Wilderness Usawa Serengeti FAQs

Given that these are the only mobile camps in our Collection it’s understandable that some questions might arise about how everything works. These FAQs should help you navigate the details and make the most of Wilderness Usawa Serengeti.

Our mobile camps are able to move between nine different sites along the migration route to offer the best estimated location for prime game viewing, while being far away from overcrowded areas, and minimally disruptive to the local wildlife. Our expert guides analyse wildlife behaviour and changes in the terrain continually throughout the year to ensure the optimal placement of the camps.   

Our Tanzanian camps may be mobile, but they are very much part of the Wilderness Collection, and thus promise unrivalled comfort. You can still expect to find  hot water when requested, flushing ablutions, comfortable, elegant accommodation and delicious food and wine, served by a high staff-to-guest complement. With only six tents per camp (including a family unit when required) and generous space between them, Usawa Serengeti also promises a sense of privacy and quiet quite unique to the national park. 

Not at all. Our guests move between camps, allowing them to experience prime areas of the Serengeti in one itinerary. No guest would ever have to wait while a camp is disassembled. Our staff handle absolutely everything to ensure you have the best possible experience. 

The migration never stops, and nor does Wilderness Usawa Serengeti, so you can enjoy game viewing at our camps year-round. That said, many of our guests look forward to calving season.  

Calving season in the Serengeti (around January to March) is truly something to behold, with up to  half a million wildebeest being born in less than a month. Many of our guests are drawn to this particular season, not just to witness the astonishing explosion of the wildebeest population, but to observe the predators, which are never far behind. The drama of big cats on the hunt is a huge draw, bringing many to the Southern Plains during the season.  

Around July to September, uncountable numbers of plains game, zebra and wildebeest churn across the Mara River. While watching a crossing is a sought-after Serengeti safari moment, it’s important to note that that the areas around the river are extremely congested   during that time, whereas  our camps in the Northern Hills are far quieter and more peaceful, providing easier access to the river. You can take a two-hour game drive to witness the spectacle and return to a secluded camp where many animals can still be seen journeying to and from the river.   

Our expert Travel Designers are well versed in the migration patterns as they change year on year, so rest assured you’ll get all the information you need to avoid the bottlenecks, and experience a more exclusive Serengeti safari. 

While the migration follows a pattern, movements change year on year depending on rainfall, with plains game traveling to areas with lush grasses to graze, and flat open plains where they can easily spot predators. This pattern sees wildlife leaving the Southern Plains region in hordes, usually between April and July as the shortgrass plains begin to dry out. They then head into the central, eastern and western regions, splitting into groups, and can be witnessed tracking in long lines – the iconic image of the migration. By July, they’re usually in the Northern Hills crossing the Mara River. This continues until October when the herds once again turn to head into the east, west and central regions before heading south again.  

Luckily, you don’t have to understand the migration cycle inside and out when you think about booking with us – because our staff do. They’re  in constant communication with the guides on the ground to ensure guests have the experience they hope for. 

Our camps are situated in three main areas – the Northern Hills, the Southern Plains and the Eastern Kopjes. However, there are also alternative sites in the Western Corridor, which we make use of strategically.  

Unlike the high-density tourist areas, our camp in the Northern Hills is set away from the Mara River, offering guests a more private experience. They can, however, access the river crossings easily during the day’s game drive. The camp sees its own fair share of wildebeest, though, with the animals often crossing through the area both to and from the river. With Usawa Serengeti being more exclusive, elusive wildlife like leopard and rhino can be spotted nearby, as well as members of the resident lion pride. The Chumbe salt lick – a popular place for elephants and plains game – is located close to the camps as well. 

The Eastern Kopjes (hills) are in the central-eastern Serengeti in an extremely remote area, secluded, but close enough to the Southern Plains to catch the action. Here you’ll see wildebeest migrating south, and back up to the Northern Hills, depending on time of year. We see year-round wildebeest at this location, as well as elephant, zebra, lions, and solitary leopards.

This camp provides our guests with sweeping views of the vast Southern Plains, where hundreds of thousands of prey, and their predators, congregate in calving season. Guests can also take a short 1.5-hour game drive to the renowned Ndutu Woodlands, eventually leaving the throng  of tourists for the more secluded Usawa Serengeti camp.  

Absolutely. The walking safaris at Usawa Serengeti are one of the main drawcards of the camp, offering guests a chance to explore the finer details of the bush that can often be overlooked from a vehicle.  

Our locations are situated within the Serengeti’s designated walking areas, so your journey begins straight from camp. Our highly knowledgeable guides will not only lead the way, they ensure your safety and help you interpret the astonishing landscape. 

You’ll learn about the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area and get up close and personal with local wildlife. With over 29 species of herbivores, more than 28 predator species and over 500 species of birds in the national park, there is much to appreciate and much to learn on a guided walking safari. 

Other activities include thrilling game drives in the mornings and afternoons, which our guides are happy to tailor for each guest. We can also organise all-day excursions if you prefer; these include a packed picnic for you to enjoy at lunchtime, completely surrounded by the bush. A full day’s relaxed game drive is recommended to reach the popular areas such as the Ndutu Woodlands and the Mara River. 

Birding is also highly recommended with the vast variety of bird species in the area, including endemic species like the grey-breasted spurfowl, rufous-tailed weaver and the silverbird to name a few.  

After a full day of adventure, stargazing from camp will be a welcomed respite, as the skies above this untamed environment are abundant with stars. 

Weather permitting, guests can embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon trip at an additional cost, with sensational views of the Serengeti’s endless plains. To make the journey even more exceptional, you’ll also enjoy a glass or two of bubbly and an array of delicious snacks at the end of your flight.