Grumeti River

The Grumeti River spans the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, flowing westwards into Lake Victoria. 

The western corridor stretches 50 km and comprises vast savannah grasslands, riverine forest, rolling hills and shady acacia groves. 

This area of the Serengeti is seldom visited due to its remoteness. However, those that do venture this far are rewarded with a great variety of year-round wildlife, including giraffe, hippo, cheetah, elephant, large Nile Crocodiles and good leopard and lion populations. 

Grumeti's remote location means that you will not be distracted by a trail of safari vehicles. Around 30 safari vehicles gather on the banks of the Mara River during The Great Migration, but Grumeti's banks will be occupied by half as many vehicles.

Although increasingly unpredictable, the marching column of wildebeest, zebra and antelope, usually spend two weeks between May and June crossing the Grumeti River. 

The neighbouring Grumeti Reserve is one of the few places in the Serengeti where you can spend a few hours on foot exploring the African wilderness. 

Alternatively, glide across the early morning sky in a hot air balloon for a bird's-eye view of the river and plains. 

There are only a few accommodation choices in the western corridor year-round, but in peak season mobile camps are set up that follow the migration. 

The Grumeti River is a great choice for those who want to avoid travelling in the peak season from mid-June to September, when the parks are busier and travel more expensive. 

The Grumeti River crossings usually occur within a 1 or 2-week window in May and June, but predicting the precise time is impossible, as the migration follows the rains. 

River crossings on the Grumeti usually occur as the long rainy season transitions into the dry. So intermittent rainfall is likely, which could affect roads and planned excursions. The grass is also typically longer and greener, making wildlife more difficult to spot. 

The Grumeti River is located in the remote western corridor of the Serengeti, which easily adds an extra 3-4 hours to your journey if driving - an important consideration if you are crunched for time. Alternatively, daily flights to Grumeti Airstrip are possible but can be expensive.

There are typically fewer accommodation options here, with only a few year-round and mobile camps. 

The Mara River crossing usually occurs at the height of the dry season when the grass is short, and the animals are drawn to water sources, so it makes for better viewing opportunities. 

The chances of seeing a river crossing are much higher at the Mara River, as the crossings occur more frequently. They also tend to be more dramatic as the river is faster, deeper and lined by steep river banks, unlike the Grumeti. 

Accommodation is better established in the areas surrounding the Mara River, with options to suit more budgets. 

However, Mara River crossings occur at the height of the peak season, meaning there are more travellers and higher prices. 

The best time to visit the Grumeti River is from May to September. For river crossings, plan for May to June. 

To avoid any of the lingering rains towards the end of the rainy season, aim for mid to late May if you want to see a river crossing. The rains are often heavy and sudden, which can result in activities being cancelled last minute. 

However, if you want a more secluded safari experience, the western corridor is great for game viewing until September. 

Situated on the great migration path in the Grumeti Reserve, Singita Sabora tented camp has just 9 safari tents on offer, all beautifully decorated in a sleek and modern safari style. 

They provide an intimate luxury safari experience and have been perfectly positioned for spectacular views. 

The tents are all en-suite and air-conditioned with hot showers and bathtubs. They include a dressing room, reading area and private terrace overlooking the watering hole, allowing you to observe wildlife directly from the comfort of your daybed. 

Alongside game drives and guided nature walks, activities such as archery, stargazing safaris, mountain biking, and tennis are all available.

Singita prides itself on being eco-conscious, with minimally invasive designs using local materials, solar energy and water efficiency. They also play a significant role in local community and conservation initiatives. 

Set overlooking the Kirawira Plains in the Serengeti's Western Corridor, this luxury 25 tent camp is reminiscent of the early 20th century.

It is elegantly decorated with Edwardian chests, four-poster beds, sepia photographs, patchwork quilts and brass finishings. The bathrooms are exquisite, with twin sinks set on mahogany counter-tops, tiled floors, waterfall showers and flushing toilets.

Guests are treated to the extra luxuries like hairdryers, butler service, and early morning wake-up calls with fresh coffee.

Meals are extravagant affairs, with 5-course menus including soups, salads, roasts, sorbets, and full English breakfasts. 

Guests are not limited to eating just in the dining rooms, as the Kirawira Serena offers bush breakfasts, picnics and dinner under the stars.