Places to Stay in Serengeti National Park: Where to Stay for the Wildebeest Migration

The Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Choosing the right place to stay is crucial to experiencing this natural wonder. Whether you prefer permanent lodges or mobile camps that follow the migration, the Serengeti offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a guide to the best places to stay in the Serengeti, tailored to the Serengeti wildebeest migration season.

Year-Round: Central Serengeti

The central Serengeti, particularly the Seronera River Valley, is a fantastic base for year-round game viewing. While no camp can guarantee migration sightings throughout the year, staying here allows you to explore the park in all directions. Full-day trips with picnic lunches and snacks will take you to the migration’s hotspots, whether it’s south, north, east, or west.

Top Camps in Central Serengeti:

• Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp: A luxurious tented camp with stunning views.
• Dunia Camp: Known for its all-female team and exceptional service.
• Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp: A blend of comfort and adventure.
• Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti: Offers a serene and intimate experience.
• One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti: Perfect for luxury seekers.
• Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge: A stylish and eco-friendly option.

For those venturing east, Namiri Plains and Lemala Nanyuki in the Eastern Serengeti also provide excellent game viewing opportunities.

Calving Season: January to April

From late January to early April, the Southern Serengeti, Ndutu area, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area become the stage for the wildebeest calving season. This is a time of abundance, with thousands of calves born and predators lurking nearby. Mobile camps dominate this region, relocating to the Northern Serengeti later in the year.

Top Camps for Calving Season:

• Sanctuary Kusini: A luxurious permanent camp with panoramic views.
• Mwiba Lodge: Offers exclusivity and luxury in a prime location.
• Lemala Ndutu Camp: A mobile camp close to the action.
• andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas: Moves with the migration for an immersive experience.
• Asilia’s Olakira, Ubuntu, and Kimondo Camps: Renowned for their prime locations and comfort.

Western Corridor: April to July

As the rains subside in late May, the Western Corridor comes alive with the migration. The Grumeti River is a key crossing point, offering dramatic scenes of wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters. Only a handful of lodges operate here, making it a more exclusive experience.

Top Camps in the Western Corridor:

• andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas: A mobile camp that follows the migration.
• Singita Faru Faru, Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Serengeti House: Luxurious and iconic lodges.
• Asilia’s Ubuntu Mobile Camp: A seasonal camp that sets up in the Western Corridor until July.

River Crossings: July to October

The Northern Serengeti is the place to be from July to October, as the herds cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara. This is one of the most dramatic phases of the migration, with thrilling river crossings and vast herds spread across the plains.

Top Camps in the Northern Serengeti:

• Olakira Migration Camp: A mobile camp with front-row seats to the action.
• Lemala Mara Camp: Offers luxury and proximity to the Mara River.
• Sayari Camp: Known for its stunning views and exceptional service.
• Singita Mara River Tented Camp: A luxurious option with prime riverfront locations.
• Serengeti Bushtops Camp: Combines luxury with unparalleled wildlife viewing.

For those venturing into Kenya’s Masai Mara, camps like Cottar’s 1920, Elewana Sand River Camp, and Angama Mara offer excellent opportunities to witness river crossings and enjoy private conservancy experiences.

Return South: October to December

As the rains begin, the herds start their journey back to the Southern Serengeti. The Eastern Serengeti is a great place to stay during this period, with excellent year-round game viewing.

Top Camps for the Return South:

• Lemala Nanyuki Camp: A mobile camp with a prime location.
• Ehlane Plains Camp: Offers a tranquil and immersive experience.
• Namiri Plains Camp: Known for its big cat sightings and remote setting.

The Serengeti offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences, from luxurious permanent lodges to authentic mobile camps that follow the migration. Whether you’re visiting during the calving season, river crossings, or the return south, there’s a perfect place to stay in the Serengeti. Plan your trip wisely to maximize your chances of witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Wildebeest Migration.