Best Lodges & Camps for the Great Wildebeest Migration (Masai Mara & Serengeti)
Where You Stay Matters During the Great Migration
Seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration is not just about being in the right country —
it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
Your lodge or camp determines:
- How early you reach river crossings
- Whether wildlife passes through your camp
- How crowded your game drives feel
- The quality of your overall safari experience
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we select accommodations based on migration movement patterns, not commission lists.
Masai Mara: Best Lodges & Camps for the Migration
The Masai Mara migration (July–October) is famous for Mara River crossings. Staying close to key crossing points is critical.
Top Migration Camps in Masai Mara
1. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Overlooks the Mara River
Excellent river-crossing access
Ideal for first-time migration travelers
2. Entim Mara Camp
Located directly on the riverbank
Migration passes through camp
Exceptional photography opportunities
3. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
Central migration corridors
Great for families and photographers
4. Kicheche Mara Camp
Eco-luxury, fewer vehicles
Private conservancy access
Annest Kenya Safaris Tip:
We combine main reserve + conservancy stays to reduce crowds and maximize sightings.
Serengeti: Best Lodges & Camps for the Migration
The Serengeti migration is seasonal and spread across vast regions. Camp location changes by month.
Best Camps by Migration Phase
Calving Season (Jan–Feb) – Southern Serengeti / Ndutu
- Ndutu Safari Lodge
- Lemala Ndutu Camp
- Kusini Camp
Massive herds
Predator action
Birth of 500,000 calves
River Crossing Season (May–July) – Western Corridor
- Mbalageti Serengeti Camp
- Grumeti River Lodge
Grumeti River crossings
Fewer crowds than Mara
Northern Serengeti (Aug–Oct)
- Sayari Camp
- Lemala Kuria Hills
Cross-border migration movement
Exceptional luxury and exclusivity
Luxury vs Tented Camps: What’s Best for Migration?
Luxury Lodges
Permanent structures
Pools, spas, fine dining
Ideal for honeymooners & seniors
Mobile Tented Camps
Move with the migration
Front-row wildlife experience
Best for photographers & adventurers
Annest Kenya Safaris specializes in both, offering:
- Luxury migration safaris
- Private mobile camp safaris
- Family-friendly migration options
How Annest Kenya Safaris Chooses the Best Camps
We don’t use generic hotel lists. We focus on:
Wildlife movement data
Historical migration patterns
Vehicle density
Access to river crossings
Guest comfort & safety
This is why our Great Migration safaris consistently outperform expectations.
Best Time + Best Camp = Perfect Migration Safari
| Month | Best Area | Recommended Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Ndutu | Mobile camps |
| Mar–Apr | Central Serengeti | Lodge + camp |
| May–Jun | Western Corridor | River lodges |
| Jul–Oct | Masai Mara / Northern Serengeti | River camps |
| Nov–Dec | Central Serengeti | Classic lodges |
Why Book Migration Lodges with Annest Kenya Safaris?
Direct lodge partnerships
Best location guarantees
Honest advice — no upselling
Flexible upgrades
Seamless Kenya–Tanzania planning
We match your travel dates to the correct migration zone — not the other way around.
FAQs – Migration Lodges & Camps
Yes. All camps recommended by Annest Kenya Safaris meet strict safety standards and operate under park regulations.
Some camps are located directly on riverbanks, allowing early access before crowds arrive.
Yes. We recommend specific family-friendly lodges with larger tents and flexible game drives.
Absolutely. Prime migration camps sell out 6–12 months in advance.
Yes — this is one of our most popular migration safari styles.


