The thunderous hooves, the tension-filled pause before the plunge, the crocodile-infested waters below – witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration’s river crossings ranks among Africa’s most spectacular wildlife experiences.
For discerning safari enthusiasts who want to experience the raw drama of the migration without the crowds, there are alternative routes and hidden crossing points worth seeking out. Asilia camps make this possible by positioning guests strategically in less crowded areas where nature unfolds on its own terms, not on a tourist timetable.
Here are four lesser-known migration hotspots where you can witness the great river drama in relative tranquility.
Grumeti River, Western Serengeti – Late May to June
The crocodile-infested Grumeti River is one of the first obstacles wildebeest encounter on their Great Migration journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Yet this spectacular crossing point is often overshadowed by its more famous sister, the Mara River.
During the Great Migration, it’s common for around 30 to 80 safari vehicles to congregate at crossing points along the Mara River, but Grumeti’s banks typically see significantly fewer. This remoteness of the western corridor means you’ll not only have a good view of the action, but there will generally be fewer crowds.
The Grumeti River crossings typically occur between May and July, with the peak action taking place as herds migrate from the central Serengeti towards the northern regions. Although increasingly unpredictable, the marching column of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope crosses the Grumeti River at the end of the wet season, when sporadic rains are predicted, which may impact roadways but also provides the lush conditions that entice the herds forward.
What makes it special: The western corridor is 50 kilometers long and comprises vast savannah grasslands, riverine woodlands, undulating hills, and shaded acacia groves. Because of its remoteness, this section of the Serengeti is rarely visited. This river is not nearly as deep as the Mara River to the north, and its banks are not as steep, allowing animals to cross quite quickly. This does not diminish the noise and drama of the spectacle in the least.
Where to stay: Dunia Camp offers a truly magical migration experience. Not only is the camp run by an all-female team, but its location is also perfect for year-round wildlife viewing.
Kogatende Sector, Northern Serengeti – July to October
The northern Serengeti, including Kogatende, is undeniably busy during peak migration season – this is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences on Earth. However, while you’ll certainly encounter other vehicles during game drives, Asilia’s expert guides posses exceptional knowledge of the area and deliberately avoid the busier, more frequently used crossing sites to create a more exclusive and private migration experience.
Crossing points are numbered from 1 to 10, and numbers 4, 7, and 10 are the most popular, while the many smaller crossing points see less traffic.
What makes it special: Kogatende is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and giraffes. The area is less crowded, allowing for intimate game viewing experiences. This sector of the park is also home to the greatest concentration of elephants in the Serengeti.
Where to stay: Sayari Camp is an award-winning boutique camp that also offers exclusive-use accommodation for small groups or families at The Retreats at Sayari. An ideal safari spot all year round, Sayari is perfectly positioned as a top option for witnessing the migration.
Lamai Wedge, Northern Serengeti – August to September
The Lamai Wedge is a triangular-shaped region situated in the northern Serengeti, located between the Mara River and the Maasai Mara. The spit of savannah is isolated from the rest of the park by the Mara River, with just one tiny seasonal bridge providing access. It remains one of the most secluded and uncrowded areas of the Serengeti.
This hidden gem offers some of the most exclusive migration viewing in East Africa. The Lamai Wedge’s isolation – accessible only via a tiny seasonal bridge – means significantly fewer vehicles compete for viewing positions during crossing events.
What makes it special: With so few lodges within the area, Lamai offers a feeling of isolation and exclusivity. Crossings happen with little warning and minimal visitor presence, making it ideal for photographic safaris in relative privacy.
Where to stay: From June to Mid-November, Ubuntu Migration Camp is situated on the Lamai Wedge offering a stay in the heart of the action.
Eastern Serengeti – Namiri Plains – Year-Round Big Cat Drama
While not a river crossing site, Namiri Plains offers a migration-adjacent safari without the chaos, located in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti, where the grasslands have remained closed to tourism for 20 years to help the cheetah population thrive.
From late October, the migration typically begins its southward movement, passing through Namiri Plains and encompassing the surrounding area with over a million wildebeest. From November to January, the grasslands around Namiri burst with newly sprouted grass following the rains, which attract large herds.
What makes it special: With the nearest other camps about an hour’s drive away, you’ll see incredible amounts of wildlife here and feel as though you have the area all to yourself. In fact, from 1985 to 2014, no safari camps or lodges were allowed in the area due to a conservation research project. This means you can witness wildebeest herds, calving action (January – March), and predator-prey interactions in a vast, under-visited area. It is now one of the most densely populated areas for cheetahs in the country.
Where to stay: Namiri Plains offers elegant exclusivity with year-round cat action and seasonal migration sightings.
Why Choose A Wildebeest Migration Hidden Crossing Spot for your African Safari
These lesser-known crossing points allow you to experience the migration as nature intended – wild, unpredictable, and unencumbered by other tourists. Photographers can delight in the unobstructed views and the ability to move or change location without having to battle other vehicles. If this isn’t your first migration safari, even more reason to choose these hidden crossing spots for a different perspective of this incredible phenomenon.
Top Tips on Planning a Crowd-Free Migration Safari with Asilia
- Timing is everything. Work with our safari experts to time your visit for early or late migration windows when vehicle traffic is lighter. If you want to see a river crossing, try for mid-to-late May to avoid any lingering showers towards the end of the rainy season in Grumeti, or consider the shoulder seasons, such as late February in the south and mid-October in the north.
- Follow the herds, avoid the crowds. Mobile camps, such as Ubuntu and Olakira, move strategically throughout the year, ensuring you’re positioned near the action while avoiding the congested Serengeti areas.
- Mix classic and offbeat locations. Pair migration hotspots, such as the Lamai Wedge, with year-round big cat destinations like Namiri Plains for a comprehensive safari that combines iconic wildlife moments with exclusive wilderness experiences.
Recommended Migration Safari Itinerary
If you’re after a high-action Migration adventure, we have two itineraries set in the Northern Serengeti that offer you the chance to witness this epic phenomenon. Embark on this safari outside of peak migration season for an equally magical and no less memorable experience.
Like all our itineraries, these are entirely customisable to your desires. Chat with our Safari Experts to get started with your planning.
The Great Migration Adventure is a 7-day journey through some of Northern Tanzania’s most iconic locations – flurries of flamingos at Lake Manyara, Big 5 sightings in Ngorongoro, and migration moments in the Serengeti.
Northern Tanzania Explored offers the chance to explore Tarangire’s lush landscape before heading into the Ngorongoro Crater for epic wildlife sightings. The savannah’s plains await your Serengeti migration experience to round off your safari
The migration is about so much more than busy river crossings. Experience the quieter side of the crossings or other equally spectacular seasons of this incredible phenomenon. Let us help you plan your off-the-beaten-path migration adventure.
