Where should one stay to view the Great Migration of the Serengeti in January?

First – where are the herds? The short grass plains of the Serengeti, which include the northern plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are where one finds them throughout January. The height of calving season is here. Usually spread from an area known as Maswa in the west to Gol in the east, the herds migrate about the area following localised rainfall. Although the territory is large, Kusini and Ndutu, historically the center of this area, has had good rain and usually concentrates the herds. Including all the cats, these two sections also consistently show great general game all through the month. Based on satellite data we have about the herds, I have always thought they are the greatest sites for them in January. Longer visits that also include camps in Moru or Namiri, however, would cover the whole “possible” migration range. Please click this link for a detailed write-up of the Great Migration in January; but, for information on where to stay, keep reading this page.

January’s greatest safari hotels and camps on the Serengeti Migration

You can pick from two distinct property styles. First are the well-known “Serengeti mobiles,” which track the herds; second are the “permanent lodges,” or campgrounds. Although the Serengeti mobiles usually appeal to the more daring tourist, I would always advise anyone to give the notion of the mobile camps more thought; they are far more pleasant than most people would think and often the highlight of a safari.

Most of the excursions I plan center mobile camps throughout the calving season—December through April—because there are few permanent lodges near Ndutu and Kusini, where I recommend most clients to stay. We divide the Serengeti’s properties into three pricing ranges: Value, Classic, and Luxury to assist you know what you get for your money. The prices listed do NOT include any long stay discounts etc. Our safaris can therefore sometimes be less costly than this daily price.

“Value”— Serengeti campgrounds ($500-$ 650 per night, about)

Mobile camps are Within our most affordable range, Nasikia Migration Mobile, Chaka Camp, and Lemala Ndutu are the best of the mobile camps. All three are excellent choices; we find it really tough to choose a “winner”. Looking for just value, Nasikia Migration Mobile is the clear winner—a great campsite for the money. Our customers seem to find great resonance in Nsikia’s honest approach to safaris, in which the experience takes front stage over opulent hotel standards. For the money you spend here, guiding is rather decent. Lemala Ndutu also stands out for its guiding and this more opulent camp will satisfy customers wishing to shell out significantly to obtain a more personal experience where luxury standards are somewhat greater.

Ndutu Safari Lodge is our entrance-level lodge located in the region permanently. Though with fantastic views over Lake Ndutu itself, I find I rarely sell this lodge since I prefer the experience at Nasikia Migration Mobile and the style is quite uninspired. Avoiding the more mass-market choices at the park always appeals to me, hence I would advise customers to follow like. Should you be fixed on a lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp would be your accommodation.

If you could somewhat stretch the budget, Lemala Ndutu is the spot to visit; Nasikia Migration is my top choice for the “Value” pricing range.

Tent at Serengeti, Tanzania, Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp

Camp fire at Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp; lemala ndutu; serengeti; tanzania
Lemala Ndutu Camp –

“Classic” Serengeti campgrounds (probably between $750 and 850pppn)

Mobile camps are Rising a level to our Classic bracket, you will find the likes of Serengeti Safari Camp, Ubuntu, Kimondo and Olakira here. Two great businesses, Asilia Safaris and Nomad Tanzania, own these campgrounds; however, bitter rivals! Although we are divided in the office here, the real attitude of Nomad Tanzania has always made me a fan of Serengeti Safari Camp. Also, they provide four nights for the cost of three most years; you can obtain further value for money by combining Serengeti Safari Camp with another of Nomad’s great properties nearby.

Focussing on the Ndutu location and Lake Masek Tented Camp is better than Ndutu Safari Lodge itself. This time of year, it is usually the property we use as our entrance-level permanent lodge. Lemala’s Ewanjan is excellent in Moru, a little bit too far north in my view; Nasikia’s Naona Moru is also really wonderful. Asilia’s Dunia Camp, which rates in the high end of our classic range, is the most well-known camp in Moru. Sanctuary’s Kusini has always been my fave at this category because to its calmer (and, in my view, superior) location; Elewana’s Pioneer Camp is the ultra opulent camp in the traditional range. what a perspective from the main area offers?

My recommendation for the “Classic” price range is Serengeti Safari Camp, the original Serengeti mobile camp I would always choose! Kimondo, however, is equally excellent because of its far-off position in Kusini. Lemala’s Ewanjan at the lower end of this pricing range fits well if you were seeking for a more permanent lodge style of property; Kusini Camp at the top end helps you avoid the throng.

Couple Bathroom Bedroom Serengeti Safari Camp

Serengeti Safari Camp twin room, lemala ewanjan camp, the serengeti, tanzania
Lemala Ewanjan Camp

“Luxury” Serengeti camps (around $1,000pppn and more)

Mobile tents – At last, in our Luxury range, we reach the most costly mobiles of the Serengeti. While &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas is a mobile tented camp emphasizing luxury, the honeymoon alternative, maybe, Alex Walker’s Serian Kakesio and Serian Kusini are really exceptional. In the Serengeti, meanwhile, Wilderness Usawa is joining the top ranks of mobile businesses that get you closer to the Migration than ever before. She is a new big hitter there. The company’s green credentials have also helped it land amazing locations fit for walking safari.

Despite their less than $1,000pppn, I would always include Kusini and Pioneer at this price range in permanent lodges! Still, the opulent Mwiba sets the benchmarks for luxury properties. Mwiba offers a very high degree of luxury that rivals the very best properties in the nation, offering a safari completely different from that of the mobiles! The location of this camp raises only one question: the dependability of the game. I have always seen it as bit of a danger. Still, what a camp this is.

Regarding the “Luxury” pricing range: Look no farther than the Serian properties if you wish to be mobile. Although Serian Kakesio is exceptional, I always plan a trip that divides time between his two homes, Serian Kusini and Kakesio. Kusini Camp wins for game viewing if permanent lodges are your taste; Mwiba wins for comfort by a country mile.

Serian Serengeti Kusini tent exterior vista
Serian’s Serengeti Mobile Kusini Bath, Alex Walker’s Serengeti Camp, Tanzania
Serengeti South (Kakessio) from Serian

Do you have safari in mind?

If yes, we would be happy to assist with design! Given all the knowledge available on the internet today, we frequently find clients rather perplexed and inundated in information. The greatest thing you can do is let someone in the office know about your intentions. Three of our team members have worked in the Serengeti and can help you at the appropriate season through the best choices.