Grumeti River Migration Crossing
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Wildebeest Grumeti River Crossing
Grumeti Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with Serengeti’s Western Corridor, and is an important part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem. Even though this river crossing is less popular than the Mara River crossings to the north – where the river is more dangerous, Grumeti River is a migration route for the wildebeests on their way to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The Great Migration passes through Grumeti, and hundreds upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores cross the Grumeti River, risking the jaws of some of Africa’s largest crocodiles, along with the big cats; lion, leopard, and cheetah, a bloody encounter.
Every year in late June and/or early July, Africa’s annual the Grumeti River, is known for its wildebeest river crossings. However, if you wish to explore the whole of Grumeti – remember; unlike the national park, Grumeti functions as a private reserve and can only be accessed by guests at one of the exclusive camps or lodges operated there.
Wildebeest Crossing The Grumeti River
Wildlife In Grumeti
Grumeti is an extension of the western Serengeti, characterized with classic savannah grasslands stretching to the horizon north of the Grumeti River. Away from the migration, Grumeti offers an incredible wildlife experience. All the Big Five (5) are present here, and there’s also a good chance that you’ll see cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, the black-and-white colobus monkey, as well as hippos and Nile crocodiles. During the migration, countless wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle swarm across the landscape with hungry predators following close behind.
The area around the Grumeti River is easily accessed from central Serengeti, allowing you the up-close luxury of watching wildebeest cross the Grumeti.
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Experiences and Activities at Grumeti Reserve
As Grumeti is not part of the national park, there’s far more to a Grumeti safari than the migration and wildlife. While game drives offers a chance to witness the wildlife and the Grumeti river crossings, this 350,000-acre private reserve offers its visitors a range of safari activities.
There are only a few places to do walking safaris in the Serengeti, which makes the walking safaris offered in the Grumeti Game Reserve special. These walking safaris and guided nature walks provide an intimate experience – spend a few hours on foot in the bush with a guide, not only tracking animals and learning about birds and insects but also discovering interesting medicinal and cultural uses for indigenous plants.
Scheduled night game drives are also possible, most of which are not allowed in the main park of Serengeti. What’s more, for a much more unique experience, the Hot Air balloon safaris at dawn offer breathtaking views of the Serengeti plains.
Unlike elsewhere in the Serengeti, you’ll encounter very few other vehicles while out driving in Grumeti, and in addition, your driver is allowed drive off-road for close-up game sightings. That said, the things to do in Grumeti go further to community.
Grumeti Migration FAQs
Q. Where are the best places to stay on a Grumeti migration safari?
As to where to stay during a luxury migration tour, let’s take a look at some of the best Grumeti luxury safari lodges and camps; these are accommodation options that cater to many different travelers. Whether you seek to explore the best of Tanzania luxury holiday – the choices are practically endless.
These luxury lodges in Grumeti will spoil you rotten, bathtubs placed outside next to frequently used elephant pathways, exclusive open-air suites with views across the extensive reserve and phenomenal service. They cater for everyone from good family-friendly camps to solo travelers, offering luxury and unrivalled wildlife views, there is plenty to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. Whether you’re looking for migration honeymoons in Tanzania, a classic migration safari and beach combination holiday, or have other plans in mind, our selection of most luxurious safari lodges in Tanzania.
As for where to stay in Grumeti, the luxury accommodations inside Grumeti private reserve include the following;
Sabora Tented Camp, Grumeti -Tanzania
Singita Explore, Grumeti – Tanzania
Kilima Camp, Grumeti – Tanzania
Singita Milele, Grumeti – Tanzania
Serengeti House, Grumeti – Tanzania
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Grumeti – Tanzania
Faru Faru Luxury Lodge, Grumeti – Tanzania
Q. What time of the Year is the Wildebeest Migration?
The mega migration crossing usually happens at Mara River around late July to August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. Keep in mind that exact dates around this periods are not predictable until the first large wildebeest herds actually gather at the northern edge of Serengeti as they near the Mara. Hence, these are the best times to see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. Moreover, bear in mind that the herds are sometimes known to gather at a spot for days, or weeks on the River banks without crossing because they are still preparing themselves for this daring challenge.
Q. Which is better, Grumeti River or Mara River Crossing?
The Mara River crossing usually takes place between July and August, while the Grumeti River crossing usually happens in late June and/or early July. While witnessing the river-crossing herd is undeniably breathtaking, it’s important to note that these events are random. Herds may just arrive and delay by the river for days, or weeks making their strategies for a safe passage.
When choosing between Grumeti and Masai Mara migration, remember that accommodation is better established in the areas surrounding the Mara River, with good options to suit the budget traveler.
Secondly, the chances of seeing a river crossing are much higher at the Mara River, since the crossings tend to occur more frequently. Additionally, at the Mara River, the migration crossing is much more dramatic as the river is flowing faster, much deeper and made up of steep river banks, creating a jumping circus unlike the Grumeti River which is somehow just open and shallow – therefore not challenging.
Q. When is the best time to visit Grumeti River?
Even though a safari in Grumeti is fantastic all year-round, it’s much better when the great migration herds passes through, usually around late June and/or early July, crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River on their way back to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Now this is the best time to visit the Grumeti River to witness river crossings.
Q. What type of vehicles can I expect on a great migration?
As for the vehicles to be used on a great migration safari holiday, all of migration tours use the best-quality safari jeeps. Expect both the 4×4 land cruiser with open rooftop and open sided 4×4 safari jeeps are available. The vehicles are built to withstand the bush terrain offering a fairly smooth ride over even the bumpiest roads. Both cruisers have raised seats ensuring every traveler has a 360 degrees view of the animals no matter which side of the vehicle they are on. Additionally, the windows are large providing some up-close encounters with curious Big Cats! Most of the vehicles will have cool boxes filled with water, power sockets for charging camera batteries and camera support bases for those going on Africa photo safari tours.
The professionality of the driver and guide is as important as the quality of the vehicle. On a luxury safari, are expect highly trained driver and guides who have outstanding wildlife knowledge. Expect them to always switch off the vehicle engine when you want to see an animal or stay much longer on a sighting. They will always try and position the vehicle so that you have the best viewing angle of the wildlife. Expect short briefs even during an animal sighting where you will see them turn and face you when they talk. Keep in mind our luxury fly-in safaris are also available if you wish to explore this option. Ready to start planning your trip? Discover some of the best wildebeest migration tours & safaris that put you right in the middle of the action.
Q. Why do wildebeest herds migrate?
The wildebeest migration is a yearly spectacle where millions of wildebeest, together along with zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains of East Africa in search for water and fresh grazing grounds, water, and safe places to raise new life. The Wildebeest herds migrate primarily following the rainfall patterns and fresh grazing grass, a crucial cycle for their survival and breeding.