Migration Update: Central Serengeti

The migration is in the central Serengeti heading west (towards the Grumeti River) and north. They will continue west into the western corridor of the Serengeti and then head north towards the Masai Mara over the coming weeks.

To see the migration this year, we are recommending the northern Serengeti from July to November.

Sun Safaris has some excellent safari packages and tours this year.

Migration on the move

The wildebeest have started to move from the southern Serengeti. The main migrating herds are in the central Serengeti. Some of the herds are moving west towards the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti. Other herds are milling around Seronera, Moru or heading north west. The migration will continue moving west into the Grumeti (western Serengeti) and north west directly into the northern Serengeti over the coming weeks. They will continue migrating west and then north until they reach the Masai Mara and northern Serengeti, normally around late July.

The best permanent camps at this time of year are:
Dunia Camp: Situated in the beautiful Moru Kopjes.
Grumeti Tented Camp: Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp offers 10 luxury safari tents.

The best mobile camps are:
Serengeti Under Canvas: This mobile camp follows the migration. It is normally based in the central Serengeti at this time of year.

Migration news: Central Serengeti

The herds have started moving west and are currently from Serona in the central Serengeti moving west towards the western corridor. There are also large herds moving in a north westerly direction. The grazing is still good in the central Serengeti, for the time being, keeping the wildebeest in the area. As the rains start to dissipate and move west, the herds will follow. Over the next month we expect them to move rapidly through the western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserve, hopefully crossing the Grumeti River in the coming weeks. They will then make their way northwards in search of better grazing and water in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya).
The best camps to use at the moment are the mobile tented camps. Central Serona also has a number of large safari hotels, but these do not provide an authentic safari experience (in our opinion).

Migration still located in the Southern Serengeti

The main wildebeest and zebra herds are still located on the short grass plains of Ndutu. There has been good rains across the Serengeti. The grass is green, but more rain will be necessary to sustain the herds through the long dry season.

Migration Status 2008: Grumeti River crossing has started

One of the highlights of the annual migration, the Grumeti River crossing, has started! The advanced party of wildebeest and zebra have already crossed the river and are moving into the Grumeti Reserve. The main herds have not reached the river yet, but their arrival and crossing is imminent. The crocodiles lie in wait and have already had successful kills. Other predators have been able to pick off prey as they approach or exit the Grumeti River. This is the start of the high season in the western corridor of the Serengeti.

All the permanent camps are busy and most of the mobile camp operators have set up camp in the area. All lodges between Seronera and the Singita camps in the Grumeti Reserve are popular at this time of year, but for the safari purist there is no beating being camped along the Grumeti River. Camp guests await the main herds and the spectacle of the greatest safari experience in Africa.

Migration Update: Grazing is sparse and dry

The grazing on the plains from Ndutu to the central Serengeti is getting sparse and dry. The herds are spread across a large area and broken into a few groups. Smaller herds can still be found east of Ndutu, but the main concentrations are moving west. There are also herds that have split and heading north west.

Gameviewing has been good with sighting of predators. Everyone is waiting expectantly for the arrival of the herds in the Grumeti.

Migration Statistics: Herds posed to cross the Grumeti River

The Grumeti River crocodiles are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the annual migration. This is one of the highlights of the annual migration calendar.

The best place to be based to see the migration is Grumeti River Camp, Kirawira Camp or one of the mobile camps. These are now based at private camps between Seronera and the Grumeti.

An good example of a safari for this time of year: June Safari route

Migration heading west from Seronera

The core herd of over one million wildebeest, zebra and Thompson's gazelle are around Seronera. There are still stragglers as far back as Gol Kopje, but the general movement is west and north west. The rains have stopped and the Serengeti is drying up, making driving around easier. Game viewing has been excellent with abundant herds and foals playing and finding their running legs. Predators continue to follow the annual migration and pick off the weak and young.

The lead herds look like they will soon start to move towards the west corridor and the Grumeti River where there is better grazing at this time. The long grass of Seronera is quickly being depleted by the vast quantity of wildlife.

The best place to be based is obviously around Seronera or within driving distance of the central Serengeti. Robanda mobile camp in Ikoma Game Controlled Area is a good option for those wanting to do game drives and some walking safaris.