This is February action-packed month as huge herds of the wildebeest gather in large numbers if you stay in the right area, one of the stunning areas to stay In February is the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (towards the south of the Serengeti). In Ndutu, there are not any permanent camps/lodges, so the place to stay is in a mobile tented camp which will give you that out of Africa safari experience.

Why February a good time to see the Great Migration?

According to our expert Wilderness explorers Africa safari guides this is one of the best times to be on safari in the Serengeti after witness the Annual wildebeest river crossing, this will give you a priority of seeing a mega herd of wildebeest and some excellent predator sightings, there is no better time to go and this is also witnessed by the calving season in February is seriously cool to see, and the whole migration experience is completely different. Here, you can expect flat endless plains dotted with millions of brown wildebeest shaped specks, stretching as far as the eye can see. February is the best time to go to get the full impact of the sheer volume of animals involved in the migration with the backdrop of the classic endless Serengeti plains and this should on top of the bucket list for travelers.

Where to stay during the January-February wildebeest migration Safari pattern

Ndutu plains

Consisting mainly of sweeping grasslands, the Ndutu area in the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area joins the Serengeti. As such, it forms part of the annual migratory route of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and their predators who come to graze and calve between November and March, depending on the rains. The forests around Lake Ndutu and small koppies are also home to prolific resident wildlife.

The Ndutu area forms the north-western part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area, which covers an area of just over 8,000 km² and includes the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge, forests, mountains, and the vast plains of Ndutu stretching unfenced to Serengeti.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is famous not only for its beauty and wildlife but also for allowing human habitation. The local Maasai tribe still live on subsistence farming within the area. It is not unusual to see a Maasai herdsman with his cows heading over sweeping grasslands dotted with wildebeest and zebra.

Central Serengeti

The Central Serengeti, lying at the heart of this spectacular national park, is the most popular region in the reserve for its abundant wildlife, large numbers of big cats, and quintessential Serengeti landscapes of acacia-studded savannah. Resident wildlife makes this part of the Serengeti a fantastic year-round destination, but the months of April to June and October to December, when the herds of the Great Migration pass through the area, are when it’s at its peak.

Seronera valley

Encompassing a sizable portion of Central Serengeti, this vast valley teems with wildlife. The valley’s river keeps the vegetation plentiful, supporting herbivores throughout the year. Wildebeest, zebras, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and many other species can be spotted here on any given day. A large amount of prey also draws the highest population of predators. The golden grassland rustles with the movement of roaming lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. This is also one of the best places to find the park’s elusive leopards.

Recommended places to stay during the January Serengeti wildebeest migration safari in Ndutu?

Chaka camp Ndutu plains

Chaka Camp, which is a mobile camp designed to be lightweight enough to move seasonally, is located in the Ndutu area from December through March. The camp relocates to Western Serengeti from May through June, and again to Northern Serengeti from July through November.

From December through March, the wildebeest migration moves in and out of the Ndutu area. Ndutu is located in the Ngorongoro conservation area just south of Serengeti National Park.

Chaka Camp’s location provides easy access to prime game viewing areas around Lakes Ndutu and Masek. In addition to the almost two million wildebeest and zebra that move through the area each year, Ndutu is home to cheetah, lion, giraffe, and hundreds of bird species. During February’s calving season, the wildebeest give birth to estimated 75,000 calves a day.

Serengeti Safari Camp

A million and a half and zebras can’t be wrong and this camp never settles for less. this canvas home-from-home and its indomitable crew are on the move year in and year out from one sweet Serengeti site to another guided by the movements of the wildebeest migration pattern and their quest for evergreen grass.

Along with it comes out highly trained naturalist guides and all the trimming of the classic safari.

Ubuntu Olakira camp

Olakira is one of the finest mobile camps in the Serengeti. It follows the same route of migration which moves twice a year. From July to November they’re in the north of the Serengeti in the Kogatende region. Then from December to March, they move back down to a fantastic spot in the Ndutu plains. At Olakira you are guaranteed great guiding, lovely food, and a luxurious but authentic safari camp. Its position in the north is unbeatable as you can actually see the river crossing from the comfort of the camp.

Kiota Namiri camp

Namiri Plains is a must for any cheetah enthusiast. The cheetah numbers here are vast and there’s plenty of everything else too. Being owned by Asilia, Namiri Plains will most certainly deliver a world-class safari experience. It’s not often that new areas open up in the Serengeti so we highly recommend a stay here.

Dunia camp

Another lovely safari camp from Asilia, it is almost identical to Olakira in style.  The difference with Dunia is that it is placed very centrally in the Serengeti, fantastic for game viewing all year round.  They have also found themselves a nice little corner from which they can enjoy the landscapes and views without the hustle and bustle of other vehicles that you often find around this area of the Serengeti.

Are you looking for the Mara River crossing safari?

Those looking to witness the annual wildebeest migration should consider visiting Serengeti and the Masai Mara during July to October season when the wildebeest move backs and forward between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti ecosystem.