Best Places to Stay in Serengeti and See the Great Migration

Best Places to Stay in the Serengeti to See the Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass and water. This journey creates dramatic wildlife moments such as predator hunts, river crossings, and vast plains filled with animals.

Choosing the right place to stay in the Serengeti is very important. The migration moves throughout the year, so staying in the correct area at the correct time gives you the best chance to see it up close. This guide explains where to stay, when to go, and what type of accommodation is best, to help you plan the perfect safari.

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round movement of animals across northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. It is driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grazing land. The animals are always moving, but the location of the large herds changes every few months.

During the migration, you can witness:

·         Massive herds stretching as far as the eye can see

·         Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas hunting

·         Dangerous river crossings filled with crocodiles

·         Newborn calves during the calving season

Because the migration never stays in one place, choosing the right Serengeti region to stay in is key to seeing the action.

Best Areas to Stay by Season

Southern Serengeti – Ndutu Plains

Best Time: December to March

The Southern Serengeti, especially the Ndutu Plains, is one of the most important areas for the Great Migration during the early part of the year. This is the time when the migration arrives in the south because fresh grass grows after the short rains. The area becomes full of life, movement, and wildlife activity.

From January to February, the calving season begins. During this short period, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born. Many calves are born every day, often within just a few weeks. This creates one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the Serengeti.

Because there are so many young animals, predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas are very active. Hunting happens often, giving visitors a high chance of seeing predator action during game drives.

The Ndutu Plains are made up of wide, open grasslands with very few trees. This open landscape makes it easy to spot animals from far away and follow wildlife behavior without obstruction. The roads are also easier to drive, allowing for longer and more relaxed game drives.

Why stay here:

• Best place to see newborn wildebeest
During calving season, you can see thousands of newborn calves learning to walk, run, and stay close to their mothers. This is a rare and emotional wildlife experience that only happens in this area at this time of year.

• High predator activity due to easy hunting
Predators are drawn to the large number of young animals. Lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are seen hunting almost daily, making this one of the most action-filled safari areas.

• Flat landscapes with excellent visibility
The open plains allow you to see animals clearly and follow their movements easily. This makes game viewing and photography much easier, even for beginners.

• Ideal for photographers and first-time safari travelers
Good light, open spaces, and high animal numbers make this area perfect for photography. First-time travelers also enjoy the easy wildlife spotting and shorter driving distances.

Top places to stay:

1. Ndutu Safari Lodge
Ndutu Safari Lodge is a well-established lodge located close to key migration areas. It offers comfortable rooms, warm service, and experienced guides who understand animal behavior in the Ndutu region. Wildlife is often seen very close to the lodge, especially during calving season.

2. Lake Masek Tented Camp
Lake Masek Tented Camp is a classic tented camp set near Lake Masek, a seasonal lake that attracts many animals. The camp offers beautiful views, peaceful surroundings, and frequent wildlife sightings around the tents. It is a great choice for travelers who want comfort while staying close to nature.

Central Serengeti – Seronera Valley

Best Time: Year-round, especially May to June

The Central Serengeti, also known as the Seronera Valley, is the heart of Serengeti National Park. This area is famous for its permanent rivers and water sources, which attract animals throughout the year. Even when the Great Migration moves to other parts of the park, wildlife remains abundant in this region.

The Seronera River and nearby streams provide water during dry seasons, making this area a natural gathering point for animals. Because of this, visitors can enjoy consistent wildlife sightings no matter the month they travel.

This region is especially well known for its large population of big cats. Lions are often seen resting on rocks or hunting on the plains, while leopards are commonly spotted in trees along riverbanks. Cheetahs are also present in open areas, using the wide spaces to hunt.

Central Serengeti is an excellent choice for travelers who want a balanced safari experience. You can enjoy general wildlife viewing while still having a chance to see parts of the migration when it passes through the area, especially during May and June.

Why stay here:

• Excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year
Because of year-round water sources, animals stay in this region even during dry months. This makes it one of the most reliable areas for game drives at any time of year.

• High chance of seeing big cats, especially leopards
The Seronera Valley is one of the best places in Africa to see leopards. They are often found resting in trees near rivers, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.

• Central location makes it easy to explore many areas
Staying in central Serengeti allows easy access to southern, western, and northern regions. This is helpful if your safari includes several different areas.

• Good choice if travel dates are flexible
Since wildlife viewing is strong all year, this area works well for travelers who cannot plan their trip around the migration calendar.

Top places to stay:

1. Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large and well-established lodge built on a hill with wide panoramic views of the surrounding plains. It offers comfortable rooms, good facilities, and easy access to major game drive routes in the central Serengeti.

2. Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge is a popular mid-range option offering spacious tents with modern comforts. The lodge is well located for daily game drives and is known for friendly service and good value for money.

3. Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is a small and peaceful tented camp that focuses on personalized service and excellent guiding. It offers a more intimate safari experience and is perfect for travelers who prefer a quiet atmosphere while still enjoying top wildlife viewing.

Western Serengeti – Grumeti River Area

Best Time: May to July

The Western Serengeti becomes an important migration area when the wildebeest herds begin moving west and northwest in search of fresh grass. This usually happens between May and July, when the animals approach the Grumeti River, one of the main natural barriers on their journey.

At the Grumeti River, wildebeest and zebras must cross deep water where large Nile crocodiles wait. These river crossings are dramatic and exciting, with animals gathering along the riverbanks before making their move. Although the crossings are not as frequent as those at the Mara River in the north, they are often less crowded, offering a quieter and more exclusive safari experience.

The Western Serengeti has a very different look compared to other parts of the park. The area features thick woodlands, rolling hills, and riverine forests. These landscapes provide shade and water, attracting animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and many bird species. Hippos and crocodiles are commonly seen resting in the river throughout the day.

This region is ideal for travelers who want to see the migration while enjoying a more peaceful environment, away from the busier northern Serengeti.

Why stay here:

• Chance to see Grumeti River crossings
The Grumeti River crossings offer exciting wildlife moments as herds carefully choose when and where to cross. Watching this behavior gives a deeper understanding of the challenges animals face during the migration.

• Fewer safari vehicles compared to northern Serengeti
The Western Serengeti receives fewer visitors than the north, which means less traffic during game drives and a more private safari experience.

• Beautiful river scenery with hippos and crocodiles
The Grumeti River is home to large groups of hippos and massive crocodiles. The riverbanks are also scenic, making this area very enjoyable for photography and relaxed game drives.

• Good balance between migration viewing and comfort
Many lodges in this area offer high levels of comfort while still being close to migration routes, making it ideal for travelers who want both wildlife action and relaxation.

Top places to stay:

1. Grumeti River Lodge
Grumeti River Lodge is a luxury lodge located close to the river, allowing guests easy access to key migration crossing points. The lodge offers spacious rooms, excellent service, and beautiful views over the river and surrounding landscape.

2. &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
This lodge combines modern comfort with a strong focus on wildlife experiences. It is well known for professional guiding, stylish design, and close proximity to wildlife-rich areas along the river.

3. Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Singita Sabora Tented Camp is a high-end option located in a private concession near the Western Serengeti. It offers top-level service, privacy, and exclusive safari experiences, making it ideal for travelers seeking a premium and peaceful stay.

Northern Serengeti – Mara River Area

Best Time: July to October

The Northern Serengeti is the most famous region for witnessing the Mara River crossings, which are considered the most dramatic moments of the Great Migration. Between July and October, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras arrive at the riverbanks after long journeys across the plains.

Animals often gather at the river for several days, moving up and down the banks as they look for a safe place to cross. When the crossing finally happens, hundreds or even thousands of animals’ rush into the river at once. Strong currents, steep banks, and large crocodiles make these crossings intense and unforgettable to watch.

Unlike central Serengeti, the northern region is less developed, with fewer roads and fewer lodges. This creates a more remote and wild safari experience, where the landscape feels untouched and natural. The area is made up of open plains, rocky hills, and riverine vegetation, offering beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife viewing.

In addition to the migration, the Northern Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and hyenas. Predators follow the herds closely, increasing the chances of seeing hunting behavior during game drives.

Why stay here:

• Best place to see famous river crossings
The Mara River is the main crossing point of the migration. Staying nearby increases your chances of seeing multiple crossings during your visit.

• Large herds and strong predator presence
Thousands of animals gather in this area during the peak migration season, attracting predators and creating constant wildlife activity.

• Fewer lodges, creating a more exclusive safari feel
With fewer accommodations available, the Northern Serengeti feels less crowded, allowing for more private and peaceful game drives.

• Ideal for travelers focused on the migration only
If seeing the migration is your top priority, this area offers the best and most reliable experience during the peak season.

Top places to stay:

1. Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp is a high-quality tented camp located close to key Mara River crossing points. It offers spacious tents, excellent guiding, and quick access to migration activity during the peak season.

2. Nomad Lamai Serengeti
Nomad Lamai Serengeti is built on rocky hills overlooking the plains and the Mara River. The elevated location provides wide views, making it easier to spot migration herds and river crossings.

3. Serengeti River Camp
Serengeti River Camp is located very close to the Mara River, allowing guests to reach crossing points quickly. The camp offers comfortable accommodation and strong wildlife viewing opportunities.

4. Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge
Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is a comfortable lodge with a modern design, located in a wildlife-rich area of the Northern Serengeti. It offers excellent views, spacious rooms, and easy access to migration routes.

Types of Places to Stay in the Serengeti

Luxury Lodges

Luxury lodges are designed for travelers who want a high level of comfort while enjoying a safari in the wild. These lodges usually have large rooms or suites, private bathrooms with hot showers, comfortable beds, and well-prepared meals. Many luxury lodges also offer swimming pools, lounges, and viewing decks where guests can relax between game drives.

Service at luxury lodges is usually very high. Professional staff, experienced guides, and well-maintained safari vehicles make the experience smooth and enjoyable. Despite the comfort, these lodges are still located in excellent wildlife areas, so animals are often seen close to the property.

Tented Camps

Tented camps offer a more authentic safari feel while still providing comfort. Guests sleep in canvas tents, but these tents are spacious and well equipped. Inside, you will find real beds, private bathrooms, and often a small sitting area or veranda.

Tented camps are usually set in natural locations close to wildlife routes. You may hear lions roaring at night or see animals passing near the camp, which makes the experience exciting and memorable. Service is personal, and guides are often very knowledgeable about the local area.

Mobile Camps

Mobile camps are specially designed to move with the Great Migration. These camps change location several times a year so that guests can stay close to the herds as they move through the Serengeti.

The tents are comfortable and fully set up by professional teams. Even though the camps are mobile, they still offer proper beds, private bathrooms, and good meals. The main advantage of mobile camps is their location, as they are often placed right in the middle of migration areas.

Budget and Public Campsites

Budget and public campsites are the most affordable way to stay in the Serengeti. These options are simple and offer basic facilities such as shared bathrooms and simple sleeping areas. Some campsites allow guests to bring their own tents, while others offer basic permanent tents.

Although comfort is limited, these camps provide a real adventure experience. Staying at a budget campsite allows travelers to enjoy the Serengeti’s wildlife and landscapes at a lower cost, often under the stars.

Tips for Choosing Where to Stay

Choosing the right place to stay in the Serengeti is very important for having a successful safari and enjoying the Great Migration. Here are some detailed tips to help you make the best decision:

·         Choose your accommodation based on travel month, not just lodge name
The Serengeti changes throughout the year as the migration moves across different regions. Staying in the wrong area at the wrong time may mean missing the river crossings or calving season. Always check which region is best for your travel dates to maximize wildlife sightings.

·         Book early, especially for July to October migration season
The peak migration season attracts many travelers from around the world. Lodges and camps, especially luxury and mobile camps, fill up quickly. Booking months in advance ensures you get a place in your preferred location and with your preferred level of comfort.

·        Consider mobile camps if migration viewing is your top priority
Mobile camps move with the herds and allow you to stay closer to the action no matter where the migration is. If seeing large herds, river crossings, or predator activity is your main goal, mobile camps are often the best choice.

·         Ask about guide experience and game drive schedules
A knowledgeable guide can make the difference between a good safari and an amazing one. Ask about guides’ experience, their knowledge of wildlife behavior, and how game drives are organized. Guides often know where predators and migration herds are most active.

·         Balance comfort, location, and budget for the best experience
Some travelers prefer luxury lodges with high comfort, while others want to be closer to wildlife in tented or mobile camps. Consider your priorities, budget, and how much time you want to spend on game drives versus relaxing at the lodge. A well-chosen balance makes the safari more enjoyable and stress-free.

The Serengeti offers incredible places to stay throughout the year, but the best location depends on when you travel. Southern Serengeti is ideal for calving, central Serengeti is great year-round, western Serengeti offers quieter river crossings, and northern Serengeti is perfect for dramatic Mara River crossings.

By choosing the right area and accommodation, you increase your chances of seeing the Great Migration up close and enjoying one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world.

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