Best Camps for Viewing the Migration in Tanzania
The Great Migration—one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events—moves in a continuous, seasonal cycle through Tanzania’s Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Choosing the right camp at the right time of year is key to witnessing thrilling moments like river crossings, calving, or predator-prey interactions. Here are some of the best safari camps in Tanzania that offer front-row seats to this unforgettable phenomenon:
1. Sayari Camp – Northern Serengeti
Best for: Mara River Crossings (July to October)
Located near the Mara River, Sayari Camp offers luxury and proximity to the dramatic river crossings that define the mid-year migration. This award-winning camp features stylish suites with private verandas, a pool, and sweeping views. Guided game drives often capture wildebeest braving crocodile-infested waters.
2. Singita Mara River Tented Camp – Lamai Triangle, Northern Serengeti
Best for: Remote Luxury & Exclusivity (July to October)
This intimate, eco-conscious camp is in one of the most secluded parts of the Serengeti. Positioned just a few kilometers from the Mara River, it gives guests a high chance of seeing crossings without the crowds. Expect impeccable service, gourmet dining, and sustainable luxury.
3. Dunia Camp – Central Serengeti
Best for: Year-Round Wildlife Viewing & Shoulder Season Migration (April to June, November)
Located in the Seronera region, Dunia is perfectly placed to catch the tail ends of the migration or resident predators and big game. Run entirely by a team of women, it’s as empowering as it is inviting. This camp is ideal for travelers who want to avoid peak-season crowds but still enjoy excellent sightings.
4. Serengeti Safari Camp – Mobile
Best for: Following the Migration Wherever It Goes (Year-Round)
Operated by Nomad Tanzania, this tented mobile camp literally moves with the migration—setting up in the south, central, or north depending on the season. It’s one of the most authentic, low-impact ways to experience the migration up close. Guides here specialize in reading animal movements for timely sightings.
5. Ubuntu Migration Camp – Mobile
Best for: Flexible & Intimate Wildlife Viewing (Seasonal Movement)
Also a mobile camp, Ubuntu follows the wildebeest herds through their cycle—from Ndutu in the south (calving season from January to March), to Grumeti in the west (May to June), and Lamai in the north (July to October). The experience is rustic-chic with warm hospitality and knowledgeable guiding.
6. Ndutu Safari Lodge – Southern Serengeti/Ndutu Plains
Best for: Calving Season (January to March)
The Ndutu area is famous for the birthing season when thousands of wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks. Ndutu Safari Lodge is a well-established, relaxed option, popular with wildlife photographers and those who want to see dramatic predator activity as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of the vulnerable young.
7. Olakira Migration Camp – Mobile
Best for: Stargazing and Migration Tracking (Year-Round)
Operated by Asilia Africa, Olakira combines mobility with stylish design. It moves twice a year: in the south for calving season and in the north for river crossings. Its star beds, which allow guests to sleep under the open African sky, add a magical touch to the experience.
8. Lemala Mara & Lemala Ndutu Mobile Camps
Best for: Comfort and Migration Access Without Excessive Cost (Seasonal)
These sister mobile camps shift between the Mara region (July–October) and Ndutu (December–March), offering great access to migration events with a mid-range luxury feel. Spacious tents, excellent meals, and experienced guides make them ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
Final Tip:
To choose the best camp, time your visit carefully. For river crossings, go between July and October in Northern Serengeti. For calving season, target January to March in the Southern Serengeti/Ndutu Plains. Camps that move with the herds—like Olakira, Ubuntu, or Serengeti Safari Camp—offer the most flexibility if your dates are less fixed.
Each camp provides a different angle on the migration, but all promise a front-row seat to nature’s greatest drama.