Top Tanzania and Kenya Lodges with Great Wildebeest Migration Front-Row Seats

There’s nothing else quite like the Great Wildebeest Migration. Some people call it “the greatest show on Earth”, and once you witness this annual event on the vast plains of East Africa, you’ll understand why.

It involves nearly two million animals – including blue wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles – following a massive circular pattern as they search for fresh grazing across Tanzania and Kenya. Unsurprisingly, this wonder of the natural world attracts visitors from all over the globe, giving them front-row seats to the show – even from their accommodations.

Let’s explore some of the best lodges to watch the Great Wildebeest Migration from in Tanzania and Kenya.

Tanzania: andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas

Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxury mobile camp that moves five times a year, giving campers a complete, front-row seat experience during the Great Migration. In fact, the camp works hard to anticipate the herd’s route each year, setting up in the perfect spot once the wildebeest arrive in their droves.

This private campsite features nine luxury tents, a communal area with Wi-Fi, private butler services, outdoor heated bucket-style showers and comfortable beds with fluffy duvets. Enjoy a guided Great Migration experience, al fresco dining under a starry sky, hot air balloon safaris, and direct access to the Great Migration – all in one place.

Tanzania: Sanctuary Kichakani

Like Serengeti Under Canvas, Sanctuary Kichakani is a fully mobile camp that pursues the Great Migration through the vast plains of the northern Serengeti. The hospitality team is led by Camp Manager Emmanuel Pareso, an industry veteran who believes that his camp is “always in the perfect location to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration”.

The camp’s 10 luxurious tents feature period furniture and hand-crafted luggage, all designed for seamless transitions from one location to another. Each also features a bucket shower, which adds to the sense of adventure. The plush central area allows guests to enjoy divine dining experiences with incredible views of the surrounding plains. When the camp reaches its northern location, it has a direct view of wildebeest making the difficult crossing over the Mara River – as well as the throngs of predators that gather to feast on this annual bounty.

Tanzania: Newmark Serengeti Sojourn Mobile Camp

Serengeti Sojourn also follows the immense herds as they undertake their annual migration, setting up in either the Ndutu or Togoro region, depending on the time of year. The Ndutu site is perched on a hilltop, giving guests a panoramic view of the migration and the magical wildebeest calving season. It’s an authentic Serengeti experience that ticks all the boxes: luxury, location, and a plethora of wildlife that includes big cats.

Guests benefit from Wi-Fi throughout the camp, daily turndown service, and a personal valet that sees to all your needs throughout your stay. Meals are served at a dedicated dining tent, but on occasion, you can also experience the unfiltered wonder of a bush meal among the trees. This camp is especially exciting for families – the Rafiki Explorer Club keeps kids between the ages of six to 15 occupied throughout their stay.

Tanzania: Wayo Serengeti Green Camp

Wayo Serengeti Green Camp’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its newly-designed, locally-made tents, which give guests a 180º view into the surrounding wilderness. Each is equipped with an en-suite bathroom and interiors inspired by local art styles, all adding to the allure of the Tanzanian bush. In terms of game viewing, the camp’s guides craft unique experiences for guests based on the kinds of experiences they’ve had before. So, if you have a bucket list sighting, this is the place to find it.

The camp is set up in the northern Serengeti from July to October to take advantage of the Great Migration. From December to March, it makes its own migration down to the southern Serengeti. In addition to game drives, guests can also embark on guided walking safaris with the camp’s most experienced guides.

Kenya: Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana is a permanent lodge located along its own private stretch of the Mara River, seamlessly blending luxury and nature to give guests the best experience possible. From here, you can see hippos wading in the murky waters – and hear them first thing in the morning! Each of the lodge’s 14 glass-sided suites grant guests sweeping views of the river and beyond, while the ultra-luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite features a spectacular terrace, two private bedrooms, a private lounge and bar, and a private infinity pool.

This is the epitome of luxury lodge accommodation in the Maasai Mara, and traditional spa treatments and gourmet dining complete the package. Activities include visits to a Maasai Village, day and night game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, and up-close views of the Great Migration.

Kenya: Governors’ Camp

Nestled in a forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, in the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, Governors’ Camp has the distinction of being Africa’s first permanent luxury tented camp. The tents might be made from canvas, but this camp offers all the comforts of a luxury hotel. All tents are classic safari style and feature en-suite bathrooms, electric lights, plug points, Wi- Fi, and private verandas.

There’s also a bar tent with a deck overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent with spectacular views over the plains. Meanwhile, the spa tent offers a wide range of treatments incorporating local ingredients. Other experiences include boat safaris on Lake Naivasha and lion tracking with experienced guides.

Kenya: andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Set on a private concession within the game rich Masai Mara National Reserve, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is a remarkable destination for several reasons. Here, you can enjoy dining under starry skies and hot air ballooning at dawn, while during the migration season, vast herds of wildebeest gather nearby, and you’ll enjoy up-close guided encounters with them. There’s also an on-site a safari shop featuring the finest Kenyan handcrafts and a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool with extraordinary views.

Twelve classic tents, twenty superior tents, and eight superior view tents – all with Maasai-inspired interiors – are laid out in immaculate grounds where leisurely groups of warthogs feed right outside your door. Massive windows in the spacious guest areas invite the Mara inside and incorporate split-level spaces where guests can unwind.

Kenya: Great Plains Mara Nyika Camp

Ever heard of Dereck and Beverly Joubert? They’ve produced over 40 films for National Geographic and even won an Emmy for their 2006 film, Eye of the Leopard. Among big cat filmmakers, they’re a big deal, so it’s little surprise that travellers adore their Great Plains Conservation lodges and camps. The Mara Nyika Camp is particularly special. As Dereck puts it, a safari is about creating a story or an ideal dream.

“This is why I spent over three years looking for light or noise pollution and finally settling on an exceptional place for Mara Nyika Camp,” he says. “A site where no one else will see our lights or canvas, and one where each time we visited, we saw a male leopard or a lioness and cubs.”

That’s a bold claim, but one that rings true for all visitors to this remarkable camp. It’s tucked away in a deep valley within the Naboisho Conservancy, the second-largest conservancy in the Maasai Mara. This gives it direct access to all the wildlife the Mara has to offer, including the Great Migration herds. Guests also benefit from an on-site wine cellar, a library, and safari tents shaded by huge umbrella thorn trees, giving it a treehouse feel.

Kenya: Asilia Africa Rekero Camp

Situated in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve with nine comfortable decked out tents, Rekero Camp lies just 150 m from one of the Talek River’s main wildlife crossings. That means one of the most impressive aspects of the Great Migration can be observed without ever leaving the camp. The muted khaki-hued tents with modern amenities blend perfectly into the landscape, encouraging wildlife to venture into the surrounding area.

The camp is also famous for its large cat population and was the filming location for Disney’s African Cats series. The entire camp is solar powered and safari vehicles have power points for charging devices on the move. General facilities include laundry service, a curio gift shop, and room service. They offer bird watching and picnics, as well as other “traditional” safari activities.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to experience the migration, but you’re concerned that you’ll sacrifice comfort and luxury. That is absolutely not the case at these 10 camps and lodges – here, you’ll get to witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomena with all the bells and whistles, whether you need spa pampering between game drives or a glass of fine wine to pair with your sunset view.

These lodges have taken luxury living to the bush, giving you direct access to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara with all the amenities you need – without compromising on an authentic safari experience.

Speak to one of our safari experts to start booking your bespoke East African safari today. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our HerdTracker tool, which allows you to track the Great Wildebeest Migration in real time and see the best accommodation options in each area.