Best Camps for the Great Migration
How to choose where to stay for the Great Migration: mobile versus permanent camps, and how to position yourself with the herds through the seasons.
Because the herds move year-round, where you stay largely determines what you see — the migration will not come to a fixed lodge if it is 200 kilometres away. The core choice is between mobile tented camps that relocate with the herds and permanent lodges that offer more comfort in a fixed spot. Matching your camp to the season and the phase you want is the most important planning decision you will make.
Key things to know
- Mobile tented camps relocate through the year to stay near the herds.
- For crossings (Jul–Oct), base yourself in the northern Serengeti or Masai Mara.
- For calving (Jan–Feb), choose the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.
- Permanent lodges trade mobility for more comfort and amenities.
- Location beats luxury: a well-placed simple camp beats a distant grand one.
- Book far ahead — the best-positioned camps sell out many months in advance.
References & further reading
- Thirgood, S., et al. (2004). Can parks protect migratory ungulates? The case of the Serengeti wildebeest. Animal Conservation, 7(2), 113-120.
- Holdo, R. M., Holt, R. D., & Fryxell, J. M. (2009). Opposing rainfall and plant nutritional gradients best explain the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. The American Naturalist, 173(4), 431-445.
- Sinclair, A. R. E., et al. (Eds.) (2015). Serengeti IV. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
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Get the appFrequently asked questions
Should I choose a mobile or permanent camp?
Mobile camps follow the migration and are ideal if seeing the herds is your priority, since they relocate to stay close to the action. Permanent lodges suit travellers who value comfort and a fixed base, and work well if their location matches the season. Your choice should follow the phase you want to see.
How far in advance should I book a migration camp?
For peak periods such as the crossings or calving, six to twelve months ahead is wise, and the best camps often go earlier. Positioning is limited and demand is high, so late bookings frequently miss out. Reserve as soon as your dates and target phase are set.
Do I need to move camps to follow the migration?
Often yes — combining two well-placed camps lets you follow the herds as they move, or cover more than one phase. A single fixed camp can work if your dates align tightly with its location. A good operator will design the sequence around the season.
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