The Best Luxury Lodges for the Great Migration

Want to see one of the planet’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration?  But only prepared to do it in luxury?  Well, ain’t you lucky, cos if you want proximity to the herds whilst ensuring you have a pint of champagne in one hand and a perfectly cooked lobster thermidor in the other, here are the best options.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Most of Tanzania’s luxury safari scene can be summed up in one word: Singita. Specifically, Singita Grumeti Reserve, where they manage a casual 350,000 acres of the Western Serengeti.  The camps are all neatly within an hour’s drive of each other, so if you’re completely undecided on the “best” and want to camp hop, it’s easy enough.  Positioned perfectly along the migration route, especially from June to July, it’s as if the migration rolls out the red carpet just for you—letting you sip your G&T while watching wildebeest get turned into lion snacks, all from the comfort of your luxurious perch.

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Why: Singita Sasakwa is the undisputed boss of Grumeti—an Edwardian manor house planted in the Serengeti, complete with absurdly gorgeous views, private heated pools, and enough facilities that you’ll feel like you’re in the Serengeti branch of a five-star country club.  The lodge is packed with extras: two tennis courts, a cinema room, a library, a snooker room, a fully equipped gym, and a spa with a steam room.

If you’re going all out, book the Hillside Suite, which significantly cranks the luxury up. For families or groups, there are two, three, and four-bedroom cottages.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Why: While Sasakwa lords over the Serengeti from its perch high above the plains, Singita Sabora Tented Camp drops you right into the heart of the action, down on the open plains. Each of the nine tents might sound like you’re signing up to rough it, but make no mistake—this is “tented” in the most extravagant sense. Think expansive suites with outdoor living areas, plunge pools, and private meditation decks, all designed to keep you luxuriously close to nature without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. The camp’s design is light, modern, and elegant, with neutral tones and panoramic views that let the landscape do the talking.

Sabora offers the perfect counterpoint to Sasakwa. At Sasakwa, you hear lions roaring in the distance; at Sabora, they might be casually strolling past your tent at night. Its proximity to the wildlife action makes Sabora the more immersive option, while still delivering that signature Singita polish.

Singita Milele

Why:  Singita Milele is the pinnacle of exclusive safari luxury, perched high on Sasakwa Hill with sweeping views of the Serengeti. This private-use villa features five individually designed suites, each with private decks and outdoor showers, blending ultimate comfort with a connection to nature.

The communal spaces include an infinity pool overlooking the plains, a private cinema, a fitness center, and a wellness area. With a dedicated team—a personal chef, private guides, and vehicles—every aspect of your stay is completely tailored, whether it’s bespoke game drives, starlit dinners, or curated wine tastings.

Singita Mara River Tented Camp

Location: Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River.

Why: Singita Mara River Tented Camp drops you right in the thick of it, sitting pretty in the Lamai Triangle with a front-row seat to the Mara River crossings. With just six tents—including two family suites—it’s small and intimate.  Each tent comes with an outdoor bathtub overlooking the river (prime croc-spotting territory) and a private deck. The main area has a plunge pool and open-air dining.  It’s simple, raw luxury done right—no bells and whistles, just you, the wildlife.

Mwiba Lodge

Location: Southern Serengeti.  The one outlier for Tanzania is offering a different option outside the normal months to see the migration.

Why: Located on a private concession, Mwiba offers a mix of migration viewing (December–March in the south) along with resident wildlife.  It is the perfect opportunity to see the wildebeest birthing their young, in the hope a pack of wild dogs come in and show you the real circle of life.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

When we move over to Kenya, the level of luxury is not the same, but the experience remains.  The best time to visit is between July–October

Mara Plains Camp

Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara.

Why:  With just seven tents (including the two-bedroom Jahazi Suite), it’s intimate, exclusive, and has that old-school safari charm. Think canvas tents with polished wood floors, deep copper bathtubs, and touches of vintage safari chic —minus the inconvenience of 1920s plumbing.

The camp’s location is its trump card, giving you access to a pristine, private conservancy without the crowds.  You can also enter the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, if you’re feeling insane.  The camp is good, but the exclusivity is the main appeal.

Mara Nyika Camp

Location: Naboisho Conservancy, Maasai Mara.

Why: Sat in an intimate spot with just six tents. The understated design blends nicely with the surroundings, offering lovely views across the plains. But you’re better looking out, than in, as the interiors ain’t gonna wow. The camp leans towards rustic simplicity and doesn’t have the polish or luxury of some of the other Great Plains properties.

It’s a quieter part of the Mara, and the mix of day and night drives means you’ll see everything from prowling lions to nocturnal hyenas.  Howeve, even though it’s on a private concession, it did manage to feel busier than expected.  If you’re after something low-key and well-integrated into nature, it’s a solid option—but it may leave you wanting a little more something.  Ergo, Mara Plains is your boy.

Angama Mara

Location: Overlooking the Maasai Mara.

Why: With its panoramic views of the Mara Triangle, Angama Mara is famous for its “Out of Africa” aesthetic and offers spectacular aerial views of the migration.  Is it the best lodge in the world?  No.  The best in the Mara?  No.  The best called Angama Mara?  Why yes, quite possibly, it is.

Wild Hill

Ok, this is cheating, but technically, you’re near the Mara, and if you fancy spending $10k to get a helicopter, you can.  So under all theoretical, perfect-case situations, it is indeed possible.  But then so is living on the Sun.

Key Factors to Consider

The Great Migration is a year-round event, with its location shifting throughout the year. Choosing the right lodge depends largely on the month of your visit. The southern Serengeti is ideal during the calving season from January to March, while the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara are prime locations for river crossings between July and October. If you’re planning to visit during peak months, particularly July and August, it’s wise to book well in advance—at least a year, and sometimes two if you’re travelling with a larger group.

When considering where to stay, think about the type of experience you want. And if you’re reading this blog, it’s probably a good one you’re after.  Camps located in private conservancies, like Mara Plains, Singita Grumeti and Mwiba Lodge, offer a level of privacy and exclusivity that you won’t find in the national parks. Those parks are more like the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan combined with the last hour of Titanic.  

Happy hunting.