The Best Camps for the Great Migration

From about July to November, the Great Migration passes through the Greater Masai Mara region of southern Kenya.

The famed Masai Mara National Reserve needs no introduction. It’s 1,500km² are densely populated with wildlife throughout the year, but even more so between mid-June and November each year when the vast herds of migrating wildebeest make their appearance in their quest for greener grazing.

It is at this stage in the migration route that the wildebeest gallop bravely across the Mara River, teeming with hungry crocodiles and making for some nail-biting viewing. In Kenya, guests of Rekero in the Masai Mara National Reserve can watch wildebeest crossing the Grumeti river right in front of camp. Nearby in neighbouring Naboisho Conservancy, Naboisho Camp and Encounter Mara provide additional excellent options for where to stay.

From approximately November/December to March each year, the Great Migration makes its way southwards along the eastern edge of the park before settling in the south for calving season.

Eastern Serengeti, Tanzania

Just like the south, the rains bring new life to the Eastern (Namiri) Plains of the Serengeti and the dry savannah is transformed into a carpet of fresh, green grass drawing the great herds of wildebeest. The plains become the centre stage for explosive action as big cats feast on the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest that stretch as far as the eye can see. Namiri Plains lies on the eastern edge of the Serengeti in prime position to watch the action unfold.

Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

The vast grassland plains of the Southern Serengeti are the favoured birthing grounds of the migrating wildebeest. With the new addition of vulnerable calves, predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah are not far behind to prey on the numerous newborns.

The herds and calves move as far south as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (but not within the Crater itself) to graze on the lush new grass of the plains. Asilia's migration camps Olakira and Ubuntu are positioned in the south to provide close proximity to both predators and prey.

Once calving season is over, the wildebeest begin to make their way northwards towards the central Serengeti, as well as westerly, generally moving slowly towards the Masai Mara.

Western Serengeti, Tanzania

The Western Corridor of the Serengeti is a narrow strip of lush grassland that stretches almost all the way to Lake Victoria. During this stage of the migration, the wildebeest move slowly through this region, grazing and tending their newborns. There are two rivers in this region — the Grumeti and the Mbalageti — that the wildebeest will cross on their way northward to the Masai Mara.

Central Serengeti, Tanzania

The golden grass plains of the Central Serengeti play host to the Great Migration twice per year as the great herds make their way through across the savannah in search of fresh grass. In May/June and November/December, hundreds and thousands of wildebeest and accompanying zebra, topi and gazelle pass through the region (and virtually the doorstep of Dunia Camp.

The second half of the year provides one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences to be witnessed: river crossings.

Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

From mid-June to November, the great herds of wildebeest gather on the banks of the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti, ready to brave the crocodile-infested waters and hungry predators on the other side. Dramatic, exciting and chaotic game viewing awaits as the wildebeest thunder across in the millions and the northern Serengeti is transformed into a pulsing hub of activity. Sayari camp, situated near the Tanzanian side of the Mara river, is a great choice for accommodation at this time of year, as are our migration camps Olakira and Ubuntu.