You don't have to be a groupie to get close to the stars of the Great Migration - all you need is a savvy safari operator who can make you a member of the cast and crew of this annual, circuitous performance, putting you front and centre of one of the most phenomenal movement of mammals on Planet Earth. And we happen to know a VERY savvy safari operator (nudge-nudge, wink-wink)...

Roll up, roll up for the gargantuan gathering of gnus and zebra that make East Africa's great plains the bucket-list destination of any self-respecting safari enthusiast. Ranging across Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, endless herds of these beasties move together on a never-ending journey that follows the rains and fresh grazing, stopping en-route to get jiggy with it and have babies. 

Ranging across vast landscapes, getting snacked upon by creatures with teeth and claws, they finally face their Rubicon (well, the Mara River, actually) - fast-moving muddied waters filled with some of the largest crocodiles that have grown to ridiculous proportions thanks to their diet of, um, wildebeest and zebras. Instinct drives them to cross, irrespective of the dangers that lurk beneath the broiling surface. 

Voyeurism at its finest...

Us humans sit on the opposite bank of the river, cameras in hand, waiting for said beasties to cross and willing them to make it in one piece (or not) watching as they "swim" the gauntlet of reptilian teeth... It's a tale as old as time, and one that's played out to perfection, creating safari gold in the process. 

Most of us know the plot of the Great Migration. We've all watched the BBC, Discovery and National Geographic. We don't really have to explain much about who's in the show. We're more in the business of getting you off your couch, away from your telly, onto a plane and out into the Serengeti and Masai Mara to actually experience this jaw-dropping natural wonder. Ticket touts? Nah. More like promoters with backstage access!

All areas access...

When it comes to choosing your side of the geographical line that divides the Serengeti in Tanzania from the Masai Mara in Kenya, we can help. Of course, we love both sides and you absolutely can do both in one, epic safari. What we don't do is big, commercial lodges and camps. We're more of a VIP Access All Areas kind of business, choosing more personal, intimate and downright sexy destinations that allow you to rub shoulders with the stars and the extras alike.

We've selected four amazing camps - two on either side of the border - that we think offer the most incredible Great Migration experiences and phenomenal safaris in the process. So, let's have a look at what your exclusive, laminated backstage pass gets you...

Act 1: The Masai Mara...

Prelude: The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place on this world-famous stage between July and October each year. So book your seats in advance! 

Scene 1: Our opening act stars Emboo River, tucked away in a forest of trees on the edge of the plains in the south of the Masai Mara. It's the Mara's first carbon neutral safari camp, being 100% solar powered, recycling all of its water, running a completely electric fleet of game vehicles and operating an organic farm that grows fresh produce for its farm to fork menu. It's also a proud part of the local Masai community and is big on empowering women with its team of staff including some real trailblazers in that respect. 

Credentials done and dusted, Emboo offers an eclectic mix of accommodation from its traditionally gorgeous safari tented River Rooms and River Suites to its chic, modern studio that's a converted container on steroids. Featuring locally sourced hand-made furniture, traditional Masai beading and sustainable everything, including a chemical-free natural swimming pool, this camp leads the way in its commitment to people and planet while sparing nothing to ensure a superlative, tailored and fully flexible guest experience. 

Scene 2: Enter the much-loved Saruni Mara in the Mara North Conservancy - a private slice of paradise outside the Masai Mara National Reserve (hint - the wildebeest and zebra don't know geography or recognise boundaries so they just wander through anyway). With five fab cottages, an elegant private villa and a super-duper family villa, you're on the money when it comes to somewhere to lay your head after final curtain call. 

Led by Masai guides, there's a plethora of activities to choose from during the beastie ball, from the ubiquitous game drives in search of stunning river crossings to more laid-back things like bush picnics, bush walks and the truly special Warriors Academy where guests get put through their paces by local morans (warriors) and learn about Masai culture and traditions along the way. Graduates even get certificates!

Act 2: The Serengeti...

Prelude: The migration moves in a big circle through the Serengeti. From November to March each year the herds are in the south, moving slowly north, reaching a peak there between June and October. It's a touring show, so the trick is to keep up with it!

Scene 1: We open with Ubuntu Migration Camp - a roving, expedition style operation that literally follows the herds throughout the year, basing itself in the south of the Serengeti from mid-November to mid-March each year before striking camp to move north, setting up camp there between June and October. 

The south of the Serengeti is where the wildebeest calf with thousands upon thousands of babies born within a few weeks of each other, filling the plains with little gnus. Of course, this means hors d'oeuvres aplenty for things like lions, cheetah and leopard, as well as hyena and painted wolves (African wild dogs). You won't get river crossings here, but there will be wall-to-wall wildebeest. 

The camp itself features 10 safari tents, one of which is a family tent, all with en-suites with bucket showers and flushing loos. Designed to be easily disassembled and moved without leaving a trace, it's about as authentic as it gets when it comes to a traditional East African safari. Positioned in the thick of the action, this really is an immersive migration experience.

Scene 2: The curtains open on Lamai Serengeti, elevated above the plains on a rocky outcrop, the views here are to die for as the herds file past from July to October each year on their way to meet their destiny at the Mara River and beyond. With eight fantabulous rooms designed to blend into their stunning environment, there's nowhere here that doesn't draw the eyes out to the endless cycle of life and death playing out in the savannah below.

Family friendly, Lamai Serengeti focuses on the migration experience, understanding that when you get millions of animals moving as one in an open environment, nothing is guaranteed or predictable and you need to expect the unexpected! This makes game drives exciting and completely flexible, offering up immersive and authentic migration experiences in the process. Expect maximum audience participation at this amazing little camp!

Curtain call...

If you want to experience the migration with us and guarantee your front-row seat to this amazing spectacle, with all the privileges a backstage pass provides, check out this amazing itinerary.... Then, all you have to do is either pick up the phone (you know, that thing grafted to your hand) or drop us an email (easy peasy - we've even provided a link for you!) Sooner is better than later as space fills up fast. So let's get the migration conversation started and get you packing.