Top 10 Places to Stay in Kenya and Tanzania to See the Great Migration
Great Migration safari lodges. The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania in a circular journey that follows rainfall and grass growth.
To witness this incredible event, timing is important—but so is where you stay. Here are the top 10 lodges and camps that place you close to the heart of the action, with unforgettable views and immersive safari experiences.
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Sayari Camp – Northern Serengeti, Tanzania
Sayari Camp sits close to the Mara River, where the most dramatic river crossings occur between July and October. The camp offers elegant tented suites and sweeping views of the open plains. You can spot wildebeest herds, crocodiles, and even predators at the water’s edge.
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Angama Mara – Maasai Mara, Kenya
Perched high above the Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara offers panoramic views and quick access to the Mara Triangle. This luxurious lodge lets you follow migration herds between July and September. The service and location are top-tier.
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Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge – Northern Serengeti, Tanzania
Located in the Wogakuria Hills, this lodge gives front-row access to the migration’s northern route. Between July and November, expect thrilling game drives and stylish, glass-fronted tents with views of roaming herds.
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Governors’ Camp – Maasai Mara, Kenya
One of the oldest safari camps in Kenya, Governors’ Camp lies along the Mara River. Between July and October, you can witness river crossings and lion hunts from just a short game drive away. The camp offers great value with authentic safari charm.
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Serengeti Under Canvas – Mobile Camp, Tanzania
This luxury mobile camp follows the herds through Serengeti National Park, adjusting locations seasonally. Whether it’s Ndutu in the south during calving or Kogatende in the north for river crossings, this camp keeps you close to the migration year-round.
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Mara Plains Camp – Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
This intimate camp lies in a private conservancy just outside the Maasai Mara Reserve. It offers exclusive access to the migration without crowds. Wildlife is abundant from July to October, and you can also enjoy night drives and off-road game viewing.
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Mwiba Lodge – Southern Serengeti, Tanzania
Stay here during the calving season in January and February. Mwiba Lodge overlooks secluded migration paths, where thousands of wildebeest give birth each day. Expect dramatic predator action and unmatched luxury.
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Elewana Sand River – Maasai Mara, Kenya
This elegant lodge near the Sand River borders Tanzania and Kenya. Wildebeest herds cross this region during the July–September migration peak. The setting is quiet, scenic, and rich in wildlife.
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Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp – Mobile Camp, Tanzania
Another mobile option that follows the migration, Kichakani Camp offers a blend of canvas wilderness and luxury touches. Its mobility means you’re always close to the herds, from Ndutu’s birthing plains to the northern crossings.
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Mara Ngenche Safari Camp – Maasai Mara, Kenya
Nestled where the Mara and Talek Rivers meet, this camp is ideal for catching river crossings and predator activity. Elephants often pass by, and lions are known to linger nearby. It’s a quiet corner of the migration corridor with a strong wildlife presence.
When to Go
- December to March: Calving in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu)
- April to June: Herds move north through Central Serengeti
- July to October: River crossings in Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara
- November: Herds begin moving south again
Each season brings a different stage of the migration. Choose your location based on the month of travel.
Plan Your Migration Safari
Watching the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Staying in the right place at the right time makes all the difference. Whether you want remote luxury or thrilling wildlife close-ups, these camps bring you to the center of nature’s most epic journey.
