The Serengeti’s Great Wildebeest Migration in December

The Serengeti’s Great Wildebeest Migration in December

 Where are the herds in December?

The Serengeti’s Great Wildebeest Migration in December : The month is the trickiest month of the year to predict the Great Wildebeest Migration, the November short rains make the wildebeest herds disperse across the plains of Serengeti national park as they head south in preparation for calving season, which kicks off towards the end of December and lasts until March.

Generally, the main herds may linger in Namiri plains – just south east of the central Serengeti region, Seronera or in Kusini which is in the South West of the central area. As early as December, some of the herds may have already made it to the fertile Ndutu plains in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area preparing for calving season.

Is December a good time to see the Great Migration?

December is a very popular time to go for a safari in Tanzania as it is the start of the calving season, December is generally a best time to visit Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as it is mainly dry and the wildlife is excellent in this period which is a dry season.

 Though December is a somewhat transitional month for the migration, Serengeti national park is visit by a huge population for tourists seeking for an adventure during the Christmas period.

Because of the November rains, the wildebeests disperse as they have plentiful grass to feed on, so you are less likely to witness huge condensed herds which are so fabulous in the dry season. If witnessing the Great Migration is your absolute priority for visiting Serengeti national park, the best time to visit the park to get more condensed Migration scenes is February.

 February is the only month when the herds are always where you think they will be, that is in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Where should I stay to get the best chance of catching the herds in December?

The first two weeks of December, the best area to visit and stay is the Central Serengeti region. The best accommodations include

• Moru (situated just south of the center)
• Kusini (situated further south west of the center)
• In the Seronera region itself (the centre) where more permanent camps are found, these camps do not move locations to follow the migration.

 December is a more transitional month and the herds tend to be scattered across central and into the Southern Serengeti, it is important to not only consider where the migration may or may not be. But also the style of the camp which suits you the most.

For the later dates in December, there are two best locations to consider that is Central Serengeti Area and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area – situated very south of the park. Ndutu area offers a chance of catching the start of the calving season, the best camps (accommodations options) to stay in to witness the Great Migration in December are as bellow

• Kiota – this camp is located in the Seronera Area boasting amazing views of the surrounding plains, Kiota Camp is an exceptional value property well positioned for the migration in the transitional months and sightings of the resident wildlife in the central Serengeti.
• Nimiri Plains – this camp is situated in one of the best locations in Serengeti national park, it is set in the eastern area of the park which is very virgin and hardly vehicles visit the area. The area is a former Cheetah Conservation Area with excellent sightings of big cats,
• Dunia Camp – This camp is an Asilia property with incredible welcoming and warm environment, Dunia Camp is exceptionally well positioned in a quieter area of Seronera region boasting excellent resident wildlife.

Best camps to stay in for a late December Serengeti safari in the Ndutu plains.

 While on a Great Migration safari in December, it is a good idea to combine a more permanent camp in the central area with a mobile camp in the south. This to give you a variety in accommodation.  In the south of Serengeti, there are no permanent camps so you will stay in mobile camps.

 Midrange Mobile Camps

Chaka Camp – the camp is a sister camp to Kiota and have the same ethos of very comfortable accommodation and excellent overall experience in great locations.

Barefoot luxury mobile camps

Serengeti Safari Camp –the camp moves between 3 locations throughout the year and with 2 mobile camps, Serengeti Safari Camo is unbeatable for an authentic Serengeti safari.

Ubuntu Camp – this camp is similar to the Serengeti Safari Camp in style and is in an equally excellent location at this time of the year thus a fabulous choice for a barefoot luxury tented Serengeti safari.

Alex Walker’s Serian – the camp is a classic Safari Style, Serian has two camps at this time of the year that is Kusini region of Southern Serengeti (Serian Kusini situated to the slightly north and west of Ndutu) and Serian South situated deep into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Serian South is a favorite camps as it not situated in a national park meaning you can enjoy walking cultural visit and fly camping.

Very luxurious mobile camps

Serengeti Under Canvas – this is a very luxurious tented accommodation option perfect for luxury travelers.

Olakira camp – the camp is the most luxurious mobile camp of Asilia but not as luxurious as Serengeti Under Canvas.