In the heart of the Serengeti

Witnessing the magic of the great migration, which brings the Tanzanian plains to life every year, is an unforgettable experience.

Early spring heralds a unique moment in northern Tanzania. As the first rains fall on the endless plains of the Serengeti, almost two million animals gather to create the legendary spectacle of the Great Migration. Lions, leopards, chimpanzees, buffalo, wildebeest and zebras leave the Ngorongoro region for Kenya, on an over 3,000 km circular trek that will lead them back to their starting point in late autumn. The country's second-largest national park, the Serengeti covers more than 24,000 km², giving travellers a choice of where to stay depending on the time of year, ensuring a front row seat to this extraordinary spectacle, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Africa. This spring sees the addition of a new luxury lodge, the first under the Elewana hotel chain's Explorer label, renowned for its eco-responsible facilities in Tanzania and Kenya. Nestling in the hills at the western boundary of the park, it has 68 rooms and six suites (all with private balconies), a swimming pool and an art gallery. Built where the former Sopa Lodge once stood so as to minimise the impact on the ecosystem, the hotel offers uninterrupted views of the procession of herds that pass below between April and June. And it promises an immersive experience, even when not on safari: guests can dine in the bush, enjoy an open-air cinema or stargaze accompanied by an astronomer. Rooms start from 300 euros a night on a full-board basis.