Where to Stay to See the Great Wildebeest Migration

January 7, 2025

Where to Stay to See the Great Wildebeest Migration

Where to Stay to See the Great Wildebeest Migration: An ancient natural phenomenon, the Great Migration predates the land itself. Approximately 2 million animals embark on a daring 3,000-kilometer (1,900-mile) journey each year, following the rains. Continue reading this article to know the best places to stay to see the wildebeest migration

One of the primary reasons so many tourists take an annual safari during the Wildebeest Migration is the drama, which is truly epic in scope. Being present at one of the well-known river crossings is similar to being in a live National Geographic documentary. Giant herds of grunting gnus leap from the banks into the water, thundering across the river as they dodge crocs the size of dinosaurs. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing displays of Mother Nature.

That is our area of expertise. Since 1998, thousands of travellers have been able to witness the Great Migration by booking custom trips with Kenya safari tours to the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest locations to stay to help you witness the Wildebeest Migration at the ideal time and location. However, it’s crucial to understand that the ideal time to go on a Migration safari depends on what you want to see and experience before we take a closer look at these opulent Kenya safari lodges and camps. Below are the best places to stay to see the wildebeest migration

Kichakani Serengeti Camp

Kichakani, which means “in the bush” in Swahili, is a five-star mobile camp situated in two predetermined areas of the southern and northern Serengeti. With a blend of modern and vintage elements, the camp’s evocative style pays homage to the early explorers of safari’s golden age. With their wooden decks and private bathrooms, the tents are elegant and cosy.

As they follow the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti, Kichakani have minimal environmental impact because of their mobility.

Serengeti Under Canvas

Five times a year, this movable camp follows the paths taken by the wildebeest migration. Featuring just nine tents in exclusive campsites with breathtaking views of the wilderness, Serengeti Under Canvas maintains an intimate atmosphere. But you won’t be roughing it at all—don’t let the idea of the untamed outdoors deceive you. This is the pinnacle of luxury mobile camping, with flush toilets, chandeliers, silverware, cosy beds with fluffy duvets and a private butler service.

Elevate your Serengeti Migration safari with handcrafted rugs and polished brass samovars.

Serengeti South Camp

A mobile camp, Serengeti South Camp is open from December to May every year. It is situated on the southernmost tip of the short grass plains of the Serengeti. That being said, the area reaches its peak from January through March. During the Great Migration’s calving season, when the roving zebra and wildebeest give birth to about a quarter of a million babies, it’s a vital rest stop. Of course, opportunistic predators are never too far away from areas rich in vulnerable and simple prey.

Serengeti South Camp offers some of the most exciting game viewing around.

Four Seasons Safari lodges

Four Seasons Safari Lodge, elegantly situated atop a series of raised platforms and walkways, is the closest thing you’ll find to a five-star bush hotel. Select from an array of exquisitely furnished rooms, suites, and villas that are brimming with every luxury possible.

The rooms with private balconies that face the animal watering hole adjacent to the lodge are our favourites because you can watch a herd of elephants sip on their morning beverages while you relax on your own.

One Nature Nyaruswiga Camp

The location of this opulent safari camp in the Serengeti’s heart is ideal. The luxurious tented suites are incredibly exquisite, with pillars made of African eucalyptus wood, wood-burning fireplaces, and exquisite brass furnishings.

At One Nature Nyaruswiga Camp, you’ll undoubtedly feel like royalty while taking a once-in-a-lifetime Serengeti Migration safari.

Namiri Plains

The seclusion of the eastern Serengeti, where this opulent tented camp is located, allowed the cheetah population to recover during 20 years of closure to tourism. Presently, it serves as a refuge for these agile felines and an incredible location to witness the swiftest terrestrial creature on Earth pursue its quarry. Being home to permanent underground water sources, the region is also one of the few in the eastern Serengeti with excellent game viewing.

With amazing reports of seeing lions, cheetahs, and leopards in the area, Namiri, a Swahili word meaning “big cat,” very much lives up to its name.

Mwiba Lodge

In a private game reserve that borders the southern Serengeti, this elegant retreat offers views over a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. Look no further than Mwiba if you’re searching for a serene and uncrowded Serengeti Migration experience.

Only a select few visitors can access the reserve.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Faru Faru Lodge is just one more achievement for the luxury brand Singita, which is already known for its magnificence. Nestled in a private game reserve next to the Grumeti River, Singita Faru Faru provides breathtaking views of the river and luxurious accommodations for all kinds of wildlife.

Swarovski telescopes help you spot wildlife on the endless plains, and air-conditioned suites with large panoramic windows let you enjoy the views without getting out of bed.

Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

The Grumeti River tributary, where the Wildebeest Migration river crossings take place between May and July, is where this camp is situated. Each of the safari-chic tents has a private veranda facing the river and its seasonal pools, which are a favourite hangout for the rowdy hippos.

Large lion prides are another feature of the region; chances are good that you will be the only person witnessing one of these prides in this secluded section of the Serengeti.

Sayari Camp

This opulent camp is situated in the northern Serengeti and offers an excellent vantage point to see the roaring crossings of the Mara River by the Wildebeest Migration, which is plagued by crocodiles. The rim-flow pool is the ideal spot to take in the breathtaking views from the camp; you might even spot a few elephants strolling by.

Sayari offers large tented suites with walk-in showers, generous bathtubs, and mahogany floors that are perfect for afternoon reading with a book from the camp’s well-stocked library.

Kuria Hills Lodge

Situated in the secluded Wogakuria Hills of the northern Serengeti, this lodge epitomises safari elegance with its modern architecture. The area is very picturesque, with tree-lined streams and open forests that draw a wide range of wildlife all year long.

Kuria Hills Lodge is located near the Mara River, which serves as both the natural border between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara and the crossing point for the dangerous river crossings used by the wildebeest migration.

Mara River Tented Camp

The Singita stable boasts another amazing property, Mara River Tented Camp, which is the epitome of sustainable tourism. With its custom-built solar system providing all power, this off-grid camp eliminates the need for non-biodegradable materials and wasteful energy use.

Its position in the Lamai Triangle of the Serengeti also offers year-round great game viewing and front-row seats to the spectacle of the Migration’s river crossings.

Serengeti Bushtops

This five-star paradise, where you can return after witnessing thousands of wildebeest thunder across the Mara River, is the perfect starting point for an exciting Serengeti Migration safari. Enjoy the glorious cuisine, excellent wines, and attentive service at Bushtops while you soak away the dust in your private hot tub and watch the sunset over the African sky, painting it in shades of amber.

Enjoy a memorable evening in the woods with a drink of your choice and stargazing while sipping your beverage and hearing the guides’ anecdotes of mischief.

Sanctuary Olonana

This stunning safari lodge blends traditional Maasai building techniques like stone walls and mudding with modern architecture. It elevates Sanctuary Olonana above other eco-lodges in Africa while also lending warmth and character to the property. The suites are exceptionally large and exquisitely designed, featuring carefully chosen hues, intricate patterns, patterned prints, Edison bulb pendant lights, and hand-crafted Maasai spears.

The lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to a terrace with amazing river views and first-row seats for the daily soap opera featuring hippopotamuses. Then there is the meal.

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is among the best places to stay to see the wildebeest migration. The address is everything. It may even have one of the best locations in Kenya. Put yourself in Meryl Streep and Robert Redford’s shoes and enjoy a classic picnic for two on the rocky kopje known as the “Out of Africa.”

Aside from the breathtaking view, Maasai blankets, cosy cushions, sparkling wine, and delectable snacks will give your Masai Mara Migration safari a whole new dimension.

Rekero camp

Rekero Camp is ideally situated next to a major crossing where the annual wildebeest migration crosses the Talek River. An “armchair safari” takes on an entirely new meaning when you witness this risky mission from the comfort of your riverbank tent. However, Rekero’s game drives are equally satisfying.

On your daily drives, you may witness cheetahs, leopards, and elephants in addition to the region’s renowned high concentration of lions, which includes the Rekero pride that calls the area home.

Mahali Mzuri

It is, a luxurious tented camp situated in a private conservancy close to the Masai Mara National Reserve, and is a component of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition. Mahali Mzuri, created in collaboration with the indigenous Maasai tribes, is positioned to provide exceptional game viewing and highlight the captivating landscape of the conservancy while also having a low environmental impact.