Reviews of Ubuntu Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
29 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ubuntu Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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77% success
42% success
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"Ubuntu Camp review"
The experience in South Serengeti was unbelievable! We were in the middle of the wildebeest/zebra migration and I’ve never experienced anything like it – ever ever! I am so grateful that you counseled me on including this area. It truly was one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had in my lifetime! We saw 100s if not, thousands of wildebeest and so many other animals.
The aspects that were disappointing included:
• being in a HOT tent unshaded by trees
• my phone overheated, because the temperature was close to 100°F inside my tent. My friend who was in a tent with a tree over it had a completely different experience – far better AND LESS HOT.
• we were surprised to learn that tips for the lodge were expected. We have traveled quite a bit and knew we needed to bring extra money to tip our guides, but have never had to tip at a lodge – with the exception of housekeepers. These extra lodge tips were meant to cover all staff.
At about $1000 a night, we think Asilia should provide good wages for their employees.
• Also, a manager stood over me while I was filling out the tip sheet, and when I did not include tips for the managers (I thought they were exempted) - he pointed out that I had not included tips for the managers and reminded me to do so! It was a very uncomfortable experience and several other guests said they left no tips as a result of the same experience.
I didn’t feel it was right not to leave tips for staff but I did not like or appreciate his behavior. We also would have liked to have been alerted ahead of time so that we could have been prepared with extra money for lodge tips." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
Ubuntu Camp responded to advise that whilst they do their best to place tents under shade, they are limited by the size and layout of the plot they are assigned upon which to set up the camp. All the tents have fans to counter the heat in the middle of the day.
Asilia Safaris and Expert Africa were disappointed to hear about the tipping requests and pressure from some of the camp team. This has been addressed. Travellers should never feel obliged to tip more than they are comfortable with.
"Manager & Senior Africa Specialist"
"Ubuntu Camp review"
We liked the social aspect of the camp with guests encouraged to mingle at the firepit and eat their evening meal as a collective.
The camp had a magical atmosphere and our guide here was our best of the trip.
Samuel was excellent and went out of his way to find extremely rare sightings such as the black rhino.
This was an Asilia camp and I felt that out of all the places we stayed this had the clearest brand identity. You could really tell it was part of the Asilia group." See all these reviews: 6n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
5 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ubuntu Camp review"
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ubuntu Camp review"
They brought coffee and tea to the room for our wake up calls which was amazing.
Have not had that service at any other camp." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Rwanda
Cheetah
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
7 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Great location for the migration crossing"
Last I would like to give my special thanks to my guide Christian, without whose talents I could not have seen what I did.
I shall always remember fondly my visit to Ubuntu. Thank you all." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ubuntu Camp review"
Unfortunately our guide at Ubuntu once again followed the same formulaic pattern as last year. Despite him asking what we’d like to do, he still basically followed the set pattern they seem to have adopted in guiding here, which seems to be track the wildebeests in the morning and “do cats” in the afternoon. While this may well suit the majority of people and often people just want the guide to take them to sightings, I wanted to also photograph and stay with the elephants for a bit, and photograph the landscape and trees.
We tried to explain that I wished to photograph the landscape and catch the evening light on the acacia trees with the mountains in the background to him, but he was at a loss to really understand this. I think I am probably unusual in wishing to photograph the landscape and scenery, and not just animals, however we had booked a private guide in order to have the flexibility to do this.
Our guide we felt became a little frustrated by not understanding about the trees, landscape and scenery I wished to photograph and kept returning for the third time to the leopard in the tree, where all the other guides and vehicles were. Until we told him that we had had enough of the leopard in the tree, at which he seemed a little upset.
Apart from the landscapes I would also have preferred to have spent more time with the elephants and not the lions! The guides seem to favour sighting of the lions etc over elephants… for some reason!
All in all I was very disappointed I did not achieve my objectives on taking the landscape shots I wished to photograph.
The rest of the staff at Ubuntu were great. A special mention goes to Erik with a K, the assistant manager, a very friendly and personable guy who will I’m sure will go far!
Also Eric with a c, and Nigrem, and Baraku, and Octavian.
The lunches were very good indeed, excellent service by Baraku and Octavian and lovely selection of salads and dishes served individually to your table laid under the shade of a tree. A special treat.
Communal Dinner was good too, good food, and interesting to all sit together and chat to the other guests. Indeed Erik hosted one night, which worked well as he was an asset to the conversation, a good idea I think.
The camp is good, however what is needed is for the guides to be aware that they may come across one or two visitors who may have unusual requests as to what they want to see, and the be able to adapt and steer away from their formulaic approach. Not everyone wants to see sleeping lions, or a leopard up a tree for the third time! They need to realise the landscape for us is different and has a beauty and value of its own which some of us may wish to photograph." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
In light of this feedback we contacted the Ubuntu team, who sincerely apologised that the guests left disappointed. We were told that the head guide whom had guided these clients in 2023 was not in camp during their most recent visit. Instead they were allocated a more junior guide who did his best to accommodate the guest's wishes but clearly missed the mark on this occasion. Ubuntu is looking into this with their guide training teams, and the camp stated "We hope that they will consider returning, so we can demonstrate how much we value their preferences and ensure that our activities are tailored to meet our guests' expectations to the best of our abilities".
"Senior Africa Specialist | East Africa"
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ubuntu Camp review"
The staff provide excellent and attentive service and the food was delicious.
The tents are very comfortable indeed with bucket showers and plenty of room. They are widely spaced and have lovely views over the valley below. The heart of the migration was only minutes away ." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
3 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Roan antelope
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ubuntu Camp review"
We did get to see the migration of wildebeest over the mara. A amazing spectacle in itself. Saw leopards and lions generally sleeping in the afternoons. Some Giraffes and a few elephants. Also hyenas. Mainly huge herds of wildebeests! Landscape amazing too.
Food was good, and the people very nice.
I heard Hyenas howling through the night as well lions. The hyenas were very close, they seemed to be all around the camp." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Amazing camp"
Buffalo
3 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
7 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"True wilderness experience at Ubuntu Sout Cam"
All the criteria for a great safari were fully met - a simple but comfortable bush camp ,superb guiding ,access to amazing wildlife and good food ,comfy bed ,warm welcome and attention throughout.
Having stayed at Ubuntu South 5 years ago, the several small improvements were most welcome but didn't detract from a true bush feel. These included good bedside lights , the mosquito nets hung well away from the beds ,wellies, umbrellas and the 'serving hatch' for delivery of wake up drinks. The provision of hot water bottles helped counter the cool ,damp nights and early morning game drives. The food was varied and very tasty .One of us doesn't eat red meat or nuts and her needs were always accommodated.
All the staff are just the warmest ,friendliest and helpful people you could hope to find. Saeed the manager was especially attentive and went out of his way to make us feel a home. We have come to expect a consistent high standard in the guiding across Asilia camps ,which has visibly improved over the years under the intensive training led by Pietro Luraschi and Lorenzo Rossi.
Our guide for the whole week ,David Osaka, not only had all the essential skills of a great guide but had the patience, sense of humour and personality to help us see what we most wanted as well as the unexpected . He clearly loved the wildlife and sharing his passion with us.He managed to steer away from the crowds and we were often the only vehicle for miles around. Even though the migration was in full swing and we were often surrounded by thousands of wildebeest and zebra it took nearly 5 days of dedicated 'hunting' to finally catch a wildebeest birth from start to finish . This fully justified our decision to stay 7 nights . There was plenty of predator action too -including a wild chase across the savannah to the woods near Kimondo just in time to catch sight of a leopard almost completely hidden in a tree being closely watched by 7 lionesses in nearby tree who were so hostile to the competition that the leopard quickly escaped. Knowing we also liked birds and smaller creatures like bat-eared fox , David was on the alert for anything we might not have seen before or was well hidden.
A word about the Asilia open vehicles ; the weather had been extremely wet just before we arrived and driving was a challenge Although we got stuck and were rescued a couple of times it was quite apparent that vehicles from one other nearby camp in particular suffered far, far worse and were regular stuck. As the weather warmed up and the roads dried a little we were able to venture out earlier around 6.30am ,which enabled us to experience the rising sun in the east at the same time as the setting full moon directly opposite in the west . One of many memorable , magical experiences." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same 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.
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.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 stylish camp located in the quieter part of 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
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.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
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.
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.
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.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
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.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
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.
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.
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 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.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
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.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad 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.
