About Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is set amid the bush and rocky outcrops of the central Serengeti.
It belongs to the large Serena group of hotel-style lodges, owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, and is one of the group's smaller and more intimate properties.
Mbuze Mawe is well located for exploring the central Serengeti it you're transiting between the north and south of the park. It is also has a spectacular physical location, with its views and giant boulders and outcrops. Although run by a hotel chain, it's small enough to have a much friendlier and personal feel than many of the Serengeti's larger camps, however it's fair to say that the camp itself is a relatively modest set-up.
Our view
Mbuze Mawe is well located for exploring the central Serengeti it you're transiting between the north and south of the park. It is also has a spectacular physical location, with its views and giant boulders and outcrops. Although run by a hotel chain, it's small enough to have a much friendlier and personal feel than many of the Serengeti's larger camps, however it's fair to say that the camp itself is a relatively modest set-up.
Country manager: Tanzania
Accommodation
16 tents
Children
Recommended for children aged 5+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Private activities
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 22 pictures of Mbuzi Mawe to get the candid view.
View galleryMbuzi Mawe: Our full report
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is set amid the bush and rocky outcrops of the central Serengeti.
It belongs to the large Serena group of hotel-style lodges, owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, and is one of the group's smaller and more intimate properties.
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is tucked away, off the main road between Seronera and the northern Serengeti. The name mbuzi mawe is Swahili for "rock goat" otherwise known as klipspringer, which in turn is Afrikaans for "rock jumper". The camp is a convenient stop-over point for anyone travelling north or south, and is far from most other properties. That said, there are relatively few game-driving roads in this region, and not many options for wildlife-viewing, apart from heading north or south along the main gravel road through the park.
Mbuzi Mawe has 16 large, en-suite tents. The accommodation here is simple, but being under canvas adds to the wilderness feel of the place. Crazy paving paths lead to the tents which are rather closely set under the shade of acacias. The tents are surrounded by towering rocky outcrops, inhabited by inquisitive rock hyraxes, occasionally along with larger and more dangerous wildlife. Some tents have lovely sweeping views from their outside decks, and the layout of Mbuzi Mawe means that you also get some good views from some of the camp's public areas.
The main reception area is a large, airy tented structure which also houses a curio shop and a bar. The furnishings are heavy dhow-wood tables, chairs and sofas, complemented by terracotta floor tiles and matching cushions.
Mbuzi Mawe's small but well-stocked bar is tucked into a corner of the tent, adjacent to the restaurant, and is open all day and evening until the last person leaves. The bar and reception area flow into one, so you sit at the bar's wooden chairs to drink, sprawl on the lounge sofas, or take your drink out onto the wooden deck. There is a small curio shop in the reception area.
There are plans to build a swimming pool just below the reception area. Permissions have been granted, and the building process is due to take place in the next few months. We think this will be a welcome addition to the lodge and will make the property even more family friendly.
The cosy dining tent is supported by stone pillars and wooden beams. The tables in here are set rather close together which make it feel intimate, or rather intrusive, depending on your mood. You can also eat outside on the shaded stone deck.
For groups of five people or more, Mbuze Mawe will organize a barbecue dinner on a stone deck below reception and for honeymooners a bush dinner can be arranged. On warm evenings, sundowners are usually arranged around the fire pit.
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp is particularly popular when the Serengeti wildebeest migration passes through this area. Typically this is during March and April, when the herds are on their way north, and then again around November to January, when the migration is heading back south.
Like most camps in the Serengeti, it's best to book Mbuze Mawe. Note also that the camp doesn't have any guides of its own – it's a place to visit with your own driver/guide, and cannot be visited on a fly-in trip unless you are arranging to meet your guide and vehicle here.
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- The usual stay here is 2 or 3 nights, although during the migration people tend to stay for longer.
- Directions
- Mbuzi Mawe is 43km from Seronera Airstrip (about an hour’s drive) and roughly a two and a half hours' drive from Naabi Hill Gate.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served from 6:30 – 9:30 and is both a cold buffet – cereals, fruits, juices etc and a cooked breakfast served to order.
Lunch is served from 12:30 – 2:30. This meal is plated and served to your table.
Dinner is served from 7:30 – 9:30. Dinner is a hot, plated meal served to your table; however there is also a salad buffet for you to choose from.
Mbuzi Mawe caters for vegetarians and children on request, but this must arranged in advance.
The lodge is happy to arrange a packed lunch for clients going on full-day / long game drives. This can either be as a boxed lunch or in a hamper for a bush lunch. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available from 6am – 10pm.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. You can expect to pay around $4 for a beer, $3 for a soda, $25–30 for a bottle of wine.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Mbuzi Mawe.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Mbuzi Mawe.
- Special activities & services
- The lodge can arrange babysitting at extra cost with housekeeping staff.
If requested, they can arrange children's meals and are happy to serve them dinner at an earlier time. - Equipment
- The lodge has baby cots but no high chairs.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes, but they must be aware of the dangers of being in the bush and of the close proximity to wild animals. Children are their parents' responsibility at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Charging points in tents.
- Communications
- There is cell phone reception at Mbuze Mawe, and all tents have an internal phone for contacting reception and security. Free WiFi is available all around the lodge. A laptop and printer are available for use, free of charge.
- TV & radio
- There is no guest radio or TV at Mbuze Mawe, but the staff TV would be available to enthusiastic guests to watch for major sporting events.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Plumbed in showers and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Some of the staff are first-aid trained, and they have a first aid box at the lodge. There is also a small basic clinic and a trained clinician on site who can offer enhanced medical care.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris are on guard 24-hours a day. Guests are escorted around the property after dark.
- Fire safety
- The lodge has fire extinguishers on site, and the staff have fire-training every six months. There is a hose pipe on site.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Hot air ballooning
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Mbuzi Mawe has a laundry service, and charge roughly US$1-4 per item. The laundry is all air-dried, so the state in which it is returned is dependant on the weather.
- Money
- Currency exchange is possible at Mbuze Mawe in small amounts.
There are no safes in the tents, but you can leave valuables in the individual safe boxes at reception. - Accepted payment on location
- Mbuze Mawe accepts the following in cash: US$, Euros, South African Rand, Kenyan Shillings, and Pounds Sterling. It also accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The lodge charges credit card bills in US$ with an 8% surcharge.
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Mbuzi Mawe's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mbuzi Mawe.
Excursions from Mbuzi Mawe
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mbuzi Mawe. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon SafariOther lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
When to go to Serengeti Migration Area
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mbuzi Mawe in Serengeti Migration Area
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Serengeti Migration Area in January
January marks the start of the Serengeti’s short dry season. In the southern plains, the wildebeest calving season takes centre stage, drawing both predators and eager wildlife enthusiasts. The weather is generally clear and sunny, with rising temperatures, though occasional rainfall may still occur in the southern areas. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during this time, with resident species in their breeding plumage and migratory birds adding to the variety.
The far southern plains of Ndutu coupled with the central Seronera area remains a reliable choice for game viewing, with lions and cheetahs frequently sighted on the hunt. While the park can be busier early in the month due to New Year visitors, it often becomes quieter later, providing excellent value and a more peaceful experience. Patience may be needed during game drives, as some wildlife becomes more dispersed.
- Variable weather: clear, dry or rainy
- Thunderstorms may occur occasionally
- Prime birding season with migrant species
- Wildebeest gathering in southern Serengeti
- Busy early, quieter later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Serengeti Migration Area in February
February in the Serengeti is hot, with daytime highs reaching around 33°C/91°F, but cooling down significantly in the evening and overnight. It's an excellent time to visit as the northern circuit is comparatively quieter than during peak seasons. The wildebeest calving season, typically occurring in a two-three week window in early-mid February, is a major attraction. Thousands of calves are born daily, attracting a significant number of predators, creating an intense yet fascinating spectacle.
Birdlife is equally vibrant, as migratory species from the northern hemisphere join the park's resident birds. The Ndutu region is especially active, hosting an abundance of wildlife. Hot air balloon safaris offer unparalleled views of the action below. Despite the midday heat, early morning game drives remain comfortable and highly rewarding.
- Hot and dry weather conditions prevail
- Wildebeest calving in southern plains
- Southern Serengeti busy for migration
- Lush, green landscapes across the park
- Ideal for wildlife photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Serengeti Migration Area in March
March typically sees the arrival of the long rains in the Serengeti, though the exact timing can vary each year. With water becoming more plentiful, migratory animals begin to spread out, making wildlife spotting a bit more challenging in certain areas. The Seronera Valley remains a reliable choice for sightings, thanks to its consistent water sources.
The rains bring a dramatic transformation to the landscape, with lush greenery emerging across the plains, offering stunning photographic opportunities. Birdwatchers are in for a treat, as many species are in their vibrant breeding plumage. Although some mobile tented camps begin winding down operations in preparation for the next season, visitors can still enjoy the park’s quieter atmosphere and its renewed natural beauty.
- Hot with increasing humidity pre-rains
- Wildlife viewing varies as rains begin
- Park quieter with lower visitor numbers
- Excellent time for bird watching
- Green vegetation provides scenic backdrops
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Serengeti Migration Area in April
April tends to be the wettest month in the Serengeti, with rainfall averaging around 250mm. The park is transformed into a verdant oasis, alive with birds, insects, and smaller wildlife. However, the dense vegetation can make spotting animals more difficult. Visitor numbers are at their lowest, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience and there can be some good emerald season bargains to be had.
The wildebeest migration typically begins slowly moving toward the Western Corridor, and patient travellers can witness fascinating sights such as newborn animals and predators on the hunt. Rising water levels make the Retina Hippo Pool particularly active. Birdwatching continues to be excellent, and many lodges offer reduced rates, making it an appealing time for those willing to brave occasional downpours.
- Heavy rains with impressive thunderstorms
- Some camps closed due to weather
- Lowest rates and fewest tourists
- Vibrant greenery, wildlife more dispersed
- Not ideal for general wildlife viewing
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Serengeti Migration Area in May
As the month of May progresses, the rains start to taper off across the Serengeti and temperatures drop slightly. Visitor numbers remain low, and lodge rates are often highly competitive, making it a great time for more value-conscious travellers. The wildebeest migration usually still heading towards the Western Corridor, with some herds nearing the Grumeti River and others still milling around the central area of the park. Predator-prey interactions become more frequent as animals navigate the changing environment.
The Moru Kopjes region offers particularly rewarding wildlife encounters, including the chance to spot black rhinos. The park’s vegetation is at its lushest, providing breathtaking backdrops for photographers. Balloon safaris during this time give a spectacular view of the green plains and migrating herds.
- Rains continue, creating dramatic skies
- Quiet period, great for avoiding crowds
- Lush landscapes with long grasses
- Wildlife more dispersed, fewer sightings
- Affordable safari options available
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Serengeti Migration Area in June
June signals the end of the rainy season in the Serengeti, with the landscape beginning to dry out. Wildlife starts to gather around permanent water sources, and the Grumeti River becomes a key location for dramatic river crossings. Before the wildebeest migration heads north, the Western Corridor remains a hub of activity.
Many camps will offer shoulder season rates in June, meaning that this is also a more affordable time to visit than later in the year. The Lobo Valley in the north also becomes a productive area for wildlife viewing. With shorter grasses and clearer conditions, June is an excellent time for walking safaris in designated areas. The balance of good weather, exciting wildlife action, and moderate tourist numbers makes it a great month to visit.
- Weather varies: clear, dry or some rain
- Migration moving from west to north
- Parks still green with high grasses
- Wildlife becoming more concentrated
- Good value shoulder season prices
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Serengeti Migration Area in July
July is the start of peak season in the Serengeti, with little to no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the park dries, wildlife congregates in fewer areas, improving game viewing opportunities. The wildebeest migration typically reaches the northern Serengeti, with herds beginning to cross the Mara River. This spectacle draws many visitors, making the northern areas busier.
The Seronera area remains excellent for big cat sightings. In the western corridor, resident game becomes easier to spot as vegetation thins. Balloon safaris are particularly popular this month, offering breathtaking views of the migrating herds. Despite the crowds, July offers some of the year's best wildlife viewing opportunities across the park.
- Dry days, chilly mornings and evenings
- Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
- Peak season with increasing visitor numbers
- Highest prices due to prime conditions
- Great Migration in full swing
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Serengeti Migration Area in August
August in the Serengeti is characterised by clear skies and sunny weather, though cooler nights and mornings call for layered clothing for early morning game drives. It's an extremely popular time to visit, with accommodation prices at their peak. The northern Serengeti is particularly busy as visitors hope to witness migration river crossings – with the Mara and Sand rivers becoming focal points for dramatic wildlife interactions.
In the central Serengeti, predator sightings remain good around the Seronera River. The park's southern regions are now much drier, home to excellent resident game and now fewer visitors. Balloon safaris provide stunning aerial views of the landscape and wildlife. While August is a very busy time, the consistent wildlife activity and reliable weather make it a fantastic month to visit.
- Dry climate, cool mornings and evenings
- Superb general wildlife viewing
- Exciting wildebeest migration period
- Very busy, camps fill up quickly
- Dramatic river crossings may occur
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Serengeti Migration Area in September
September continues the Serengeti’s dry season, with wildlife becoming increasingly concentrated around the few remaining water sources. The northern Serengeti still hosts the wildebeest migration, with river crossings at the Mara River offering dramatic predator-prey interactions. The Seronera Valley remains an excellent spot for sightings of resident predators, while the now-parched southern plains offer good chances to see cheetahs.
As the month progresses, visitor numbers begin to drop slightly, making it a quieter time to explore. Birdwatching remains rewarding, and walking safaris provide a more intimate wildlife experience. September’s pleasant weather and exceptional wildlife viewing make it a very good time to visit.
- Fantastic wildlife viewing conditions
- Slightly less crowded than peak months
- Parks becoming dry with less vegetation
- Pleasant temperatures throughout day
- Prices remain high for quality safaris
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Serengeti Migration Area in October
October marks the tail end of the dry season in the Serengeti. Wildlife gathers around the last water sources, creating fantastic viewing opportunities. The Mara River may still see some migration activity, while the central Seronera region continues to deliver reliable predator sightings. In the western corridor, large herds of elephants are a highlight, and the dry southern plains can sometimes offer very good opportunities to spot cheetah.
Birdwatching is rewarding, with many resident species easily spotted. Balloon safaris offer breathtaking views of the parched landscape – though photographers need to be prepared for dusty conditions. Prices remain high, but visitor numbers are lower than in July-Sept, providing a more exclusive safari experience.
- Mostly dry with comfortable temperatures
- Excellent game viewing opportunities
- Landscape may appear somewhat barren
- Lower visitor numbers than earlier months
- Chance to see predator action at its best
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Serengeti Migration Area in November
November usually signals the start of the short rains in the Serengeti. While lighter and more sporadic than the long rains, they rejuvenate the landscape with fresh grass growth. Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more readily available, but game viewing remains strong, particularly in the central Seronera area.
The wildebeest herds start their journey southward from the Mara region, creating opportunities for unique sightings. Birdwatching is excellent, with the arrival of migratory species adding to the variety. Some mobile camps in the north close temporarily, but those who visit in November can enjoy great value with lower rates and quieter conditions.
- Variable weather: clear, dry or rainy
- Parks quieter with lower-end prices
- Some camps close for maintenance
- Wildlife disperses as rains begin
- Migration movement less predictable
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Serengeti Migration Area in December
December is a transition month in the Serengeti, falling within the short rainy season. The rains bring life to the southern plains, attracting the wildebeest herds and the predators that follow them. The Ndutu region becomes a focal point for wildlife activity.
Temperatures are comfortable, averaging around 27°C/81°F, with the possibility of occasional thunderstorms. Birdwatching is outstanding, with many migratory species adding to the diversity. Early December offers good value, with lower prices and fewer visitors, but the festive season sees a surge in demand, requiring early bookings. Balloon safaris provide stunning views of the rejuvenated landscape, making December an exciting time to visit the park.
- Weather varies: dry, rainy, or stormy
- Good game viewing in central Serengeti
- Quiet early, extremely busy late month
- Prices rise sharply for holiday season
- Green season begins, landscapes refresh
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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