• info@greatmigrationcamps.com

Coronavirus Safari Blog 01

Great Migration Camps response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Coronavirus. There’s so much attention on one word.  On March 11, the head of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic. And also stated “…we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.”

Stay Home. Travel Later. Coronavirus

The evidence is overwhelming right now. Except for essential travel and returning home, travel should be on hold for a while. On the ground, physical distancing and staying at home as much as possible is encouraged and, in some countries, is mandatory.

We urge our clients and their families and communities to adhere to WHO recommendations for coronavirus public health guidelines. We appeal to you to follow recommendations and rules imposed by your country during this time of uncertainty and to stay at home now – you can travel later.

Isolation. Coronavirus. Lion cub. Serengeti
Lion Cub, Serengeti. Coronavirus. Isolation. Stay Home. Travel Later. Image: Carel Verhoef, Great Migration Camps   

Great Migration Camps Coronavirus (Temporary) Closure

Great Migration Camps has temporarily closed our mobile camp until June 2020 in efforts to ensure the safety of our staff, guests and to be part of the global solution in containing the spread of coronavirus. For now, we are accepting new reservations, conservatively for travel dates from mid-June. Realistically this may be later, pending the progression and spread of Covid-19.  Travel bans and Government restrictions will determine when safaris will open up again safely.  Great Migration Camps refuses to take any risks, however when travel is safe, we will be ready to welcome you to take you on safari to the Serengeti. We are planning safe safaris with limited contact points, for when the situation changes. With fewer tourists this season, the river crossings should be spectacular and we’ll be ready when the globe is ready.

2021 Safari Price Freeze due to Coronavirus

All Great Migration Camps mobile camp rates stay the same for safari’s in 2021 – a Coronavirus Price Freeze. * 3rd party services, such as hotel reservations, or park fees may be subject to price variation, beyond our control.

Flexible Safari Terms and Conditions due to Coronavirus

All existing reservations are secure and all our terms and conditions are completely flexible – from payment terms, to postponements or cancellations. We are already in communication with every client who is booked and confirmed and would like to thank all of you to an unwavering commitment to travel as soon as it is responsible to do so.

When travel restrictions are lifted or it becomes safe to travel – clients can reschedule at any date (subject to availability only), provided you are cleared and your travel plans are responsible.  Ideally, we will need confirmation and payment 5 working days prior to arrival.  If you would like to stay home and want your deposit back – no problem.

Time for Reflection

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by coronavirus in whatever way, we encourage you to stay healthy, take care of those in need and please be responsible. Thank you to medical personnel across the globe, and those providing essential services.  During this period, many of us are restricted in our movements and have unexpected time on our hands – feel free to chat to us, plan with us, watch wildlife footage and keep your safari dream alive for when some semblance of normality returns to Planet Earth.  Perhaps now, we are being forced to reflect and start making changes for the better – personally and professionally, locally and globally and consider our actions on Planet Earth.

#Stay Home #Travel Later.

Festive Season Wishes from GMC

To all our friends, fans, colleagues, supporters and clients,

As 2018 draws to a close, Great Migration Camps mobile would like to take the opportunity to wish all of you a wonderful festive season and peaceful and prosperous 2019. May you enjoy a break with family and friends.

It’s been an extraordinary year with many ups and downs, successes, and challenges, and the wildebeest have had us running around in more than just circles in an unusual migratory year. Thanks to all our clients for joining us on this journey through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Your comments and feedback are invaluable as we continue our quest to provide the best mobile camp closest to the migrating herds of wildebeest that make the Great Migration.

Thank you to the GMC Dream Team

December is also the perfect time to remind you of our awe-inspiring GMC dream team and say a special thank you to each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication.  As a small team, we work together in close confinement and help each other with anything that needs doing.  No task is too big or too small. Meet the team below.

Mashine and Norton - GMC Guides

Mashine Joseph Swai – GMC Head Guide

Mashine is called Mashine for a reason. Our chief driver guide, who not only manages to find wildebeest, leopard, lion and “animals on request”, but does an enormous amount of administrative work behind the scenes which includes maintaining and fixing vehicles. Ahsante Sana.

Zebadia - GMC camp manager

Zebadia Mmbando – GMC Camp Manager

Zebadia – our mobile camp manager does everything! Zeb has grown and learnt in all fields – from ensuring drinks are cold and shower water is hot, that toilets and showers work, tents are clean and properly pitched to cope with the Serengeti elements along with collecting water and supples, managing the solar system, electrics, fridges and ice machine (an essential item!) to driving, fixing U-bolts and car maintenance.  From before dawn to long past dusk – Zebadia works with the biggest smile and kindest heart. Ahsante Sana.

Herman - GMC camp chef

Herman Shikamoo – GMC Camp Chef

Herman is the newest addition to the GMC team – a young chef who is happiest in his camp kitchen. You’ll hear him singing as he cooks, making meals with love. Herman has wowed our guests with delicious meals, ranging from his superb soups to vegetable dishes, and the camp favourite – Herman’s Serengeti Samoosas – hand made in camp! Karibu and Ashante Herman.

Sally - GMC owner and administration

Sally Grierson – GMC Owner & Administration

Sally is camp mom – tirelessly ensuring that all the details have been taken of behind the scenes – organising and co-ordinating stock, supplies, orders, menu plans, emails, flights and reservations. Mama Sally ensures everyone has hats, water, sunscreen and all belongings necessary to stay healthy and happy out in the bush. Known as Dr Sally in the bush, her physio skills provide African massages as she nurtures and cares for all our guests.

Carel - GMC owner and operations

Carel Verhoef – GMC Owner and Operations

Carel, our resident wildebeest whisperer, is captain of the GMC ship. Born and bred in the bush, his innate instincts take us all on a never-ending journey to new places and destinations, creating magic with his passion and knowledge of the wildlife that surrounds us. A natural story-teller, he’ll narrate animal behaviour into a novel of magnificence. In addition, his competence at every level of living (and working) in the bush ensures that GMC mobile runs with the efficiency required to move camp quickly, whilst providing everything you need and nothing you don’t.

GMC Dream Team

Other Thanks

There are many others who have supported and helped us and your reservations are part of a broader community. Special thanks to Norton and Amani – both extraordinary guides, who drive many kilometres each day leading the search for the wildebeest and knowing when to rush and when to wait (ask anyone who has witnessed a river crossing what this means) whilst keeping a sense of humour, charming our guests and helping in camp. Norton we thank you especially for your patience and kindness with our elderly guests.  Thanks also to Kopa and Bonifence who have helped with driving the trailer to various destinations and countless tasks in camp and to Robert Swai for all our town transfers. Last but not least, thanks to the families who support each member of our team, especially whilst we are in the National Parks taking care of our guests. It is not always easy to be away from our loved ones, but we know it’s hard for you too.

2018 Highlights

One of this years highlight’s was being featured on CNN’s Inside Africa documentary on the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you didn’t have a chance to catch the broadcast – take a look below at the feature.  Thanks Brianna, Nick and the CNN team in Kenya.

We are extremely proud of our Great Migration Camps team and look forward to a busy 2019.

How to book

PLEASE enquire early to avoid disappointment particularly during peak periods. We still have availability but don’t delay, as other services are also busy.  We can assist with pre or post safari tours and accommodation in town as well as flights or transport in and out of the National Park.  We recommend 5- 10 days for your migration safari.

  • Calving season (Feb- March)
  • Rutting season (June)
  • Crossing season (July– Oct)

Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com

Kindly provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates and duration.
Children of all ages are welcome.

Enquire Now

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Black Friday – 25% off 7N Calving Season Migration Safari

You’ve seen the videos, images and heard the incredible first-hand stories of encounters of wildlife in the bush. Although all this digital content at the touch of a fingertip is fantastic, none of it comes close to actually being there yourself; and its easier than you might think – especially with this BLACK FRIDAY 2018 DEALS.

Calving season is when almost 2 million wildebeest gather to synchonrize birthing. Approximately half a million wildebeest are born within a 2-3 week period. With so many wildebeest, their goal is protection by numbers… but try convincing the hungry lions and cheetahs that have been waiting all year for their annual buffet. It’s time for predator and prey.  Calving Season 2019 coming soon to the Serengeti… will you join us?

Black Friday Calving Season Safari Deal: 25% off

What: 7 Night Migration Calving Season Safari
Must book between: 23 – 30 November 2018
Travel Dates: 25 January – 25 March 2019

25 Jan – 25 Mar 2019 Adult (16+) Child 0-5 Child 5 – 12 Child 12 – 16
25% BLACK FRIDAY DEAL $3,000 Free (Flights: $440) $1,500 $2,250
Normal Rate  $4,000 Free (Flights: $440) $2,000 $3,000

Includes:  Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti; 7Nights GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions; Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water; Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide; All Park and Concession Fees, All Taxes/VAT; Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

Excludes:  International Flights, Visas & Travel insurance, Accommodation before or after your safari, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), Gratuities, Any meals not stipulated, All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc), Additional Safari Activities, Tours or Accommodation. Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

Child Policy: CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult. We recommend children should be able to sleep through the night. 0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children (up to 3 per tent)

How to book: Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Use the title: BLACK FRIDAY 7N CALVING SEASON ENQUIRY
Please provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
  • Deals not available with any other specials or offers or available to agents
  • 30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
  • Balance due 60 days prior to departure
  • Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
  • Price is subject to availability
  • GMC reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

Enquire Now

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Black Friday – 20% off 7N Crossing Season Migration Safari

Experience the great wildebeest migration river crossing season first-hand.  You’ve seen the pictures and the videos, but there is nothing like the REAL deal. It’s easier than you might think to get there, join Great Migration Camps, the migration experts, by booking this BLACK FRIDAY 2018 SAFARI DEAL – 20% off your 7 Night Migration Safari in 2019.

Experience the drama at the Mara River as the wildebeest, gathering and deliberate about crossing the Mara River in their search for food and water.  Predators abound, from big cats to giant crocodiles.  Danger awaits as the wildebeest leap from high cliffs and struggle over rocky terrain. Book now for Crossing Season 2019.

Black Friday Crossing Season Deal: 20% off

What: 7 Night Migration Crossing Season Safari
Must book between: 23 – 30 November 2018
Travel Dates: 5 August – 5 October 2019

 

5 August – 5 October 2019 Adult (16+) Child 0-5 Child 5 – 12 Child 12 – 16
20% BLACK FRIDAY DEAL $3,200 Free (Flights: $470) $1,600 $2,400
Normal Rate  $4,000 Free (Flights: $470) $2,000 $3,000

Includes:  Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti; 7Nights GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions; Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water; Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide; All Park and Concession Fees, All Taxes/VAT; Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

Excludes:  International Flights, Visas & Travel insurance, Accommodation before or after your safari, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), Gratuities, Any meals not stipulated, All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc), Additional Safari Activities, Tours or Accommodation. Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

Child Policy: CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult. We recommend children should be able to sleep through the night. 0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children (up to 3 per tent)

How to book: Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Use the title: BLACK FRIDAY 7N CROSSING SEASON ENQUIRY
Please provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
  • Deals not available with any other specials or offers or available to agents
  • 30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
  • Balance due 60 days prior to departure
  • Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
  • Price is subject to availability
  • GMC reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

Enquire Now

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Black Friday – 20% off Serengeti 7N Family Package Safari

Get your kids outside and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Serengeti and bring nature back to life. Encounter elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, gazelles, primates, reptiles and of course the migrating wildebeest in a magnificent journey of discovery for young and old. This BLACK FRIDAY 2018 DEAL – will give you 20% off your 7 Night Family Safari in 2019. Book now

Black Friday Family Package Safari Deal: 20% off

What: 7 Night Family Package Safari
Must book between: 23 – 30 November 2018
Valid for Travel Dates:

  • 16 March – 7 April 2019
  • 15 June – 14 July 2019
  • 21 Sept – 8 October 2019

 

16 March- 7 April;  15 June- 14 July; 21 Sept- 8 October 2019 2 Adults (16+)
2 Kids (0-5)
2 Adults (16+)
2 Kids (5 – 12) 
2 Adults (16+)
2 Kids (12 -16) 
2 Adults (16+)
1 Kid (12 -16)
1 Kid (5 -12)
20% BLACK FRIDAY DEAL $6,080 $9,120 $10,240 $9,680
Normal Rate  $8,400 $11,400 $12,800 $12,100

Includes:  Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti; 7Nights GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions; Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water; Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide; All Park and Concession Fees, All Taxes/VAT; Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

Excludes:  International Flights, Visas & Travel insurance, Accommodation before or after your safari, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), Gratuities, Any meals not stipulated, All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc), Additional Safari Activities, Tours or Accommodation. Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

Child Policy: CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult. We recommend children should be able to sleep through the night. 0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children (up to 3 per tent)

How to book: Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Use the title: BLACK FRIDAY 7N FAMILY PACKAGE ENQUIRY
Please provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
  • Deals not available with any other specials or offers or available to agents
  • 30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
  • Balance due 60 days prior to departure
  • Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
  • Price is subject to availability
  • GMC reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

Enquire Now

Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform

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Black Friday Migration Safari Deals are coming

Black Friday is coming and so are some hot deals for Migration Safaris in the Serengeti.  We’re excited to launch some super deals on Friday 23 November 2018.  If your dreams include a trip to the Serengeti to see the Great Wildebeest Migration – then watch this space and your dreams could become reality in 2019.

Black Friday Safari DealsSome useful information about how the Black Friday Migration Safari Deals will work.

Deals Begin:  Friday 23 November 2018

Deals must be booked between 23 -30 November 2018.

All Black Friday Migration Safari Deals include

  • Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti
  • GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions
  • Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water
  • Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide
  • All Park and Concession Fees
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

All Black Friday Migration Safari Deals exclude

  • International Flights
  • Visas & Travel insurance
  • Accommodation before or after your safari
  • Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar)
  • Gratuities
  • Any meals not stipulated
  • All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc)
  • Additional Safari Activities, transfers in town, pre or post safari Tours and/or Accommodation.
  • Please note that Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

International Flights not included – research your flight deals to get to Tanzania

  • This tour starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania
  • Fly to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) located between Arusha and Moshi.
    Africa flight connections available via Johannesburg, South Africa (OR Tambo); Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) or Kigali, Rwanda (KGL)
  • Alternatively fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya)

Terms and Conditions

  • Black Friday Migration Safari Deals are applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
  • Black Friday Migration Safari Deals not available with any other specials or offers.
  • Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
  • Price is quoted in US dollars and subject to availability.
  • Price is non-commissionable.
  • 30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
  • Balance is due 60 days prior to departure
  • Great Migration Camps reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment is not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

Are you ready? Black Friday Migration Safari Deals coming soon. Talk to us about the migration and where to go when!

GMC Mobile: Game Package Rates $330 and Full board Rates $230 per person per day
(excludes Park Fees and getting there).

Email: info@greatmigrationcamps.com

Enquire Now

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4 epic mountaineering moments in Africa

By Rebekah Funk

We’ve all heard stories of infamous and death-defying ascents on well-known peaks such as Nepal’s Mount Everest. Yet, as these stories prove, Africa’s highest mountains have played host to some of its own courageous (and outrageous!) journeys.

The amputee who bear crawled Africa’s highest mountain

While he didn’t “defy death”, there are few more inspiring mountaineering tales than that of Kyle Maynard, a 27-year-old American quadruple amputee who scaled Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2012 without prosthetics.

Read more

Meet the man protecting Uganda’s natural wealth

Uganda is rich in wildlife, mountains, forests, verdant national parks and natural resources. But this wealth is under threat from rapidly growing populations, development and businesses vying for the country’s resources. David Dulli, country director for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Uganda, is at the helm of it all. Rebekah Funk spoke to him about the issues facing Uganda, and what role tourism has to play in conservation efforts.

REBEKAH FUNK: What are some of your biggest concerns about wildlife conservation in Africa?

DAVID DULLI: I am most concerned when I see human encroachment in remote areas; when I see some of the weak policies to counteract those activities; when I see weak institutions. That worries me a lot, particularly when I put it in context with an increasing population — 3.5% in the Albertine Rift and a country average of 3%, which is really high.

Uganda tourism WWF
Man on a mission: WWF Uganda’s David Dulli

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No mountain too high for Balala: Kenyan Tourism Head conquers Mt. Kenya to promote eco-tourism

Kenyan Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has conquered mighty Mt. Kenya – Africa’s second highest mountain – to showcase the diverse adventure- and eco-tourism opportunities Kenya has to offer.

“Mt. Kenya has long been underutilised and under-promoted,” said CS Balala of his hope to change this status quo by drawing global attention to this natural tourism asset via the 7 Summits Africa Challenge, presented by Great Migration Camps.

 

CS Balala (left) on top of the world

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7 Amazing Facts About Gorillas

Gorillas are the biggest primates in the world and although they share over 95% of their DNA with Homo Sapiens they’re pretty different from us in terms of disposition. If humans are the small, brash bullies of the primate world then gorillas are the big, chilled, sensitive souls; content to live and let live…as long as they are not disturbed.

 

An orphaned gorilla with his caretaker, Andre, in Virunga National Park. Photo © Virunga National Park

 

If you’re as fascinated by these gentle giants as we are, then here are some facts about gorillas you may have missed.

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