Overview
The Midst of the Migration
Olakira Migration Camp follows the migration throughout the year, offering the closest possible view of the action.
Between June and October, Olakira is in the north to witness the dramatic wildebeest crossings of the Mara River. From December until March, the camp moves to the southern plains of the Serengeti, where the wildebeest go to give birth and graze on lush grass.
The canvas tents are designed to blend into the surrounding bush seamlessly, but this does not mean the camp lacks comfort. Fine linens, fine dining with a touch of nomadic romance are the hallmarks of this superb safari camp. The mesh-covered stargazing tents are a particular highlight.
When not exploring the incredible nature around spend the afternoon relaxing in an armchair in the mess area or get comfortable under the shade of the surrounding trees and simply watch the game pass by. When darkness falls, dinner is served by the fire accompanied by the sounds of the bush.
Facts
At a glance
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Nine tents
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Communal mess tent
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Fire pit
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Private vehicles
Experiences
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Hot-air balloon safaris
Don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soar above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon, appreciating the full scope of the wildebeest migration and watching the colours change as the sun rises.
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Game drives
Head out in the early morning or late at night, this is when it’s coolest and you're most likely to see predators on the move. You will be accompanied by an expert local guide who has many tales about the surrounding bush.
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Photographic Safaris
The camps own an open vehicle that allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats.
Community and Culture
Olakira's owners, Asilia, support a number of community projects in Tanzania. Every year, Asilia identifies promising students who don’t have the means to further their education and supports them with scholarships to do so. Their Twende Porini programme welcomes children from local communities to experience what a safari is all about. As well as having plenty of fun as our guests, they learn about the importance of protecting the environment.
Conservation
Asilia also runs and helps fund a selection of conservation projects, such as The Lionscape Coalition, a new initiative of the Lion Recovery Fund, that enables Africa’s top tourism operators to take action in the recovery of lion populations and their landscapes, and The Serengeti Cheetah Project.
Footprint
Asilia, which has been carbon neutral since 2009, runs sustainable operations by installing solar power systems and solar water boilers in its camps. Their carbon offsetting includes safari vehicles, their global offices’ electricity usage and even international flights taken by management. They have reduced their plastic waste by 63% over the last four years. Instead of plastic bottles, guests are given personalized stainless steel bottles. They eliminated single-use plastics in 2018 and even cling film and earbuds are not allowed in camp.
Being mobile, Olakira is built with an incredibly light footprint, leaving virtually no trace when it is taken down.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.