WHERE TO STAY IN THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK AND GUIDE TO SERENGETI SAFARI LODGES AND CAMPS
Serengeti National Park Lodges: Serengeti National Park is arguably Tanzania’s most visited tourist attraction which draws tens of thousands of tourists from around the world annually.
The Serengeti is a massive park made up of different accommodation options which offer different experiences in relation to the migration calendar.
When planning your Serengeti safari, choosing the right accommodation can be over whelming as different migration seasons call for different accommodation options in different park regions.
A lodge that commands large sums of money during the river crossing season is not worth your time during the calving season and a luxury lodge can become affordable during the rainy season
Here is our ultimate guide to the many Serengeti safari lodges and camps you can choose for your ultimate Tanzanian great Wildebeest Migration safari in Serengeti. We bring you the best accommodation options in terms of best lodges, camps and hotels to stay in on your Serengeti safari from Budget, Mid-Luxury and Luxury
Below is a region by region guide on where to stay during the different great migration seasons of the year
January – March: Ndutu Region
The Ndutu region lies in the southern Serengeti and is home to the Wildebeest Migration’s calving season. It lies between both Serengeti National park and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas. During this period, tens of thousands of young Wildebeest are born and predators look to pick off an easy meal in the green and verdant expanses of this gorgeous corner of the park.
Camping is not possible in Ndutu region and lodges in the Ndutu region tend to be seasonal, closing their doors from April until October of each year.
Budget Lodges
Due to the seasonal nature of the region, there are no public campsites available in either the Serengeti or Ngorongoro sides of Ndutu.
Medium Cost Lodges and Camps
Kenzan Ndutu(Recommended for budget travelers)
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Kati Kati Ndutu
Kirurumu Ndutu
Luxury Lodges and Camps in Ndutu
Ndutu Under Canvas
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Sanctuary Kusini
Angata Migration Camp Ndutu
April – May: Grumeti/Western Corridor
During the Months of April and May which are traditionally the rainy season in Tanzania, the best viewing can be found in Grumeti region of the Serengeti and the season presents a unique opportunity for tourists to experience luxury lodges at a discounted price. The Months are wet and therefore not recommended for Camping
Where to Stay in the Western Corridor (April and May)
Budget Lodges in the Western Serengeti
Due to the seasonal nature of the region and the fact it is most popular during the rainy season, camping is not a possibility in the Grumeti region.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider staying in a budget or medium lodge (or camping) in the Central Serengeti.
Medium Lodges in the Western Serengeti
Grumeti Migration Camp
Mbugani Migration Camp
Luxury Lodges in the Western Serengeti
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
Singita Sasakawa Lodge
Serena Kirawira Tented Camp
Mbalageti Serengeti
Melia Serengeti
June: Central Serengeti
June marks the beginning of peak safari season in the Serengeti, and the place to stay is the Seronera region and here you will find the best game viewing opportunities of the wildebeest herds as they head north towards the Mara River. Camping is recommended in this region of the park.
Where to Stay in the Central Serengeti (Year Round)
Budget Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Thorn tree Camp
Medium Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Kat Kati Tented Camp
Kenzan Tented Camp
Kiota Tented Camp
Sopa Serengeti
Tanzania Luxury Bush Camps
Luxury Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge
Serena Serengeti
Angata Serengeti
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Serengeti Pioneer’s Camp
July – September: Northern Serengeti
The most popular time of year to visit the Serengeti is definitely during the months of July, August, and September. The best to stay during these months is the Northern part of Serengeti, the Lobo area combined with some time in Central Serengeti if one is adventurous and wants to witness the Mara River Crossing.
Where to Stay in the Northern Serengeti
Budget Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
The Northern Serengeti is home to the public Lobo Campsite, offering those wanting to see a river crossing a chance to stay in the region without having to pay a fortune.
Medium Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
Chaka Tented Camp
Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Mara River Kati Kati
Luxury Lodges in the Northern Serengeti
Angata Bologonja Tented Camp
&Beyond Klein’s Camp
Bologonya Under Canvas
Lemala Kuria Hills
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
October – November: Central Serengeti
Around this time especially October,the Wildebeest Migration mostly is taking place in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya and as a result the Serengeti experiences a little bit of a downturn in terms of visitors. However in the month of November,the Wildebeest Migration begins its movement back into the south and there’s every chance you will catch the herd without the usual crowds.
The Seronera/Central Serengeti region of the park is the best place to stay.
Where to Stay in the Central Serengeti (Year Round)
Budget Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Thorn tree Camp
Medium Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Kat Kati Tented Camp
Kenzan Tented Camp
Kiota Tented Camp
Sopa Serengeti
Tanzania Luxury Bush Camps
Luxury Lodges in the Central Serengeti
Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge
Serena Serengeti
Angata Serengeti
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
Serengeti Pioneer’s Camp
December: Ndutu Region
During December, the Wildebeest Migration returns to the Ndutu region and it’s the place to stay for better migration viewing opportunity.
Lodges and camps in the Ndutu region can sit in either the Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so it’s important to know where your game drives will be taking place and travellers should note that entering both parks means paying two park entry fees.
Ndutu Lodges are open only from November through until March and they include:
Budget Lodges
Due to the seasonal nature of the region, there are no public campsites available in either the Serengeti or Ngorongoro sides of Ndutu.
Medium Cost Lodges and Camps
Kenzan Ndutu(Recommended for budget travelers)
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Kati Kati Ndutu
Kirurumu Ndutu
Luxury Lodges and Camps in Ndutu
Ndutu Under Canvas
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Sanctuary Kusini
Angata Migration Camp Ndutu