The world’s ultimate wildlife migration, starring up to 1.5 million Wildebeests and thousands of Thompson’s gazelle and Zebra happens in the plains of East Africa every year. It is one of the most sought after travel experiences, displaying spectacular wildlife behavior and the power of nature at work. You would not want to miss the unique opportunity to witness the most magnificent creatures on Earth from the best front row seats. This is valuable information for the migration action 2020.
Over 2 million glorious animals migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This astounding Wildebeest migration is hailed as one of the ‘Seven National Wonders of Africa.’
Where and When to See the Great Migration
The great migration is caused by the dry season, starting from June up till October. From the plains of the Serengeti in the South to the Masai Mara in the North. Although, this year, early signs of the migration have already been witnessed. More than 250,000 Wildebeest start the trek, but not all make it to the end of the year as the distances are vast fraught with many dangerous river crossings. By the end of summer, typically in September, the animals start their journey back to the Serengeti National Park.
Fact: Wildebeest can live up to forty years old, but most only reach the age of twenty.
Best time to Witness the Migration
Now that you know how the Wildebeest Migration works, you can easily choose the best time to go and witness the wonder of the migration action 2020, depending entirely on which event you’re personally interested to see.
| Event | Approximate Time | Location |
| Calving Season | January – March | Southern Serengeti |
| Predator Action | January – March | Southern Serengeti |
| Mating Season | January – March | Southern Serengeti |
| Grumeti River Crossing | May – July | Western Serengeti |
| Mara River Crossing | July – September | Northern Serengeti |
| On the Move | October to December | Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara |
Fact: After 10 minutes of birth, wildebeest calves can stand up on their feet and are ready to move with the herd.
If you need more information and reason to see the migration action 2020 then read on…
Best Safari Lodges to stay at…
Accommodation for the great migration safari can be divided into two categories: mobile camps and permanent lodges. Each has different benefits, but picking one depends on what is important to you.
There are many luxury tented safari camps available for accommodation. The great Wildebeest migration is truly worthy of being in your bucket list. So make sure you have the right place to witness it.
Some of the best accommodation providers to witness different events of the great migration action 2020 include:
Calving season: Sanctuary Kusini
Predator action: &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Grumeti River Crossing: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Camp
Mara River Crossing: Sayari Migration Camp
On the move: Sand River Camp Masai Mara
Sanctuary Kusini
Sanctuary Kusini’s location was specially selected by guides and local experts to the area. The camp has been idyllically located in a small woodland area that is surrounded by small boulder hills called “kopjes”. Game sightings are excellent year round. The open plains around the camp are ideal habitat for Cheetah and Wildebeest that congregate on the grassy plains in the calving season from mid-December to March.
Just twelve double tents have been built around the largest of the kopjes. Each suite is very spacious and is replete with en-suite facilities including an indoor shower. A large private deck with comfortable chairs extends in front of each tent, a great spot for armchair game viewing. The bush around the camp usually has Zebra, Buffalo and Lion making for exciting game sightings. The suites have mosquito netting, hairdryers and an in room safe. Guests also have a personal butler to look after their every need.
Rates start from $495 per person and includes accommodation, meals, twice daily game drives, local brand drinks, laundry and airstrip transfers.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched high above the cool, swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. The elegant and luxurious safari suites command breath-taking views over the surrounding landscape.
Once an enormous volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world. It is thought that before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Over millennia it has collapsed and eroded forming an extensive highland area with the 600 meter (2 000 feet) deep crater as its focal point.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge comprises three separate and intimate camps with 30 suites. Steeped in romance, each stilted thatch suite is decorated with antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and en-suite bathroom has floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Crater below.
En-suite bathrooms with a dramatic centerpiece of red roses feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. A personal butler will cater for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing your evening bubble bath. Each camp has its own guest lounge and dining area, as well as viewing decks.
Rates start from $1115 per person and includes accommodation, meals, local brand drinks, airstrip transfers and laundry.
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Camp
Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp lies in the remote western reaches of the Serengeti National Park. Few other lodges are located in this area and we rarely saw other vehicles. This isolated venue gave us incredible game viewing experiences with the feeling of being the only people in the area.
The camp is rustic yet quite sophisticated with a warmth that makes you feel part of the family. The main guest areas included an open-fronted sitting and dining area with a welcoming bar, all decorated with glass pendants and small refined touches.
All ten of the tented suites feature shaded private decks that look out over the river. Big day beds made this the perfect place to relax in the afternoon before tea and the game drive. The tent interiors combined various hues and colors with natural stone and bone. A stone shower is open to the sun and stars.
Rates start from $740 per person and includes accommodation, meals, local brand drinks, safari activities, laundry and transfers.
Sayari Camp
Sayari Migration Camp is a luxurious permanent camp situated in the far north of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Mara River meanders from east to west through this remote region’s undulating bush, which is home to permanent, large populations of plains wildlife. This part of the Serengeti ecosystem is a spectacular area to witness the great wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp is split into two with six tents in the smaller camp to the north of the swimming pool. Nine tents are in the bigger camp on the south side. Each small camp has its own lounge and dining area with a central swimming pool. The larger honeymoon tent has a secluded outdoor bath, four-poster bed, a huge extended deck and an uninterrupted view. Any of the tents can be made up to create family units.
Rates start from $684 per person and includes accommodation, meals, local brand drinks, airstrip transfers, safari activities, laundry and walking safaris.
Sayari is a great camp to witness the migration action 2020.
Sand River Camp Masai Mara
Set on the banks of the Sand River in the South East corner of the Masai Mara National Reserve lies Sand River Camp. Described as sublime, glorious and infinite the camp is the epitome of the 1920’s safari style and is perfect for year round exceptional game viewing.
Located as it is so close to the Tanzanian border Sand River is one of the first camps to enjoy the spectacle of the Great Migration as it arrives. The reserve is very well known for it’s large concentration of cats that include Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. Civet and Serval can be seen with some luck.
Sand River comprises 16 guest tents that includes a family tent that are spread amongst the bush on the North side of the river. Tents are well spaced ensuring privacy and enhancing the sensation of perfect isolation. The camp is divided into two parts and each can operate alone which is important when busy. Each of the camps has it’s own lounge, bar and swimming pool.
Rates start from $637 per person and includes accommodation, meals, local brand drinks, game drives, walking safaris, bush breakfasts, airstrip transfers and laundry.
For expert advice and more options of lodges to stay at, get hold of the Migration expert, Pierre Pitlo at African Safari Experts.
Current Location of the Herd
This year the herd has skipped the Grumeti reserve altogether and instead have headed to the North with speed. Crossings have been witnessed along the Mara River. The herd has entered the Masai Mara near the Mara Triangle, probably due to late rains in Kenya. This is an interesting development to the migration action 2020.
Post COVID-19 Safety Measures by Accommodation Camps
As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, safari camp owners continue to stay up to date and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of their employees, guests, and communities. The following measures are adopted to ensure everyone’s well being and safety.
- Educating employees about the virus and guidelines established by the WHO.
- Educating guests about the latest safety measures and procedures to make the stay safe.
- All luggage will be sanitized and no inter person contact during check-in.
- The use of digital payments will be encouraged over cash transactions.
- Hand sanitizers and washbasins will be set up for the guests.
- Face masks available for guests and employees.
Airlines Flying to Nairobi and Kilimanjaro from the United States and Europe
Several airlines are flying to Nairobi and Kilimanjaro from various US airports. A few of the airline providers are:
Book your ticket for as low as $486 with special offers for the great wildebeest migration. Contact us for further assistance.
Post COVID-19 Safety Measures by Airlines
Airlines have also unveiled multi-faceted measures for passengers and employees by redefining hygiene and safety standards on the ground as well as onboard. The following measures are adopted by airlines to ensure passenger safety and a smooth flight.
- Complimentary hygiene kits, including gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial wipes are provided to passengers.
- Thermal scanners have been installed in the check-in area to monitor the temperature of employees and passengers.
- Social distancing indicators have been positioned in the check-in and waiting areas.
- Lavatories have been equipped with hand washing instructions and sanitizing soap.
- Ensure passengers observe social distancing in flight.
- The cabin crew will be fully dressed in PPEs.
- To limit the risk of infection, all print reading material will not be available.
- Pillows, headphones, blankets, toys and other comfort items are hygienically sealed
- All cutlery and utensil are sanitized.
The temptation…
Due to the interruption in tourism this year there are some excellent discounts available so contact us today and find out how you can witness the Migration at excellent prices. Get ready and pack your bags for this once in a lifetime experience! Witness the exotic African wildlife at its best and enjoy the exhilarating migration from Serengeti to the Masai Mara.
For more reading on the Great Migration read our other blog on the Great Migration. If you need further advice or assistance then get in touch with us or visit out website at African Safari Experts.