Where To Stay In The Serengeti For A Great Migration Safari?
Every year, nature stages a massive migration of ungulates in the Serengeti ecosystem. This natural event features over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras and gazelles, which move from the south to the north in their relentless quest for greener grazing grounds. For most nature lovers, this event is a must-see.
Choosing the right place to stay for your migration safari can make all the difference: a place where you can watch large herds moving from your private deck. In this article, we’ll feature the best places to stay to see the Great Migration up close.
The wildebeest migration features a series of notable events – starting from the calving season to the Mara River crossings, and the peak. Each of these events happens in a certain location.
For instance, the calving season happens in the southern Serengeti while the Mara River crossings take place in the Northern Serengeti. We will feature the best accommodations for trekking the wildebeest.
But first, let’s start with the concept of mobile camps. As their name suggests, these camps move from one place to another following migrating herds. They move next to the herd. We’ve carefully picked six of them. Let’s explore.
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
This is one of the finest collections by the luxurious brand, &Beyond. It features nine spacious tents, including a family tent. Each of these tents has en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah from which you can view the migrating herds. The camp changes location five times a year. Here are some notable locations.
- December to March – Southern Serengeti. To watch the calving season.
- April to June – Western Serengeti. To view the Grumeti River crossings.
- July to November – Northern Serengeti. To witness the Mara River crossings.
Olakira Migration Camp
This is a luxurious mobile camp by Asilia, moving from the north to the south. In the north, this camp features 12 tents – that’s 10 tents and 2 family tents when it’s in the north. As it relocates south, it features 9 tents and one family tent. It moves twice a year. It closes in April, May, and November every year. Here are notable locations:
- June to October – Northern Serengeti.
- December to March – Southern Serengeti.
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
Another best spot to stay for a front-row seat to watch the Great Migration. As it claims, it never settles for less; Serengeti Safari Camp relocates four to five times a year to trek the wildebeest migration. With just six tents, this camp promises privacy and intimacy.
- January to March – Southern Serengeti.
- April to May – Central Serengeti
- June – Western Serengeti
- July to October – Northern Serengeti
- November to December – On the move to the south.
Ubuntu Migration Camp
This camp offers one of the best safari experiences, especially when it comes to trekking the wildebeest migration. With its ten tents (including one family tent), Ubuntu moves twice a year and finds remote regions where a few safari vehicles have been.
- June to mid-November – Lamai Wedge (Northern Serengeti).
- Mid-December to mid-March – Kusini (Southern Serengeti).
Nyikani Migration Camp
Featuring twelve tents (each with an en-suite bathroom), Nyikani Camp moves twice a year. The camp offers a unique experience with the wildebeest migration. The camp welcomes family vacationers in its one family tent. Here’s its seasonality:
- December to early April – Northern Serengeti
- Late May to late November – Ndutu
Ndutu Under Canvas
This camp brings guests close to the wildebeest migration. It relocated three times to different locations. Between December and March, it is situated between the central and southern regions. For the rest of the year, it moves to follow the wildebeest migration. You can stay in one of its 10 tents or its one family tent if you’ve come with your family.
- December to March – Southern Plains (Ndutu)
- June to July – East Corridor
- August to November – Northern Serengeti
Permanent places to stay.
We should admit that Serengeti has countless options or places to stay. Apart from these mobile camps, you can stay in permanent camps and lodges. Here are some of our favorite lodges and camps.
Southern Serengeti
- Sanctuary Kusini Camp
- Mwiba Lodge
- Lake Ndutu Luxury Camp
Central Serengeti
- Dunia Camp
- The Four Seasons Serengeti
- Serengeti Wild Camp
Western Serengeti
- &Beyond Grumeti River Lodge
- Singita Sasakwa Lodge
- Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge
- Sayari Camp
- Serengeti Bushtops
- Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
The bottom line.
There are plenty of mobile camps that move with the Great Migration. You can pick something that resonates with you. Our expert safari planners can help you pick the right accommodation based on your budget.
