Top 20 Places to Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa

Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Or do you enjoy going on safari tours in places like Tanzania in South Africa? Or, have you never experienced it before but really want to? Well, if yours is either of these cases, then we have curated a guide that is likely to help you out, with a list of the 20 best places you must stay at, if you want to witness this stunning phenomenon. One of the most intriguing species that form a part of the animals migrating during The Great Migration are the fierce wildebeests of Africa!

What is the Wildebeest Migration?

An extremely popular and sought after phenomenon among those who love or are interested in wildlife, is the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti- Mara ecosystem in Africa. Humongous herds of wildebeest take an annual, circular route, despite the lions who sit on hind paws waiting for prey, and the rivers that are full of ferocious crocodiles. The animals take this route, in search of the best food available, and cannot help doing this, despite the dangers that lurk in the jungles.

What is the best time to see the Wildebeest Migration?

Though it is almost common knowledge that it takes a full year for the animals to complete the migration, hence you may be able to see the animals during any time of the year but there are certain particular phenomena, which happen only during fixed times in the year. For instance:

• The Calving or Birthing Season lasts from February to March, mostly at Southern Serengeti.
• The Breeding Season lasts from April to May, mostly at Western and Central Serengeti.
• The Grumeti River Crossings can generally be spotted during May or June, around Central Serengeti

Best Places to See the Wildebeest Migration All Year Round

Here are some of the best places where you can stay, and your chances of spotting the wildebeest skyrocket significantly!

• Kichakani Serengeti Camp

Literally, the term ‘Kichakani’ refers to ‘in the bush’ in Swahili. This camp is based in two locations in northern as well as in southern Serengeti. Though the larger setting of the camp continues to be a vintage set up, certain modifications have been made in terms of design that the camp takes on a contemporary, modern vibe too. There is also a provision of gaming drives twice a day that are guided by experts.

• Serengeti Under Canvas:

A unique characteristic of this campi is its mobility, and this also gives a rather luxurious experience to those staying- with a private butler, and exquisite decor. This remains a brilliant alternative all year round for your stay.

Some places to stay to see the River Crossings include:

• Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

The camp is actually located on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, and residents can often spot hippo pods outside their tents. There is also a significant chance of one spotting the big pride lions, and hyenas while on one of the game drives.

• Singita Faru Faru Lodge

A unique aspect of this place is its location- it is built right on top of the hill overlooking the Grumeti river- which is a key spot for wildebeests. The camp also offers facilities like  spa, swimming pools and fitness centers, and amenities like babysitters can also be availed.

• Sayari Camp

This beautiful location is a prime option to view the Mara River Crossings, another important spot for wildebeest migration. A stunning attraction here is a solar powered brewery- which is a first of its kind- eco friendly as well as luxury facility, offering wine, beer and water.

• Kuria Hills Lodge

This is one of the most beautiful stay options available around the place, overlooking an absolutely gorgeous view from especially glass front tented suites, and are facilitated by private pools as well. This lodge is also located quite close to the MaraRiver Crossings, offering an exceptional view of the wild animals fiercely crossing the rivers.

• Lamai Serengeti Camp

This camp finds itself located just at the Serengeti plains, and once again, its proximity to the MaraRiver offers a spot on view of the wildebeest crossing the river plains. In addition to this,there are also a number of lions, leopards and some other wild beasts that can be viewed occasionally.

• Mara River Tented Camp

This camp derives most of its energy from solar power, and is the epitome of sustainable and eco friendly tourism. Of all the various places that offer a view of the Mara river, and therefore the migrating wild beasts, this place does it the best.

• Naboisho Camp:

In contrast to the previous options, this camp offers to its tourists a more quiet experience, away from the bustling crowds around the Mara river crossing. Some of the things it is extremely well known for include cheetah sightings and a chance to participate in a walking safari.

• Il Moran Camp

This stunning location offers an exclusive experience, and is one of the ten tents in the riverine forest where it is located. Interestingly, it is also located quite close to a spot usually used to launch the hot air balloon for hot air balloon safaris.

• Mahali Mzuri

This is perhaps one of the most secluded locations, offering a rather private experience, away from the majority of the tourists. An eco-friendly set up, it offers spectacular natural views, and yet is not devoid of any luxury amenities like a full fledged spa either.

• Rekero Camp

The wildebeest often pass by the Talek river every year, and the Rokero Camp is positioned just there, offering a lovely opportunity to be able to view the wildebeest,  While they are enroute in their migratory run. In addition to this, the location also offers Various opportunities for cheetah and leopard sightings.

• Angama Mara :

In terms of location, this particular spot probably wins! With its setting high up the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, the almost heavenly view it offers is unparalleled. If you want to enjoy a cozy picnic with your loved ones watching the serene sky, then this is your place!

• Sanctuary Olonana

Though the Mara river is generally dotted with camps that offer sightings of wildebeests, thai particular location is on a relatively private ledge of the river stretch. While it is a resort, it really doesn’t feel any less than a luxury apartment with its floor to ceiling windows that allow you to bask in natural light, as well as take in the beautiful view outside. This lodge also features short visits to the local Masaai village, which is not far from the location.

• Serengeti Bushtops

This beautiful lodge is your ideal option for the magnificent Serengeti Migration Safari. A unique feature about this establishment is that it is one of the very few permanent camps in northern Serengeti, and its location around the Mara river gives one the opportunity to witness the huge herds of wildebeests who are enroute migration.

Some recommended places to stay at during calving season include:

• Serengeti South Camp

This is a mobile camp that generally remains operational from around December to May each year. During the calving season of the Great Migration,animals like zebras and the wildebeest reproduce in large numbers, and at the same time, their ferocious predators lurk in the shadows. To say the least, the experience of staying at the Serengeti South Camp is one of the most thrilling around the place.

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge

A beautiful; lodge set amidst the lush greenery of its surroundings, is nothing short of a full fledged five star hotel. With all amenities available, a stunning collection of rooms and suites to choose from, and most importantly, a lot of occasional elephants dropping by the location occasionally, who could miss this!

• One Nature Nwaruswiga Camp

Quite the epitome of luxury, this camp allows you to enjoy a Wildebeest migration safari, and return to an almost luxury suite, with spectacular brass furnishing, cozy fireplaces and the best of architecture all round. It also features a jacuzzi, and the wildebeest safari you undertake here shall surely be a wonderful experience.

• Namiri Plains:

‘Originally, this camp had been shut down for almost two decades, so as to allow the cheetah population to revive,and today, it is one of the best locations to spot the same cheetah piercing its way through the wild. This camp too is not as crowded, and offers a rather quiet experience.

• Mwiba Lodge 

Set on the banks of the Arugusinyai River, this quiet place is often seen as maintaining the balance between local communities and their culture and the beasts of the wild. It is advised that you book a spot in advance, as every year the place is available to only a few visitors and tourists.

In Conclusion:

If you’ve wanted to watch the magnificent wildebeests of Africa in their most natural form, in their habitat, looking for a place with better food and crossing over great masses of land in huge numbers, then we have provided a whole list of options where you can stay and become a part of this thrilling experience. So don’t wait around, grab your phone and book a spot!