Serengeti Migration Viewing Points | Serengeti Region

Serengeti Migration Viewing Points – Best Locations to Witness the Great Migration

The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on Earth. Witnessing millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles moving across the plains is a thrilling experience for any visitor. To make the most of your migration safari, it's essential to know the best viewing points and areas to catch this incredible event, especially the river crossings and the herd movements.

Here are the top Serengeti migration viewing points:

1. Grumeti River (Western Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: June – July
• Why Visit: The Grumeti River is one of the key river crossings during the Great Migration, particularly in June and July. As wildebeests and other herbivores move through this region, they face the danger of crocodiles and hippopotamuses lying in wait. This dramatic moment is often featured in documentaries and provides one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the Serengeti.
• Highlights:
  • Crocodile-infested waters make the crossing a life-or-death situation for migrating animals.
  • It's a prime location for game drives and witnessing the tension of animals attempting to cross.

2. Mara River (Northern Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: July – October
• Why Visit: The Mara River is another major crossing point for the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti, especially from July to October. This crossing is one of the most dramatic parts of the migration, with large herds of wildebeest and zebras attempting to cross the river, often under the threat of crocodiles. The sight of animals plunging into the water and battling the current is an unforgettable experience.
• Highlights:
  • Witness the incredible river crossings where predators like crocodiles, lions, and hyenas stalk the migrating herds.
  • The Mara River is also a great place for game drives and hot air balloon safaris.

3. Central Serengeti (Seronera)

• Best Time to Visit: December – April
• Why Visit: While the Central Serengeti is not the primary river crossing point, it offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the migration season. From December to April, migrating herds settle in the area to give birth, and the surrounding plains are often filled with calves and predators. This is the calving season, which attracts large numbers of predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
• Highlights:
  • The Seronera River is a fantastic spot for wildlife sightings of predators and prey.
  • You can often see lions and cheetahs hunting near the migrating herds during calving season.

4. Ndutu Area (Southern Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: December – March
• Why Visit: The Ndutu Area in the Southern Serengeti is one of the most important regions for calving during the Great Migration. From December to March, millions of wildebeests give birth in this area, and it’s one of the most exciting times to visit. The herds stay here until the calves are strong enough to join the main migration towards the central Serengeti and the Mara River.
• Highlights:
  • Witness the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves and the predators that follow them.
  • It is one of the best places for photography of newborn animals and predator-prey interactions.

5. Lobo Valley (Northeast Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: May – June
• Why Visit: The Lobo Valley is located in the northeastern Serengeti and is a key migration route as the herds start moving toward the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. The Lobo area has lush vegetation and plenty of water, which makes it an excellent area for grazing. The migration herds typically pass through this region around May and June as they begin their northward journey.
• Highlights:
  • The area is known for dramatic landscapes and rich wildlife.
  • It’s less crowded than other regions, providing a more tranquil viewing experience.

6. Western Serengeti (Western Corridor)

• Best Time to Visit: May – June
• Why Visit: The Western Serengeti is a crucial area for the migration during May and June when the herds are moving towards the Grumeti River. The Western Corridor is characterized by rolling hills and lush grasslands that provide excellent grazing for the animals. This area is also home to a variety of predators, including lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
• Highlights:
  • Grumeti River crossing is an essential event in this area.
  • Wide open spaces and scenic views make it a great place for game drives.

7. The Seronera Valley (Central Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Why Visit: The Seronera Valley is one of the best spots for wildlife watching at any time of the year. Although it’s not part of the migration’s main route, the Seronera Valley is often home to large groups of wildebeest, zebras, and other species. The area offers excellent predator sightings year-round, making it an ideal location to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting.
• Highlights:
  • Game drives and predator sightings in the Seronera River area.
  • A great place to spot cubs and other wildlife year-round.

8. Kogatende (Northern Serengeti)

• Best Time to Visit: July – October
• Why Visit: Kogatende is a prime spot to witness the Mara River crossings. The area lies near the Mara River and is particularly famous for the Mara River crossings in July through October, when thousands of animals attempt to cross the river. The migration here is breathtaking, with wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles navigating the river while avoiding predators.
• Highlights:
  • Mara River crossings, offering thrilling viewing of animals battling the river’s swift current and predators.
  • Scenic views of the plains and river, along with abundant wildlife.

Best Viewing Points for the Great Migration

• Seronera Region for general wildlife and predators.
• Grumeti River and Mara River for dramatic crossings.
• Ndutu for calving season and predator interactions.
• Lobo Valley for early migration and grazing.

Tips for Migration Viewing

• Book in advance: The migration attracts many visitors, so it’s crucial to book accommodations and safaris early, especially during peak seasons (June to October).
• Bring binoculars and a camera: The migration offers incredible wildlife sightings that are perfect for photography.
• Be patient: Wildlife experiences may take time to unfold, but the thrill of witnessing the migration makes it well worth the wait.