‘Hidden among the rocky outcrops or kopjes of the vast, internationally renowned Serengeti plains is a camp that exudes a decadence reminiscent of old Africa.’
This is the opening preamble to the Migration Camp website, which fairly describes the attributes of this ‘camp’. Old Africa indeed! Tastefully arranged tented accommodation in an isolated setting, overlooking the great migration route, with standards of appointment and décor that rival any among the many luxury tented camps abounding in Africa. This is a concept of new Africa, inspired by those searching for the old. Expect an elegant sojourn in a thoughtfully designed establishment geared towards creating a thoroughly false impression of roughing it in Africa.
And long may it remain so. In response to every inquiry to my guide about who actually owns these places, he had this to say: ‘He is some Indian guy.’
This would lead to the impression that the energetic Indian community of Tanzania own every lodge or hotel of any consequence across the Tanzanian parks spectrum, which might not be an erroneous conclusion. However Migration Camp is the property of the Elewana Group, which is itself part of the Sopa organization, purveyors of some of the finest lodge and camp accommodation in East Africa. Sopa and Serena are the two major hospitality players in this region, and attached to both comes a guarantee of comfort, convenience and professionalism.
Migration Camp conforms in every way to this evolving standard of tented camp hospitality. A central welcome and dining area, once again impeccably designed and constructed, is serviced by a selection of individual tents that are, once again, exquisitely decorated and comfortable to a fault.
Stylishly set against a hillside, and peering out across the open bush, is the pool, shaded by acacias and accessible from the bar by a short flight of steps. These are the extra touches that make or break reputations. Here there are no rough edges, no sharp corners, and if you can forgive such a shameless pursuit of opulence, you are a guaranteed a supremely pleasant stay.
Migration is probably rides on a tighter sail than most in terms of its green footprint, and is as off the beaten track, and as sensitively integrated into the environment as is possible. It is one of the newer establishments in the market, but despite this it still drips with local hardwoods that really does very little to strike the local balance of nature. It is however not the worst offender by any means.
An observation frequently made by travelers through this part of Africa is that the service at Sopa lodges and camps lags a little behind their main competitor. In comparison to Mbuze Wawe and Mbalageti this was definitely so. This only very slightly detracts from the overall experience, however, and really competition is so tight that there is very little to choose between the two. It is another fabulous accommodation option in the Serengeti and worth a visit any day of the week.
Rough Travel Africa Style: The Tented Camps & Lodges of Serengeti Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp Migration Camp Mbalageti Tented Camp Serena Serengeti Serena Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge Serengeti Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro Lobo Wildlife Lodge Serengeti Gibbs Farm Ndarakwai Ranch
