Laba Migration Camp: Our full report
Laba Migration Camp is a luxury mobile camp in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, which moves three times ...
... a year to optimise the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration. From approximately mid-December to March, the camp is situated on the open southern plains, where the annual migration spreads out to graze and calve their young. From April to early July the camp is based in the western corridor where the herds start massing before continuing their journey north. From mid-July to late November the camp is located in the northern Serengeti, where it is perfectly positioned to witness breakaway herds of wildebeest crossing the Mara River.Sister camp of Jongomero, Siwandu and Fanjove Lodge, Laba Migration Camp was opened in 2024 and is the first of the Laba group’s properties to open in Tanzania’s famous northern circuit.
The camp moves three times a year, loosely tracking the movement of the Great Migration, and allowing guests to be in wildlife rich areas in any month. When we stayed the camp was located in the western corridor, not too far from the Grumeti River and overlooking mile upon mile of vast Musabi plain. The first tendrils of the great migration were slowly threading their way through the golden grasses. With an amphitheatre of hills to the south, the position of the camp felt both intimate and nicely connected to the vast Serengeti ecosystem all around us.
Billing itself as one of the ‘most luxurious mobile camps in the Serengeti’ is fair: no comforts have been sacrificed here.
The ten guest tents (including two interconnected family tents) are well proportioned and spaced nicely apart from each other. Each boasts a picturesque porch with hot water wash basin and directors' chars. Inside you will find a large bed (which can be configured as a double or twin), freestanding fan, a day bed, two further chairs, and a coffee table complete with a carafe of whisky. At the back of the bed is a canvas shelving unit, behind which is the bathroom with flush toilet, twin wash basins, copper bathtub and a safari-style shower, for which you request hot water whenever you want it and then use it as a regular shower. Toiletries are provided.
The camp's main, central area comprises a pair of enormous open-sided tents, each artfully dressed with soft fabrics. On one side is the dining room and on the other the lounge area, location of the well stocked bar and numerous comfortable sofas. A unique feature of the camp is the incredible array of artefacts on display. This décor, very much dedicated to nature, is based on the theme of ‘a cabinet of curiosities’. Varying sized ammonites and other fossils, geodes and even a large megalodon (extinct, giant shark) tooth decorate the shelves. We have never seen anything quite like this in a safari camp before, much less a mobile one!
In front of the main area you’ll find the convivial communal fire pit, where guests mingle before dinner. When possible dinner is served al fresco near the fire, and the camp is decorated with storm lanterns.
If you need to work off some energy (or work off some of the camp's meals), there is a small fitness tent with rowing machines, a bike, free weights and exercise balls.
Activities at Laba Migration Camp primarily focus on twice-daily game drives in the surrounding area. Private vehicles are provided as standard for each group of guests, regardless of how many you are, giving ultimate flexibility in the schedule and pace of game drives. Sundowner drinks with a view or special bush breakfasts and lunches can also be arranged.
It is also possible to organise guided walks and hot air balloon rides. When the camp is located in the southern plains between December and March the team can also organise for day trip to Olduvai Gorge .
Our view
Laba Migration is an exciting new addition and we were extremely impressed by the professional service and friendliness of the camp team. The mobile nature of the camp allows guests to be in the middle of some of the best wildlife action year-round. For seasoned safari lovers and newcomers alike, we're confident that Laba Migration will provide an unforgettable taste of Serengeti magic.
Country manager: Tanzania
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- 3-4 nights
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We were impressed with the food quality and variety. There is a strong emphasise on fresh, healthy, local produce with 80 per cent of all ingredients being organic. The camp is striving to become 100 per cent organic as soon as possible.
Timings are flexible, depending on what activities guests are doing. For breakfast there was fruit, granola, yoghurt, as well as a selection of hot food to order including delicious banana pancakes and avocado toast. Alternatively guests may take a picnic breakfast out on an early morning game drive.
Lunch, may be served back at camp or eaten in the bush. We enjoyed a selection of elegant and colourful salads, beef and garlic bread.
At around 7.00pm, guests start to gather around the campfire for a pre-dinner drink. Dinner usually consists of a three-course set menu. We started with a baked aubergine and courgette salad, followed by delicately flavoured red snapper in a coconut curry. Dessert was an Amarula crème caramel.
Special dietary requests can easily be accommodated with advance notice. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service on request.
- Drinks included
- All soft and alcoholic drinks are included, with the exception of Champagne.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Laba Migration welcomes children over the age of five, however children must be closely supervised and are the full responsibility of their parents.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Special activities & services
- There are no set additional activities or services for children, although there are two family tents which work well for those travelling with younger safari goers.
- Generally recommended for children
- We felt that the camp had a more mature atmosphere and may not be the most family-friendly option. However it will work well for well-behaved, slightly older children. Note that walking is for over-16s only.
- Notes
- Parents should be aware that this camp is not fenced, and wildlife can and does pass through at any time, so children cannot ever be left unaccompanied.
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi provided throughout.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Flush toilet and safari 'bucket-style' shower.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Laba Migration has an on-site doctor based at the camp. The camp has links to a medical evacuation service, which may be used in a medical emergency.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris patrolling, and guests escorted after dark.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers dotted around the camp.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry service is included.
- Accepted payment on location
- Rarely needed but cash and cards are accepted for any extras.
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.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by 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.
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.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
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 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 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 Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
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.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
