Lodges closest to the herd right now

Perched on the edge of a permanent marsh, Lemala Ndutu is the ultimate amphitheater for the wildebeest migration between December and March.

9 suite tents of a very high specification are relocated from the Northern Serengeti to this stunning Ndutu site to capture the boundless drama that accompanies the migration. The migrating herds of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra begin to arrive in December and begin calving in February.

The camp is situated inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, near the border of Southern Serengeti, in what is perhaps the finest location in the whole of Ndutu because of its shady umbrella acacia trees and grass cover which reduces dust considerably and also attracts grazers. The camp offers fantastic views of the marsh whose permanent fresh waters attract an abundance of game including predators. The camp enjoys regular visits from resident wildlife ranging from lions, leopards,cheetahs and hyenas to elephant and giraffe. Lion hunts close to the camp are not uncommon.

Explore a rich landscape of inky blue skies, burnt orange sunsets and the soft neutrals of the African savannah. Bordering the game rich Lamai Triangle, twelve mobile luxury tents are hidden under the deep shade of acacia canopies.  

This camp moves north, west and south throught the year offering guests a front row seat to the migration, the procession of more than two million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle as they wander across the vast grass plains.

Tucked within a grassy corridor that links the Lake Ndutu area with the Moru Kopjes and Hidden Valley is the seasonal Woodlands Camp. During the calving season, this area is teaming with wildebeest as hundreds of thousands of pregnant females converge to give birth. While most properties are compacted in a central location, Woodlands Camp is slightly removed from the main tourist venue, allowing for more privacy without sacrificing access to this awe-inspiring event.

Like the wildebeest that are the stars of the Serengeti Annual Migration, the Olakira camp is a wanderer; a luxurious under-canvas camp that moves with the seasons, forever following the herds to ensure you have a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth.

Fine linens, finer dining and a touch of nomadic romance are the hallmarks of this authentic East African safari camp. Whether it’s at the river crossings of the northern Serengeti, the breath-taking scenery of the Lamai Wedge, or on the great grassy plains of the south, the intimate Olakira camp ensures the best of the Serengeti is always right on your doorstep.

Chaka Camp, is a mobile Serengeti safari camp designed to be lightweight enough to move seasonally, is located in the Ndutu area from December through March. The camp relocates to Western Serengeti from May through June, and again to Northern Serengeti from July through November.

From December through March, the wildebeest migration moves in and out of the Ndutu area. Ndutu is located in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just south of Serengeti National Park. Chaka Camp’s location provides easy access to prime game viewing areas around Lakes Ndutu and Masek. In addition to the almost two million wildebeest and zebra that move through the area each year, Ndutu is home to cheetah, lion, giraffe and hundreds of bird species. During February’s calving season, the wildebeest give birth to 8,000 babies a day.

From May through June, Chaka Camp relocates to Western Serengeti. The wildebeest migration is generally in this area during this time, and crossings over the Grumeti River are sometimes seen in this area. Access to Central Serengeti is also possible from this area as the drive is only two hours.

From July through November, Chaka Camp is located in Northern Serengeti. The camp is close to the Mara River, allowing easy access to several river crossing points in the area. During this time of year, the wildebeest migration is crossing the Mara River back and forth from Tanzania to Kenya. River crossings are common with crocodiles, hippos and large cats scattered throughout the area.

Follow the link the see the best time to visit Serengeti or visit our HerdTracker app. 

December to March typically coincides with ‘calving season’ in the Serengeti and Ndutu Wilderness Camp is ideally located so visitors can view this spectacle. Nestled under shady trees, on the Ndutu plains, this camp allows guests to enjoy the wealth of wildlife that has made these sun-soaked plains so renowned.

Perched above cool, swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the sumptuous safari suites at andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer breath-taking views. Inspired, in design, by the Maasai mud and stick manyatta, or homestead, this is without doubt one of the most spectacular lodges in Africa. 

Three separate and intimate camps totalling just 30 suites are reminiscent of a bygone era. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and ensuite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. 

Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, while antiques, billowing raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements.

Discover exclusive luxury at Lake Masek Luxury Tented Camp situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area overlooking Lake Masek. This unique location is witness to the Wildebeest Migration which takes place from December to April each year. There is resident Big 5 game all year round in the area. The camp is eco-friendly as all the electric power is supplied by solar panels and water is collected during the rainy season. All the products used are biodegradable in order to ensure that the environment is kept pristine.

Nasikia Mobile Camp follows the Great Wildebeest migration, as well as other wildlife from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti National Park. By being mobile, the camps are able to offer the best wildlife viewing. There are 8-12 tents that are 12m by 4m, each with a cooling feature of shade-clothing over the tent. Nasikia Mobile Camp moves between two locations through the year, except for April and May. 

01 December – 31 March – located at the Small Marsh special campsite, this location has us in the midst of the great wildebeest migration as they graze on the southern Serengeti plains. We are also so, so close as the calving season is in full swing from approximately late January and into February each year. 

01 July – 31 October – located at Bologonja, in the far northern areas of the Serengeti. This puts us in a great position to game drive to the Bologonja and Mara Rivers in the hope of gaining a view as the herds run the gauntlets of crocodiles as they cross the rivers. This is typically ideal, especially between mid-July and mid-September each year.

We endeavour to retain the uniqueness and intimacy of the camp while being directed by the location, wildlife and other factors of responsible tourism.

Like the herds of antelope that have made the Serengeti the most famous wilderness region on earth, Kimondo is a traveller. As the seasons wax and wane so this migration camp crafted of wood and canvas follows the herds on their never-ending journey across the grasslands of East Africa.

From July to October home for Kimondo is near the sinuous Mara River on the famous Lamai Wedge, where massive herds brave the jaws of hungry Nile crocodiles. As winter eases and summer warms the land, the herds move south to calve in the lush grasslands of the southern Serengeti. As the herds move, so does Kimondo, to ensure you’re never far from the heart of the migration.

But unlike the thundering wildebeest, Kimondo – like its sought-after sister-camp Olakira – leaves no footprint behind. Entirely solar-powered, it’s a migration camp that touches the earth lightly while providing authentic luxury on the Serengeti plains. With just eight comfortable tents Kimondo offers an intimate safari experience; a sumptuous taste of how the early explorers discovered the wonders of East Africa.

From rich hand-woven rugs to burnished copper lanterns a sultry mix of Moroccan exoticism and East African safari romance resonates at Kimondo, where king-size cast-iron beds rest under canvas ceilings as the rustle of the savannah lulls you to sleep. Or leave sleep for a while and linger at the fireside, swopping tales of your day in Africa as the embers crackle up towards the Milky Way. Kimondo translates as ‘shooting star’ and in Tanzania’s crystal-clear skies you’ll be sure to see more than a few.

Lemala Ngorongoro is an intimate seasonal camp set in a delightful ancient acacia forest on the rim of the crater, next to the quiet Lemala access route. The camp has been re-furbished recently with new tents and furnishings and offers accommodation in 9 spacious canvas tents ensuring intimacy and minimal impact on the pristine forest environment.

The new tents can now accommodate two queen beds or a king bed which have warm duvets and hot water bottles. There is a gas heater to warm up the tents in the evening, wooden flooring with rugs and 24-hour solar lighting. The roomy en-suite bathrooms contain a dressing area, flush toilet and a large safari shower. Each tent can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

The mess tent is beautifully furnished with grand sofas, lamps, bookshelves and corner cabinets in old wood, chests and rugs. In the evening, guests gather around the campfire for cocktails before dining under chandeliers with the camp manager. House beverages are included at meal times.

The camp works closely with the local Masai community and often there are dances and talks on Masai traditions and ceremonies providing guests the opportunity to interact with the tribe.

December to March typically coincides with ‘calving season’ in the Serengeti and Ndutu Wilderness Camp is ideally located so visitors can view this spectacle. Nestled under shady trees, on the Ndutu plains, this camp allows guests to enjoy the wealth of wildlife that has made these sun-soaked plains so renowned.

With just ten spacious tents, guests can enjoy a sense of privacy and comfort. Each of these tents is set well apart from one another. With quality linen and a comfy bed, some feelings of camping will disappear. This eco-friendly camp is well equipped with solar lighting and an en-suite bathroom with an eco-friendly flush toilet and bucket shower in each tent.

Our professional staff are on hand to ensure that every need of our guests are seen to. Skilled safari chefs prepare wholesome and varied meals which are served in a large mess tent, and the communal lounge and bar area is a great place in which to spend your evenings relaxing.

Serian Kusini mobile is located in the Southern Serengeti, just west of Lake Ndutu. The camp is remote, quiet and really quite special.

The mobile camp is ideally placed in a prime predator area with lots of leopard and lion and very few camps. However, its all about the babies of the great migration, and around birthing season, 400,000 odd calves drop over a short period between January and February.

The Mbono Tented Camp lies in the deep shade of the acacia forest that lines the banks of the Mbono River.

This camp is strategically positioned at the point where the river leaves the Serengeti National Park, meanders southwest to its confluence with the Simiyu River and finds its way eventually to Lake Victoria.

Serengeti Halisi Camp is a seasonal camp located in Serengeti National Park. From December to March, it's located in Tandawala area in the NCAA, close to the calving grounds where the wildebeest migration will be during these months.

From June-November, the camp is located in Seronera, Central Serengeti, which gives easy access to all parts of the national park as well as having abundant resident game due to the proximity of the Seronera River.

Ubuntu Camp is a small, seasonal camp located in the Serengeti National Park. It moves seasonally to optimize the chance of witnessing the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration and therefore ensuring fantastic game viewing at all times.

The camp itself is an intimate, traditional canvas safari camp designed to give you as much of a wild and authentic Serengeti safari experience as it is a luxury and comfortable experience. A close-knit team of warm Tanzanians ensure that hospitality, great food and a wonderfully relaxed environment remains the essence of Ubuntu Camp.

Pitched on a major wildebeest migration corridor in the Central Serengeti, Dunia Camp offers easy access to the scenic Moru Kopjes and superb sightings of the big cats, leopard and rhino that roam the forests on the fringes of the Seronera River.

Out of all the Serengeti Lodges and Camp, Dunia Camp is the only one run by a team of only women. Dunia is a tranquil semi-permanent camp with just eight spacious tented suites, each with expansive views of the pristine wilderness and game-filled plains from a large private veranda. Attention to every detail is balanced by a graceful simplicity in harmony with the serene location. Enjoy an exclusive Serengeti safari with superb sightings of resident game and migration viewing twice a year, and round it all off with a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.

Lying on the savannah of the Serengeti National Park and shaded by rocky outcrops known as the Moru Kopjes, Asanja Africa luxurious tented safari camp provides comfort, and – with only seven tents available – personalized attention and service.

Our Safari Bar and Lounge area overlooks the mesmerizing plains of the Serengeti. Enjoy a sundowner as you admire this magnificent sight. A private gazebo is also available for you to relax, unwind and take in the tranquility of the African wilderness.

Our dedicated Chef and his team are proud to serve a fusion of local flavors and Continental Cuisine. The food is outstanding and catered to your expectations. Breakfast, light lunches and dinner are served in the mess tent. Private bush breakfasts & dinners can be arranged on request.

Located in South Central Serengeti - Tanzania - (within the Moru Kopjes area), Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally situated to offer superlative access to the annual migration and the ‘Big 5’ with sweeping views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and the endless plains.

Each of Elewana Collection’s camps and lodges has its own individual style and feel. Serengeti Pioneer Camp continues this tradition. Paying homage to the mobile camps of the 1930’s, a time when an African safari was truly a journey into the unknown, Serengeti Pioneer Camp’s  ‘zero footprint’ and close proximity to nature combines to make an unmistakably distinctive and truly individual offering.

Mwiba, a secluded, sophisticated haven set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees and acacias, overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River, is the newest addition to the Legendary Expeditions portfolio.

Vast and privately controlled, this exquisite 130,000 acre wildlife reserve is lush with color-infused botanicals, saturated with wildlife and features 33 freshwater springs.

Namiri Plains camp was created for real safari enthusiasts seeking comfort and exclusivity in secluded surroundings, excellent guiding and a deeper, more intense wildlife experience.

To minimise the impact on the environment the camp comprises of only six tents. Pitched in the shade of giant acacias, this small and exclusive tented haven offers 360° views of wildlife crossing the surrounding plains, the river area with its perennial vegetation and dense green reed beds that attract birds and smaller wildlife species.

The migration passes through Namiri Plains from October to May and unleashes spectacular predator sightings during December and January as the resident big cats feast on the passing herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Explore the Namiri Plains on daily game drives; enjoy sunrise breakfast picnics on top of Soit Le Motonyi rock or sundowners on top of a kopje. With your nearest neighbour over 45 minutes away, you may be excused for thinking that the Namiri Plains belong to you.

Located on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the south-western Serengeti National Park, home to many thousands of wild and rare animals, Serengeti Sopa Lodge lies within an area of out-standing natural beauty. An oasis of cool relaxation from the equatorial sun.

The lodge allows its guests to experience  magnificent sights and enjoy interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, whilst at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.

Subeti Tented Camp is nestled on a scenic ridge high above the surrounding plains of acacia woodland.  The camp is ideally located in the southern Maswa Kimali Game Reserve with easy access to other prime wildlife areas, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mwiba Wildlife Reserve.

Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the south-eastern part of the Serengeti eco-system. Shaded by majestic acacia trees, each of the thirty four cottages, which are built of local materials, has a private verandah facing Lake Ndutu.

The Lodge is surrounded by indigenous trees and shrubs which encourage a host of birds and mammals to come right to your front door. Tucked well away from the busy tourist circuit, Ndutu offers peace and tranquillity far from the madding crowd. Spend some time with us and unwind. Relax to the rhythm of an African day as a myriad bird calls herald the rising sun. Stay close to the lodge and enjoy the resident wildlife or go for a drive and explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach. After sunset return to the homely warmth and hospitality of Ndutu Safari Lodge.

Like the animal it is named after, Camp Zebra follows the wildebeest migration to the northern part of the Serengeti National Park in June, July, August, September, October and November; and to the southern part of the park from December till March. Camp Zebra is closed from the middle of April till the end of May each year.

Camp Zebra consists of six accommodation tents, each of which can be used for single, double (or twin) or triple occupancy. Each sleeping tent consists of a bedroom area, dressing area and ensuite shower and toilet. The dressing area, shower and toilet are all “open air” so as to heighten the experience of living as one with your surroundings. Despite being able to enjoy some breathtaking views as you prepare yourself for the day ahead, privacy is still assured due to the clever design of our tents. As an added convenience, each tent is provided with sufficient electricity for lighting as well as for charging mobile telephones, cameras, tablets, laptop computers or any other electronic devices you may carry with you.

Camp Zebra is Serengeti camping at its finest. The mobile nature of the camp makes it easy to follow the wildebeest herds as they complete their long journey, ensuring the best wildlife sightings during the incredible Great Migration in Tanzania. See our HerdTracker app for the latest migration updates. 

The camp offers comfortable accommodation and a unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari camp experience. This camp is located in the north of the Serengeti a mere10 minutes drive from the Mara River.

The camp consists of cosy mess tents located in the centre of the camp where meals are served. The campfire is ready every evening for appetizers and snacks before dinner.

There are 10 double and one family tent, all of which are incredibly spacious, with a large king size bed or twin beds. En suite bathrooms have a flush toilet, hand basin and shower with hot water. Lights are powered by solar with a back up generator.