Best places to stay during a migration safari in East Africa

With around two million animals traversing 3,000 kilometres across East Africa, the Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most exhilarating wildlife spectacles on Earth. Huge herds of wildebeest and zebras, accompanied by tens of thousands of zebra, eland and Thompson’s gazelle make their way from the Serengeti plains into the Maasai Mara National Reserve. They’re followed in hot pursuit by opportunistic predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs looking to benefit from this bounty. 
 

In addition to the sheer number of animals on the move, the Great Wildebeest Migration offers incredible wildlife scenes, including newborn calves taking their first steps and animals being dragged into rivers by crocodiles. Backed by the spectacular landscapes of Tanzania and Kenya, it truly is a photographer’s dream. 

With nature determining the schedule as the herds follow the rains, the movement of the migration is not set in stone. Aside from the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, it also encompasses a number of private wildlife reserves and conservancies along the Tanzania/Kenya border. While this makes being in the right place at the right time tricky, the good news is that the migration is a year-round event, so the action is always taking place somewhere. 
 

To help you determine the best place to base yourself for a migration safari in East Africa, we’ve put together this guide, including what you can see and experience at different times of the year. 

When to see the Great Wildebeest Migration

During January and February, the wildebeest assemble on the lush plains of the Southern Serengeti to give birth to their calves. If you want to see predatory action as lions, cheetahs and other carnivores prey on the newborns, then January to March is the best time to visit the region. This is also an ideal time to witness the animals rutting, with males battling it out to secure mates amidst all the sexual excitement. 
 

Around April, the herds begin moving north from the Southern Serengeti and the western highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing through the famous lion territory of the Simba Kopjes. After traversing the Moru Kopjes and Seronera in the Central Serengeti, they then move through the rocky kopjes of the Western Corridor. 

In May, the herds begin to congregate on the banks of the Grumeti River, readying themselves to cross this crocodile-infested body of water. Some of the animals will head north from here through the Grumeti Reserve and the Ikorongo Controlled Area while others will head east through the open woodlands of the Northern Serengeti. 

July through to September is the best time to see the legendary Mara River crossing as the herds pass from the Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Those that arrive safely in the Maasai Mara will graze throughout October before making the return journey south, reaching the Seronera area around November and the Southern Serengeti plains in December. 
 

It’s important to keep in mind that this is a guide only for planning your migration safari in East Africa, as the herds can spread out significantly and don’t always arrive at the river crossings on schedule. Sometimes they’ll stay in one place a little longer (depending on rainfall) or even backtrack on themselves!
 

Best accommodation to experience the migration’s calving season (December to March)

Four Seasons Serengeti

Ideal for first-timers due to its resort-like feel, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is a family-friendly option that boasts sweeping views across the vast savannah of the wildlife-rich Seronera area. It offers daily game-drives to experience all the action taking place in the surrounding region, as well as an on-site fitness centre, a sparkling swimming pool and a full-service spa where you can relax during the heat of the day. 

One Nature Nyaruswiga Camp

In the heart of the Central Serengeti, One Nature Nyaruswiga is an ultra-luxurious camp that nestles in a valley traversed by the annual migration. Its upscale tented suites boast wood-burning fireplaces and elegant furnishings while the camp’s plunge pool and jacuzzi invite you to refresh at the end of the day. 

Mwiba Lodge

Nestled amidst massive boulders on the Arugusinyai River, Mwiba Lodge lies in the heart of the Southern Serengeti and provides the perfect setting for watching the herds rear their young. There are just eight suites that have been designed to blend in with the natural environs, which can be explored on daily game drives, safari walks and kid-friendly bush excursions. 

Best accommodation to see the Grumeti River crossing (May to July)

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Overlooking the Grumeti River within a private game reserve, Singita Faru Faru Lodge offers a front-row seat for your migration safari in East Africa. It features nine traditionally-designed suites that boast panoramic glass windows, as well as a fitness centre and a spa where you can relax when you’re not out game driving or visiting local villages. 
 

&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

Situated on a tributary of the Grumeti River, the &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is a fantastic base for watching the herds attempt to make the precarious river crossing. It’s also one of the few areas in Tanzania where you can see black and white colobus monkeys and is on the doorstep of a hippo pool where you can watch these animals wallowing at dusk.
 

Best accommodation to see the Mara River crossing (July to September)

Sayari Tented Camp

Based in the remote Northern Serengeti, this award-winning camp offers easy access to the migration’s Mara River crossing. The luxurious tented suites are framed by natural rock formations and the volcanic peak of Turner Hill, with the rim-flow swimming pool offering regular sightings of elephants lumbering by. 

Lamai Serengeti Camp

Offering jaw-dropping views from its naturally-inspired rooms, the Lamai Serengeti Camp nestles between the rocky outcrops of Kogakuria Kopje. It lies on the migration’s route through the Northern Serengeti, with daily game drives easily accessing all the action along the banks of the Mara River.

Serengeti Bushtops

Boasting a magical setting near the Mara River, this luxury tented camp boasts a prime position for experiencing the action-packed river crossing. It consists of 14 gorgeous tents that offer private hot tubs and 24-hour butler service, accompanied by gourmet cuisine and superb wines served under the stars. 

Angama Mara

Positioned high above the Great Rift Valley on the Ololoolo Escarpment, Angama Mara translates as “suspended in mid-air” and offers unparalleled views across the plains of the Maasai Mara. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows feature in its 15 tented suites while romantic picnics are offered in the exact spot featured on the “Out of Africa” movie poster. Game drives, walking safaris and hot air balloon rides are all offered for experiencing the migration in action. 

Best accommodation for year-round migration action

Roving Bushtops Tented Camp

With just six luxuriously-designed tents and 24-hour butler service, the Roving Bushtops Tented Camp is a unique mobile camp that moves between the Seronera region of the Central Serengeti and Kusini in the far south. Its Seronera base is ideally positioned to watch the herds travelling north in June/July and returning south in October/November before decamping and moving to Kusini where the wildebeest give birth to their young.

Serengeti Under Canvas

With just nine luxurious tents, Serengeti Under Canvas is a mobile camp that moves five times throughout the year to follow the Great Wildebeest Migration. You’ll be as close to all the action as is possible, complete with chandeliers, plush beds and a private butler service. No roughing it here on your migration safari in East Africa!