20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest is one of nature’s most spectacular events, with over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. If you plan to witness this incredible phenomenon in 2025 or 2026, selecting the right place to stay is crucial for enjoying the best views and game-watching experiences. From luxury lodges to tented camps, these top 20 accommodations ensure you are at the heart of the action.
For more details on planning your trip, check out Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist and Eddy Tours and Safaris.
Top Locations in Tanzania, 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration
1. Singita Grumeti Reserves
Located in the western Serengeti, Singita Grumeti offers luxury lodges like Sabora Tented Camp, which places you near the migration routes between June and July. The private reserve setting ensures fewer crowds and personalized game drives.
- Learn more about the Grumeti Reserves at Go2Africa.
2. Serengeti Under Canvas
This mobile tented camp moves along with the migration, providing front-row seats to the movement of herds between June and October. It offers a traditional safari experience with a touch of luxury, keeping you close to the action.
3. Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti
The Four Seasons is known for its panoramic views over a nearby waterhole, a hotspot for wildlife year-round. It’s an ideal choice for families and travelers seeking both comfort and spectacular game viewing.
- Discover more about the lodge’s offerings at Safari Travel Plus.
4. Lamai Serengeti
Located in the northern Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti is strategically positioned to witness the famous river crossings between July and October. It offers both open savannah views and the chance to see wildebeest and zebras braving the Mara River.
5. Namiri Plains
Namiri Plains, situated in the eastern Serengeti, provides solitude and exceptional game viewing. It’s perfect for seeing the migration during the calving season from January to March when herds gather on the plains.
Top Locations in Kenya, 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration
6. Sanctuary Olonana
Sanctuary Olonana is nestled on a private stretch of the Mara River, offering luxury and close proximity to the wildebeest crossings. It’s a top choice for travelers visiting the Masai Mara from July to October.
- Find out more about the benefits of private riverfront lodges at Lifetime Safaris.
7. Angama Mara
Perched on the Oloololo Escarpment, Angama Mara overlooks the plains of the Masai Mara, providing stunning views of the migration. It offers a unique perspective on the Mara Triangle below, with opportunities for walking safaris and cultural experiences.
8. Rekero Camp
Rekero Camp is known for its location near the Talek and Mara Rivers, crucial crossing points for the migration. From the comfort of your tent, you can watch the herds as they navigate these challenging waters.
9. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
This lodge is set in the heart of the Mara Triangle, making it a prime spot to witness river crossings. Its elevated position offers sweeping views of the vast plains and wildlife below.
- For more information on prime viewing spots in the Masai Mara, visit Safari Travel Plus.
10. Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri, owned by Richard Branson, is located in a private conservancy adjacent to the Masai Mara. The camp provides exclusivity, allowing for intimate game drives and viewing without the typical crowds found in the reserve.
Luxury and Unique20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration
11. Serengeti Migration Camp
Located along the Grumeti River, Serengeti Migration Camp is ideal for travelers looking to follow the herds as they traverse the river banks. Its elevated tented suites offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
12. Mwiba Lodge
This lodge, situated on a private reserve in the southern Serengeti, is perfect for those visiting during the calving season. Mwiba Lodge combines luxurious accommodation with the chance to see newborn wildebeests.
13. Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile camp that moves with the herds, offering a dynamic and close-up experience of the migration. Its flexibility means you’ll always be close to the action.
14. Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini is the only permanent camp in the southern Serengeti, offering an exclusive location for witnessing the migration during the calving season between January and March.
15. Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Mbuzi Mawe, located in the central Serengeti, serves as a central base for tracking the herds during their annual journey. Its location provides access to different parts of the park as the migration moves.
Luxury and Unique 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration
16. Porini Lion Camp
Situated in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Porini Lion Camp offers access to some of the highest concentrations of big cats during the migration season. It’s known for night drives and guided walks that are not allowed in the national reserve.
17. Mara Bush Houses
These private houses offer a secluded and personal safari experience. Located near key migration routes, they are ideal for families or groups seeking privacy while enjoying the spectacle of the migration.
18. Sand River Masai Mara
Sand River Masai Mara, a classic tented camp, is set along the Sand River. It offers a front-row view of the migration between July and October as the herds cross the border from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara.
- Learn about more secluded options for migration safaris at Go2Africa.
19. Naboisho Camp
Naboisho Camp is located in a private conservancy adjacent to the Masai Mara. This setting offers both access to the migration and the peace of more exclusive game viewing.
20. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Kichwa Tembo sits along the Sabaringo River, providing a dramatic backdrop to the annual migration. Its location offers easy access to the Mara Triangle and key river crossings.
Tips for Planning Your , 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration
Planning ahead is key to making the most of your 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration experience. Here are a few tips:
- Book Early: Many of the best camps fill up months in advance, especially for peak migration times from July to October.
- Know the Seasons: The migration moves throughout the year, so timing your visit to match specific events, like river crossings or the calving season, will enhance your experience.
- Choose Private Conservancies: Staying in private conservancies allows for more activities like night drives and walking safaris while avoiding the crowds.
For additional planning resources, 20-Best Places to Stay to See the Wildebeest Migration visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist and Eddy Tours and Safaris.