Tented safari camp set in exclusive Grumeti Reserve, overlooking Serengeti
Location: Ikoma Hills sits in a prime position within the private Grumeti Reserve, bordering the western edge of the Serengeti National Park. This quiet corner of northern Tanzania is known for its excellent wildlife and low visitor numbers, offering a more exclusive safari experience without sacrificing the scale and drama of the Serengeti ecosystem. The camp itself is perched on a scenic ridge, with panoramic views across open plains and woodlands that regularly attract elephant, giraffe, zebra, and more. It's also just a short drive from key migration routes, so guests have a good chance of seeing the Great Migration during the right months - but without the crowds you'd find in busier areas of the park.
Rooms: There are ten spacious tented suites at Ikoma Hills, all raised on wooden platforms and built to make the most of their elevated setting. Each has a private west-facing terrace, perfect for sunset views and wildlife spotting between drives. inside, the tents are simple but stylish - expect proper beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, and thoughtful touches that balance comfort with a strong sense of place. Some tents can be configured for families or groups, with triple and four-bed options available. The layout and setting of each tent gives guests both privacy and a real connection to the landscape.
Amenities: Despite its remote location, Ikoma Hills offers a very comfortable stay. There's a central lounge and dining area where guests gather for meals, drinks, and good conservation - all designed with an open, airy feel that brings the outside in. A small pool provides welcome relief during the heat of the day, while the campfire is the heart of the evenings, ideal for swapping stories under the stars. Solar power and local materials have been used throughout, giving the camp and eco-conscious edge without compromising on charm and functionality.
Activities: One of the great strengths of Ikoma Hills is the variety of activities on offer. Game drives are the main even, of course, with access to both Grumeti Reserve and the wider Serengeti. Being in a private reserve also means you can enjoy extras that aren't allowed in national parks - including night drives and guided bush walks, which give a completely different perspective on the landscape and its wildlife. Cultural visits to nearby communities can also be arranged, giving guests the chance to learn more about the people who live alongside the wildlife here.
Sustainability: Sustainability is a core part of Ikoma Hills' ethos. The camp was designed with a light footprint in mind, using solar energy, harvested rainwater, and locally sourced materials wherever possible. Its presence in the Grumeti Reserve also supports community-owned conservation - with a portion of every guest's stay contributing directly to local development and wildlife protection initiatives. The team is largely made up of staff from nearby villages, and the camp partners with several grassroots organisations to support education, healthcare, and livelihoods in the region. It's a model that aims to make tourism a long-tern benefit to both people and planet.
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When to visit Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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