
I know that guides use the CB radio for communication, but we got the sense he was using it (constantly) more for his own interest, and it became very annoying on occasions. We may be wrong there, but as we were starting to descend into Ngorongo Crater in the early morning light, I asked him to turn off the radio so we could enjoy the experience but he didn't hear or notice.
He did do a more thorough job in Lake Manyara, and we were happy with our safari experience there.
We don't necessarily want to cause a problem for Kevin, as he has his good points. However, we also have a number of specific complaints.
On our first night's stay in Sopa Lodge in Tarangire, we had to ask the management for some more bottled water. We found out the next day that Kevin had a large supply of bottled water on board, but he failed to inform us of this. He claimed he did, but my wife and I are quite aware of the importance of water, and he certainly didn't inform us.
On the way to Tarangire when we arrived at the big tourist shop where everybody stops, he made a beeline for the coffee bar for his free coffee. We don't begrudge him this, but he left us to our own devices (which is fine), but he had not really informed us of what was going on, or asked whether we might like a coffee, or indicated how long we would be there. This attitude contrasted with the few other guides we have used, who would make sure you were informed and were looked after.
Lastly, on the second morning during breakfast, he picked up my Nikon camera with its telephoto lens attached and played around with it for a short while. He did this without asking. As it happens, I was surprised but I didn't take exception to it as I could see he wasn't going to do any harm. However, I thought a lot of photographers I know would take exception to it, particularly as he could inadvertently damage something.
The above are all fairly minor gripes in the overall safari experience. As I said, Kevin was quite personable and pleasant, and we generally got on well. However, we believe his performance would be improved if he was more aware of his clients' requirements and showed greater enthusiasm and a little more "gung ho" attitude to do his best for his clients." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 16 on a Tanzania safari
"Trip of a life time"
We were comfortable and made to feel at home by everybody we met." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Tanzania safari
"Fantastic trip to Tanzania"
The highlight was definitely Greystoke Mahale - if you can possible find a way to go there, do it! Our other experiences had high points and low points, but it was a great adventure overall and we were very pleased with the logistics and coordination by Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Tanzania safari
"Incredible Honeymoon in Africa"
We thought Tarangire National Park was the most amazing place for a game drive. The elephants were everywhere!! We particularly enjoyed the night game drive and the seclusion of our camp.
We weren't thrilled about Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara seemed like a petting zoo compared to Tarangire and the crater had tons of animals but took so much time to get into and exit out. We didn't like the closed safari vehicles which you have to have in both places and the distance from the animals in both wasn't as fun.
The Serengeti is a MUST stop! We got to see the crossing about 4-5 times which was breathtaking. The camp was unreal and everybody should experience a mobile camp bucket shower :) The staff at both tented camps were out of this world.
We looked Asilia!! They were truly unbelievable. The staff was so reliable, intelligent and just fun to be around. We felt completely at home with them and safe. It was so great to work with them!
We loved visiting the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick's elephant orphanage. They were both unforgettable and moving experiences. We learned so much and have a huge appreciation for the work both places are doing for these animals. We also visited Mamba Village (crocodile place) and we were not fans of this at all. It was more like a zoo. Animals were captured and brought into this village to be looked at by guests. We saw injured ostriches and camels with mussels. Not a great experience.
After having such incredible experiences during safari, we were so exited to spend time in Seychelles relaxing. Although the islands are beautiful, they were too secluded for us. We found that the islands didn't have much to offer for activities or enjoyment. We left the hotel every night for dinner which was good, but the taxis were VERY expensive so that was disappointing. The highlight of Seychelles for us was scuba diving. We loved it so much we went 2 days in a row. We had a good time relaxing by the pool and taking in the breathtaking views of the beaches. I don't know if I think the amount of travel to get to Seychelles is necessarily worth it but it allowed us our layover visit in Kenya and we really enjoyed that.
Elizabeth is so great to work with, she made the planning promise seamless! I actually had fun picking out the destinations and accommodations. Ellie also was great in Elizabeth's absence. She helped us with our very minor issues while we were in the Seychelles. Both ladies were extremely responsive and helpful. Expert Africa is a superb travel agency, I hope to use again and I will recommend to all of my friends and family. Thank you for giving up the honeymoon of our dreams!!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Tanzania safari
"Amazing Safari in Tanzania!"
Our trip was also made spectacular by our fearless guide Nathoo Rafiq- we were so lucky to be paired with him. He's a gem - so knowledgable, kind, smart, patient...
Our only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer- next time!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Liz really knew Tanzania like the back of her hand - she gave us honest information and advice as we were planning the trip. She was extremely informative and thorough, and we had total confidence in her planning and suggestions.
We usually plan trips ourselves, so having someone else deal with the nitty gritty was actually tough for us, since we actually enjoy doing that part. Liz put up with all of our questions and ideas and research, but did the heavy lifting. The trip went off without a hitch, which is a huge compliment since there truly were a lot of moving parts.
We could not be more thankful to her!!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Superb in Every Way"
There were no "glitches" whatsoever. The recommended lodges and camps were wonderful, the timing and execution of every aspect was great. We were completely satisfied with the recommendations and service given to us by Expert Africa.
You cannot plan a trip to Africa being assured of seeing all of the wildlife you would like to see - you are at the mercy of nature! We were very lucky. We saw more animals than we ever dreamed of.
We have been to some amazing places around the world, but we will remember our trip to Tanzania as being one of our best experiences ever!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions, we were very impressed with the team at Expert Africa. We worked with both Elizabeth Wollen and Eleanor Dunkels and they were both very helpful.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions, we were very impressed with the team at Expert Africa.
We worked with both Elizabeth Wollen and Eleanor Dunkels and they were both very helpful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Our retirement trip"
How do they manage to have tonic, gin, lime, glasses, ice, and potato chips in Katavi? It must be a logistical nightmare--but there was my gin and tonic, always perfectly served. Dazzling!
We felt safe, treated so well by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring staff throughout..... And then there were the animals. We never saw a rhine, because they have been poached to virtual extinction in East Africa, but we saw most everything else, and up close and personal. Having a leopard on your tent porch is not something I will soon forget.
A word of caution: Mother Nature can be entirely unsentimental. We watched two lionesses kill a baby giraffe as the helpless adult giraffes watched. This was not easy...... but it is what happens out there. This is not Disneyland." Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 25 on a Tanzania safari
Where to stay in Serengeti
Our suggestions for safari camps in Serengeti Migration Area
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
