It’s one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets – a seasonal movement of mammals in the legendary Kruger National Park that’s known as the “mini migration”. It happens every year, between May and the middle of July, and sees thousands of animals instinctively move south-east in search of the lush grazing offered by the basalt savannahs around Satara and the open grasslands of Lower Sabie’s Mondolozi Plains.
With the arrival of seasonal rains in South Africa’s spring, this movement reverses and herds return northwards, feeding on nutrient-packed fresh grass shoots as they go.
The south-eastern movement is a phenomenon that coincides with the operation of two luxury seasonal tented camps operated by Kruger Untamed – one of the newest safari brands in Southern Africa.
Opening on 1 May and operating until 30 September each year, Satara Plains Camp and Tshokwane River Camp offer front row seats to this “secret” mass movement of wildlife that sees large numbers of buffalo, elephant and general plains game mirror the Great Migration of East Africa, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Located close to Kruger’s Satara Rest Camp on the banks of the seasonal Mavumbye River, Satara Plains Camp is in the thick of the action. With a natural spring that holds water year-round, this area acts as a magnet for the migrating herds, ensuring unforgettable game-viewing experiences.
“It’s no surprise that Satara boasts one of the highest lion populations in Southern Africa — where prey gathers, predators follow,” says Kruger Untamed’s Alex van den Heever.
Tshokwane River Camp enjoys an enviable position near the iconic Tshokwane picnic spot, on Ripape River which is dry during the winter months. It too enjoys unrivalled game viewing opportunities during this period.
Beyond the wildlife spectacle, both Kruger Untamed Camps provide a deeply immersive and conservation-focused safari experience. Expert guides and trackers, many with decades of experience, bring the wilderness to life with their intimate knowledge of animal behaviour, local ecology, and the delicate balance of the extraordinary ecosystems that each camp offers access to.
Both Satara Plains Camp and Tshokwane River Camp offer 15 luxuriously appointed double tents, each with their own en-suite bathrooms complete with traditional bucket showers and all mod cons. The camps are able to expand to 30 tents each to accommodate exclusive groups and special events.
If you would like to experience the mini migration with Kruger Untamed, please contact the reservations team by email on reservations@krugeruntamed.com or phone 013 591 6004.
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