Where Is The Best Place To See The Serengeti Migration: The wildebeest migration is without a doubt a mega movement involving over 2 million wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras as they embark on a journey of 1000s of kilometers in search of palatable pastures and water. This annual event takes a clockwise direction starting from the Southern Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, then the wildebeest return to Serengeti.
The Serengeti Migration, like the Mara crossing, is a unique safari experience in Africa. It is the prime reason why 1000s of tourists throng into the endless plains of Serengeti National Park each year. The circular movement also includes special events such as birthing or calving, a great opportunity for tourists to observe these mammals’ unique calves.
Where is the best place to see the Serengeti migration?
The Serengeti Migration is a remarkable highlight of all Tanzania safaris in the spectacular Serengeti National Park. In the endless plains of Serengeti, the best location to witness the wildebeest migration is the Kogatende area, located on the Northern side of the park. The Kogatende area migration is perfectly enjoyed from July, August, September, and October. But the peak months are July and August.
During the peak months, you won’t observe the powerful wildebeest migration alone, but also other wildlife, including the big 5 species, especially lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Usually, the wildebeest proceed northwards via the Ikorongo Game Reserve as they head to the Kogatende and Lamai along the Mara River banks.
Serengeti is the oldest park in Tanzania and also the most popular. The park is set in Northern Tanzania and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Serengeti National Park, tourists can witness one of the 7 wonders of the world –the Great Migration via different regions;
Serengeti is extensive, spanning over 14,763sq.km, and here is the breakdown of regions. 4 regions to consider for you to explore while on Tanzania safaris in Serengeti NP;
Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti and the Seronera River Valley should be a must-visit for exceptional wildlife viewing. These game viewing regions offer excellent sights all year-round. This region also provides an opportunity for tourists to observe the Great Migration while it migrates back to the South, especially between November and December.
The Grumeti & Western Corridor
Grumeti and Western Corridor are the perfect places to witness huge concentrations of wildebeest. They can be witnessed moving along the Grumeti River path, and this is the area where you can have the river crossing experience. The ideal period to enjoy great views of these mammals along the Grumeti and Western corridor is from May to June or mid-July.
North/Kogatende/Lamai/Lobo
The Northern Serengeti comes with exceptional campsites and is ideal for guests to observe the Great Migration. This is also perfect for walking tours or game drives. The Kogatende is best visited from July to October, which collides with the Great Migration season.
Southern Plains
The Southern Plains feature endless grassland and cover the Seronera and Ngorongoro Conservation. It is another great spot to observe the wildebeest migration. This region is best to visit from December to April, and guests stand a chance to witness the wildebeest as they give birth, especially around February.
Where to stay
Comfortable lodges to retire for the night in and around Serengeti NP include Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Melia Serengeti Lodge, AndBeyond Grumeti, Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Olakira Migration Camp, Four Seasons, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, Mara River Tented Camp, Dunia Camp, Singita Faru Faru Lodge, & Singita Sabora Tented Camp, etc.
Getting to Serengeti
By road, you can drive from Arusha to this park or connect from the Maasai Mara via the Isebania border. Or take a flight from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha to one of the airstrips in or around Serengeti N/Park. Access gates to this park include Ndabaka, Naabi Hill –main gates, Klein’s gate, and Bologonya gate.
