As to where to stay during a luxury migration tour, let’s take a look at some of the best Grumeti luxury safari lodges and camps; these are accommodation options that cater to many different travelers. Whether you seek to explore the best of Tanzania luxury holiday – the choices are practically endless.

These luxury lodges in Grumeti will spoil you rotten, bathtubs placed outside next to frequently used elephant pathways, exclusive open-air suites with views across the extensive reserve and phenomenal service. They cater for everyone from good family-friendly camps to solo travelers, offering luxury and unrivalled wildlife views, there is plenty to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. Whether you’re looking for migration honeymoons in Tanzania, a classic migration safari and beach combination holiday, or have other plans in mind, our selection of most luxurious safari lodges in Tanzania.

As for where to stay in Grumeti, the luxury accommodations inside Grumeti private reserve include the following;

1. Sabora Tented Camp, Grumeti -Tanzania
2. Singita Explore, Grumeti – Tanzania
3. Kilima Camp, Grumeti – Tanzania
4. Singita Milele, Grumeti – Tanzania
5. Serengeti House, Grumeti – Tanzania
6. Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Grumeti – Tanzania
7. Faru Faru Luxury Lodge, Grumeti – Tanzania

The mega migration crossing usually happens at Mara River around late July to August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. Keep in mind that exact dates around this periods are not predictable until the first large wildebeest herds actually gather at the northern edge of Serengeti as they near the Mara. Hence, these are the best times to see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. Moreover, bear in mind that the herds are sometimes known to gather at a spot for days, or weeks on the River banks without crossing because they are still preparing themselves for this daring challenge.

The Mara River crossing usually takes place between July and August, while the Grumeti River crossing usually happens in late June and/or early July. While witnessing the river-crossing herd is undeniably breathtaking, it’s important to note that these events are random. Herds may just arrive and delay by the river for days, or weeks making their strategies for a safe passage.

When choosing between Grumeti and Masai Mara migration, remember that accommodation is better established in the areas surrounding the Mara River, with good options to suit the budget traveler.

Secondly, the chances of seeing a river crossing are much higher at the Mara River, since the crossings tend to occur more frequently. Additionally, at the Mara River, the migration crossing is much more dramatic as the river is flowing faster, much deeper and made up of steep river banks, creating a jumping circus unlike the Grumeti River which is somehow just open and shallow – therefore not challenging.

Even though a safari in Grumeti is fantastic all year-round, it’s much better when the great migration herds passes through, usually around late June and/or early July, crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River on their way back to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Now this is the best time to visit the Grumeti River to witness river crossings.

As for the vehicles to be used on a great migration safari holiday, all of migration tours use the best-quality safari jeeps. Expect both the 4×4 land cruiser with open rooftop and open sided 4×4 safari jeeps are available. The vehicles are built to withstand the bush terrain offering a fairly smooth ride over even the bumpiest roads. Both cruisers have raised seats ensuring every traveler has a 360 degrees view of the animals no matter which side of the vehicle they are on. Additionally, the windows are large providing some up-close encounters with curious Big Cats! Most of the vehicles will have cool boxes filled with water, power sockets for charging camera batteries and camera support bases for those going on Africa photo safari tours.

The professionality of the driver and guide is as important as the quality of the vehicle. On a luxury safari, are expect highly trained driver and guides who have outstanding wildlife knowledge. Expect them to always switch off the vehicle engine when you want to see an animal or stay much longer on a sighting. They will always try and position the vehicle so that you have the best viewing angle of the wildlife. Expect short briefs even during an animal sighting where you will see them turn and face you when they talk. Keep in mind our luxury fly-in safaris are also available if you wish to explore this option. Ready to start planning your trip? Discover some of the best wildebeest migration tours & safaris that put you right in the middle of the action.

The wildebeest migration is a yearly spectacle where millions of wildebeest, together along with zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains of East Africa in search for water and fresh grazing grounds, water, and safe places to raise new life. The Wildebeest herds migrate primarily following the rainfall patterns and fresh grazing grass, a crucial cycle for their survival and breeding.

While the normal safari clothes and equipment’s apply, let’s see some few extra additions from our list below – which might be just what you need to experience the wildebeest crossings in the best way possible.

Kindly make sure you have the necessary travel documents to ensure a smooth journey to your Great Migration adventure.

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Africa. Also, ensure you have at least two blank pages for visas and stamps.

Visa: Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter countries like Kenya or Tanzania, where the Great Migration can be witnessed. U.S. and European citizens need to apply for an e-visa for holidays in Tanzania. While Kenya offers visa-free entry, all foreign visitors – U.S. and European visitors are required to fill an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 72 hours prior to their travel. It is best to arrange this before departure to avoid any potential delays at the airport.

Your Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss or theft is highly recommended. Make sure it includes coverage for any safari activities you plan to participate in.

Vaccination Certificates: Depending on the current health guidelines and requirements, you might need to show proof of certain vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever. Check if the countries you are visiting have any specific health requirements.

Flight Return Ticket: Some countries might require you to show proof of a return ticket or an onward journey to grant entry.

Itinerary Details and Accommodation Confirmations: Having a copy of your travel itinerary and confirmed hotel reservations can be helpful at the immigration desk.

Emergency Contacts and Important Addresses: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including your country’s embassy or consulate in the countries you will visit, as well as the addresses and contact details of your accommodations.

No, it’s not only wildebeest that migrate; they migrate together with thousands of zebras, topi’s, eland and gazelles forming one mega herd; – in their circular movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of food and water.

You can explore more of our migration questions not covered here, don’t spend hours researching online asking;-  Is July a good time to see the great migration? Is August a good time to see the great migration? Or Is September a good time to see the great migration? We’re here to help you out with all this.