The best place to stay in the Serengeti depends on the month: the south (Ndutu) from December to March, the centre and west from April to July, and the north (Kogatende and Lamai) from July to October. The Serengeti covers about 14,750 square kilometres, so picking the wrong area can mean hours of driving each day.
Use this guide to match your dates to the right area and camps, then see our Serengeti safari itineraries for complete trips.
Last checked: September 2026. Migration timings are typical and shift with the rains.
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Month-by-month overview
| Month | Best area | What you’ll see | Luxury camps to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | South (Ndutu, Kusini) | Herds settling, first calves | &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, Lemala Ndutu |
| February | South (Ndutu) | Peak calving and predator action | Asilia Olakira, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp |
| March | South to central | Herds start moving; calves growing | Namiri Plains, mobile camps in the south |
| April | Central (Seronera) | Long rains, herds on the move | Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Singita Sasakwa |
| May | Central and western | Rut begins; long columns of wildebeest | Singita Faru Faru, Four Seasons |
| June | Western corridor (Grumeti) | Grumeti River crossings begin | Singita Faru Faru, Singita Sabora |
| July | Western to north | Herds reach the Mara River | Singita Grumeti, then Kogatende camps |
| August | North (Kogatende, Lamai) | Peak Mara River crossings | Singita Mara River, Nomad Lamai, Sayari |
| September | North | Crossings continue | Sayari, Nomad Lamai, &Beyond Under Canvas |
| October | North to east | Last crossings; herds turn south | Lamai camps, Namiri Plains |
| November | East and central | Short rains; herds heading south | Namiri Plains, Four Seasons |
| December | South-east to south | Herds arrive on the short-grass plains | Mobile camps near Ndutu |
The four main areas
Southern Serengeti and Ndutu (December to March)
Open short-grass plains where the herds give birth. Most luxury options are seasonal or mobile camps. It is the best area for cheetahs and for predator action in February. See our calving season guide.
Central Serengeti (all year)
The Seronera Valley has resident lions, leopards and cheetahs all year, so it is a good base in any month. It is also the busiest area, so a lodge with a private concession or experienced guides helps.
Western corridor and Grumeti (May to July)
The herds pass through here on their way north and cross the Grumeti River, which is home to large crocodiles. The private Grumeti Reserve, home to the Singita lodges, offers off-road driving, night drives and walking, which the national park doesn’t allow. See our Singita Grumeti vs central Serengeti comparison.
Northern Serengeti (July to October)
The remote north is where the Mara River crossings happen. It is harder to reach, with fewer camps, and it is the most expensive area in peak months. See our Mara River crossings guide.
How many areas should you visit?
For a trip of 6 to 8 nights in the Serengeti, we usually suggest two areas:
- One area that follows the herds for that month.
- One area with strong resident wildlife, such as the central Serengeti, or a private reserve such as Grumeti.
Moving between areas by light aircraft is quick, and it spreads your chances if the herds shift.
FAQs
Where is the best place to stay in the Serengeti?
It depends on the month. Follow the table above: the south from December to March, the centre and west from April to July, and the north from July to October.
Is it better to stay inside or outside the Serengeti?
Inside, or in a private reserve on the park border. Staying outside means long daily drives through the gates.
Which area of the Serengeti has the most wildlife all year?
The central Serengeti around Seronera has the most reliable resident predators all year.
Plan your Serengeti stay
Tell us your travel month and we will suggest the two best bases for that time. See our Serengeti itineraries or ask below.
