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19 January 2023 by Alison Nicolle
East Africa offers superb wildlife viewing year-round, but it’s the Great Migration that arguably steals the show. Not only do over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles set off in search of greener pastures, but stalking predators follow in their wake, from lions to cheetahs. It all takes place between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, with each coming into its own at different times. To inspire, we’ve picked out two itineraries, which can be booked to coincide with the migration at different points, but can also be enjoyed throughout the year. What’s more, they both feature all-inclusive stays at the very best boutique camps and lodges, a full spread of safari activities and connecting flights in a luxury, nine-seater aircraft.
Tanzania Skysafari: Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Serengeti
On this unique itinerary, luxury scenic flights will see you between northern Tanzania’s national-park greats, with the chance to experience the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration (October to July), alongside Ngorongoro Crater’s natural beauty and Tarangire’s quieter charms. It’s all knitted together by private transfers and Big Five game drives included throughout. You’ll also enjoy everything from guided visits to coffee plantations and Maasai villages to bush sundowners, night drives and game walks.
Game drive at Ngorogoro Crater
But that's not all, as you'll also be treated to all-inclusive luxury stays in some of Elewana's most spectacular lodges and camps, from plantation homes to baobab treehouses. You'll kick things off in Arusha, with a stay at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, set in a sprawling plantation in the shadow of Mt. Meru. There can be few finer places to head to after a long flight, its 30 plantation houses dotted among verdant coffee fields and the fragrant scent of freshly ground beans permeating every corner. The rooms are a delight, featuring high, wood-beamed ceilings, huge beds and opulent bathrooms. And, there's a stunning pool at the heart of the complex. But, the real joy here is to simply wander the grounds, either at your leisure or in the company of one of the estate's coffee experts, who'll happily talk you through the whole production process, from plant to cup.
Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana
Next up, after a scenic flight, is Elewana Tarangire Treetops – a Wexas favourite. Featuring the largest bedrooms of any camp or lodge in East Africa, the accommodation is perched on stilts to make the most of expansive views across the Tarangire Plains. Expect furniture handmade by local craftsmen and exotic double showers in spacious en suite bathrooms.
Elewana Tangire Treetops
For a complete contrast, you'll also enjoy the elegant delights of Elewana The Manor at Ngorogoro. Set within a coffee estate amid the verdant hills of the crater's eastern flank, this immaculately converted Cape-Dutch-style manor with its collection of wood-beamed cottages, simply oozes old-world charm. It's all enhanced by attentive service, superb dining and expansive grounds where guests are free to enjoy everything from croquet to horse back rides.
Elewana The Manor at Ngorogoro
Closing this itinerary is Tanzania's Serengeti and one of Elewana's two superb camps. Which one you stay at depends on your date of travel, but both put you right at the heart of one of Africa's finest national parks. Paying homage to the mobile camps of the 19030s, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp offers unmatched access to the annual migration. And, its collection of twelve tented suites, each complete with serve up a true African experience, showcased in period-style lamps and queen-sized beds draped in billowing mosquito nets. Each tent also opens out to a private varandah, with views out across the bush – the perfect spot for a post-safari sundowner.
Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Alternatively, Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp enjoys a privileged position right next to the famous Grumeti River where hippos wallow and crocodiles lurk beneath the surface, awaiting the vast herds of wildebeest as they make their way across the plains. It's perhaps the ultimate safari-camp experience, with each tent featuring a 360-degree verandah, designed to maximise wildlife sightings and amplify the unique sounds of the bush. At the main tent, a split-level lounge and outdoor platform offer further wildlife viewing opportunities, while the next-door restaurant and outdoor pool are ideal for cooling after days spent exploring under the African sun.
Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp
This tour includes flights, UK airport lounge access, transfers, 7 nights all-inclusive accommodation & all touring incl. twice-daily game drives. You might also consider a beach extension, with the Kilindi Zanzibar offering the perfect Indian Ocean escape. Inspired? speak to our Africa specialists, or visit our itinerary page, for the latest prices and offers.
Book your Elewana Tanzania Skysafari
Kenya Skysafari: Amboseli, Loisaba & the Masai Mara
If you'd prefer to catch the migration between July and November, you'll find everything you need across the border in Kenya. Indeed, this itinerary showcases the very best of the country's national parks, again with scenic flights, luxury lodge stays and expert-led safaris. And, while it features a stay in the Masai Mara – Kenya's migration hotspot – you’ll also have the chance to join trained rangers in the Loisaba Conservancy and come face to face with the elephants of Amboseli, collected in giant herds in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Staying in luxury tented camps and thatched cottages, classic game drives are joined by ranger-led walks and night safaris, alongside the likes of bush picnics and sundowners. Indeed, the all-inclusive drinks and dining are a highlight throughout.
Safari in Amboseli National Park
It all begins with Elewana Tortilis Camp, located in a concession on the edge of Amboseli National Park, a region famed for its vast elephant herds and dramatic views of Africa's highest peak. It's an outlook shared by the camp itself, taken in from a collection of stylish, makuti-covered safari tents, each complete with an en suite bathroom and large, private verandah. The main building, hidden between the trees, features a traditional thatched roof, while its lounge and surrounding greenery looks out to a delightful swimming pool, surrounded by sun loungers.
Elewana Tortilis Camp
Next, it's on to Loisaba Conservancy and your next luxurious tented camp. As well as getting out among the wildlife, of which there's plenty, a stay here also opens up an abundance of options for adventure. Indeed, between game drives could bound down the ridges by mountain bike, raft through canyons and take a sunset trek by camel. Alternatively, take the chance to witness Loisaba’s cutting-edge conservation first- hand. Visit the headquarters to see the work being done here and meet the sniffer dogs – Warrior, Machine, Memusi and Nanyokie – and their anti-poaching team to find out how they safeguard the wilderness.
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp
This tour reaches a fittingly spectacular conclusion amid the acacia-studded landscapes of the Masai Mara, with a stay at Elewana Sand River. It's the ideal mix of romance and adventure, its 1920s-influenced canvas tents featuring elegant four-poster beds and sweeping wilderness views taken in from private verandahs. It's a truly idyllic setting for taking in the wonders of a true African icon, whether that's on a guided safari, on a unique dining or sundowner experience or from the cooling infinity pool.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
This tour includes flights, UK airport lounge access, transfers, 1 night B&B accommodation, 6 nights all-inclusive accommodation & all touring incl. twice-daily game drives. To end your trip in style, speak to our specialists about a stay at the AfroChic Diani, ideally poised on Kenya’s Mombasa coast. Inspired? speak to our Africa specialists, or visit our itinerary page, for the latest prices and offers.
