Nature’s most spectacular show – the Great Migration

Each year, as the seasons change, innumerable herds of wildebeest – often accompanied by zebra and antelope – move gradually along ancient grazing routes across Tanzania and into Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Considered one of the planet’s most majestic and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, the Great Migration highlights the power of nature on a dramatic and massive scale. Driven by the need to seek out new grazing, enormous herds – in their hundreds of thousands – traverse the plains of the Serengeti as scarcity drives them on.

Navigating the wilderness in vast numbers poses significant risks. The large groups of game attract predators and treacherous river crossings come with their own dangers, which in turn makes for a humbling game-viewing experience as it vividly illustrates the fragility of life in the wild.

Singita Grumeti – an exclusive 350,000-acre piece of land adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – was created in 1994 to preserve the natural migrational route of the wildebeest, as well as the biodiversity of this special region. In 2002, Singita’s non-profit conservation partner in the region, the Grumeti Fund, was granted the responsibility of managing the concession.

As an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, it is key to safeguard this ‘home of the Great Migration’ and Singita’s low-impact luxury ecotourism model was purposefully designed to allow guests to witness this miraculous natural occurrence, while playing a crucial role in its protection.

We are fortunate to be able to offer our guests various options to call home while in the midst of the action. Our six properties in Tanzania include five in the Grumeti Reserve and one in the Lamai Triangle, which is set on the northernmost banks of the Mara River. Every lodge and camp was mindfully created to mirror its singular surrounds, and offers unrivalled privacy, comfort and peace. The tranquillity of each space ensures that guests can completely unwind after adrenaline-filled days in what is no doubt one of the most exhilarating safari ventures one can experience.

Each has its own benefits and offers a unique way to experience this incredible wildlife event. Singita Mara River Tented Camp, situated near a dramatic crossing point along the herds' route, is a close-to-the-earth camp that heroes contemporary design. Similarly, Singita Explore – inspired by classic East African tented safari – is all about authenticity and an immersive experience. Sabora Tented Camp too, references traditional safari life, but with a more contemporary slant: a sophisticated under-canvas stay that epitomises timeless elegance.

Serengeti House, an exclusive-use villa with endless views of the plains and generous, gracious spaces, is the perfect escape for a family or group of friends to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle; while Singita Faru Faru’s earthy contemporary style and open-to-the-elements design make up a luxurious and contemporary haven surrounded by the unfiltered Serengeti scenery.

Because the Great Migration is such a popular drawcard for travellers, lodges and camps located within close proximity to the best scenery and spectacle are in high demand over key periods of the movement. It is worth noting though that while there are certain points at which the drama is at a peak, the migration is an annual journey rather than a single event, and there is magnificent game to be seen all year round.

However, the locations of Singita’s Tanzanian properties are such that they see the most movement in the vicinity of the camps and lodges between July and September, making this an ideal time for a migration-oriented stay. As this is a desirable period over which to travel, the general guideline is to book in advance.

Our travel experts can assist you with all the need-to-know details – contact them for in-depth expertise on booking your next unforgettable adventure here >