The Best Camps To View The Great Migration

The Best Camps To View The Great Migration

A once in a lifetime experience and on the bucket list of many a traveller to Africa, none can surpass the great migration: a million wildebeest crossing the plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in search of fresh grass while braving predators and perilous river crossings. In order to help you plan the perfect trip to see the great migration, we’ve selected the best camps to see this incredible spectacle from.

1. Lamai Serengeti

Located in the remote far northern sector of the Serengeti National Park, Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River. The camp has just 12 stylish open fronted rooms in all, which have been designed to fit into the complex geometry of the kopje and to make the most of this sensational location, its views and its natural space and light.

2. Lemala Kuria Hills, Serengeti

Offering unrivalled luxury, Lemala Kuria Hills is situated in the Wogakurya Hills, close to the Mara River on the Tanzanian side of the border and within the main corridor of the world-famous wildebeest migration. Large boulders and kopjes form the prominent features of the site and each guest tent has been carefully positioned amongst these to ensure privacy and spectacular vistas over the gentle grassed slopes, open woodland and tree lined watercourses, which all make up the scenic north Serengeti landscape. Whether you are here for the migration between June and October or for privacy and seclusion at other times of the year, you will find the camp a place of incredible luxury and beauty where you can relax or explore the amazing wildlife, landscapes and habitats of the northern Serengeti with the camp's superb guides either on foot or in their custom-designed 4x4s.

3. Olakira, Serengeti

Olakira follows the massive herds of wildebeest to two spectacular locations in the north and south of the Serengeti National Park. Home from December to March is the southern Serengeti, where herds of wildebeest calve simultaneously and the plains throng with new life. As the dry days of winter arrive, Olakira relocates north to the confluence of the Mara and Bolongonja rivers for spectacular game viewing at the Mara River itself and around the Lamai Wedge. The camp's nine tents offer a modern take on the vintage charm of East Africa. Each has a king-sized bed (twin beds are available) complete with rich linens, an under-cover veranda with comfortable chaise lounge, and en-suite bathroom and dressing area with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets.

4. Governors' Camp, Masai Mara

Old-style charm fused with 21st-century creature comforts in the heart of East Africa’s prime wildlife area. Originally built for the exclusive use of Kenya’s colonial governors, Governors Camp' still offers one of the best classic safari experiences anywhere in Africa. Set along the Mara River, each of its 37 luxury tents have an en suite bathroom and private verandah, with one of the greatest shows on earth right on their doorstep. There is also a bar tent with deck overlooking the Mara River and dining tent with views over the plains.

5. Angama Mara

Angama Mara enjoys a superb position on the top of an escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara 300 metres below. A private access road leads to the game rich Mara Triangle area of the reserve where expert guides take guests on game drives to see the famous prolific wildlife found here including big cats and, in season, the herds of the wildebeest migration. Accommodation here consists of 15 super luxurious and spacious tents that feature king sized beds and impressive views over the Mara. There is also an onsite fitness centre and infinity pool for guests to enjoy between game drives.

6. Naibor, Masai Mara

Within the Masai Mara Reserve, Naibor and its large tents offer space and comfort in one of the great game viewing areas of the world. Hidden in a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the Talek River, each of the seven tents (with two more at the exclusive satellite Little Naibor Camp) has a large viewing deck allowing guests to enjoy the magical scenery as well as the game. A myriad of activities are on offer, with the guided game viewing exceptional, especially during the annual wildebeest migration.