Although rainfall can make the herds spread out a bit, the migration in April is fairly similar to the previous few months. You will most likely not catch calving season, but most of the wildebeest will linger around the southern plains of Kusini and Ndutu as they do in March. Although some would have dispersed to the east, west and a little bit north, many will still be in the Ndutu region. As you can tell, as the rains come the wildebeest’s movements can be difficult to predict. Therefore we would suggest staying south, as we know they have a tendency to linger throughout the month, but we don’t know exactly which particular direction the big herds will head to!
Is April a good time to see the Great Migration?
If you don’t mind getting a bit wet and want to save on some of our favourite lodges, then yes!
However, this is not the time to catch humongous, concentrated herds which are prominent in high season. However, they are still there and in some years can be just as concentrated in the Ndutu plains as they are in the height of February’s calving season…
Ndutu region has exceptional resident cats, and it can get busy in the peak months of January and February, but in April the Serengeti is like a ghost town. This means if you don’t mind getting a bit wet occasionally, you can have an exceptional slice of African wilderness all to yourself, which is very special. The rains bring dramatic clouds, lightening and dramatic sunsets… Oh, and you can stay in some of our favourite camps for a fraction of the price they are in high season. We would recommend travelling at this time if you don’t mind getting wet, love exceptional value for money, dramatic scenery and some excellent wildlife viewing.
So, where should I stay to get the best chance of catching the herds in April?
Stay in Ndutu throughout the month as the wildebeest do linger, even if most have pushed east, west and north. Throughout the month, if you would like the best chance of seeing the Migration then combine Ndutu with an area of the central Serengeti as you would in late March. Also, many mobile camps close at this time, so most of your options are located in the central area of the park where the camps are permanent and thus have a more rigid structure to weather the storm.
Which camps to stay at for an April Serengeti safari in Ndutu?
Serengeti Safari Camp ($725 pppn) – An office favourite. Moving between 3 locations throughout the year and with 2 mobile camps, Nomad Tanzania’s passion of exceptional safaris shines through in everything they do… Safari mad but without compromising on quality one little bit, Serengeti Safari Camp is unbeatable for an authentic Serengeti safari. At this time of year, it is also exceptionally good value for money.
Serengeti Under Canvas ($885 pppn) – The most glamorous of the Serengeti’s mobile tented camps, &beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas is tented luxury at it’s finest. It is in the Ndutu plains in this month, and is thus well located to catch the herds which linger from calving season. A great choice if you are a sucker for luxury but don’t want to fork out a huge amount of cash (comparably to other times of year!).
Permanent camps in central Serengeti to combine with SSC or SUC
Kiota ($325 pppn). This is an exceptional value property. Located in Seronera, with amazing views of the surrounding plains, it is very well positioned for the excellent central Serengeti resident wildlife. It is very comfortable with lovely staff and a very welcoming atmosphere.
Namiri Plains ($498 pppn). Namiri Plains is one of the best locations in the whole of the Serengeti in our view, migration or no migration. It is set in the eastern area of the park and with only one other camp in its vicinity, hardly any vehicles venture here. This does not mean its wildlife is less prominent by any means, but quite the opposite. As a former cheetah conservation area, the big cats here are extremely good. Fine food, luxury tented accommodation in a magical area; you can’t get much better than this… and at the April/May price of $500 per person per night, it is exceptional value too!
Dunia ($451 pppn). Another Asilia property, and one which we love to send couples and families alike to – it suits everyone, and the all-female staff create an incredibly welcoming and warm environment. Exceptionally well positioned in a quieter area of the Seronera region, with its excellent resident wildlife, in April and May at this price it is simply a bargain.
