Where Is The Best Place To See The Serengeti Migration : The wildebeest migration is with no doubt a mega movement involving over 2 million wildebeest, gazelles and zebras as they embark on a journey of 1000s of kilometers in search for palatable pastures and water. This annual event takes a clockwise direction starting from the Southern Serengeti National Park to Maasai Masai Mara National Reserve, then the wildebeest return again to Serengeti.
The Serengeti Migration like the Mara crossing is remarkably 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 in 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 among the 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 opportunity to tourists to observe the Great migration while they migrate back to the South, especially between November and December.
The Grumeti & Western Corridor
Grumeti and Western corridor is a perfect place to witness huge concentrations of wildebeest. They can be witnessed move 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 Grumeti and Western corridor is from May to June or mid-July.
North/Kogatende/Lamai/Lobo
The Northern Serengeti comes with exceptional campsites and also ideal for guests to observe the Great Migration. This is also perfect for walking tours or game drives. The Kogatende is best to visit from July to October, which collides with the Great Migration session.
Southern Plains
The Southern Plains feature endless grassland and covers 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 Masai Mara via 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, Bologonya gate.