Best Luxury Camps and Lodges in the Serengeti
The short answer
The best luxury camp in the Serengeti depends on when you travel, because the Great Migration moves through different areas during the year. Stay in Ndutu and the southern plains from December to March for the calving season, the central Serengeti at any time of year, and the northern Serengeti from July to October for the Mara River crossings. Our favourites include Namiri Plains in the east, Moyo Luxury Camp in the centre and Safari Haven Migration Camp, which moves with the herds.
Choose your area by season
| Area | Best months | Why stay here |
|---|---|---|
| Southern plains and Ndutu | December–March | Calving season: thousands of newborn wildebeest and intense predator action |
| Central Serengeti (Seronera) | All year | Reliable big cats and resident wildlife, good for any first visit |
| Eastern Serengeti | All year, especially December–May | Remote plains known for cheetah and lion, with very few vehicles |
| Western Corridor | June–July | Grumeti River crossings as the herds head north |
| Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lobo) | July–October | Mara River crossings with fewer vehicles than the Kenyan side |
For most trips we suggest two areas: central Serengeti plus wherever the migration is during your dates.
Our Serengeti camp shortlist
| Camp | Area | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Masek Tented Lodge | Ndutu | Tented lodge overlooking Lake Masek | Calving season in comfort |
| Lemala Ndutu | Ndutu | Seasonal tented camp | Being close to the calving herds |
| Serengeti Woodlands Camp | Southern Serengeti | Tented camp | Calving season, combined with Ndutu |
| Moyo Luxury Camp | Central | Luxury tented camp | A first Serengeti stay, any time of year |
| Four Seasons Safari Lodge | Central | Full-service lodge with a pool above a waterhole | Families and travellers who prefer a lodge to a tent |
| Safari Haven Serengeti | Central | Luxury tented camp | Central Serengeti at good value |
| Namiri Plains | Eastern | Small, remote luxury camp | Big cats, especially cheetah, with very few vehicles |
| Lemala Kuria Hills | Northern | Lodge among granite kopjes | Mara River crossings, July–October |
| Serengeti Bushtops | Northern | Luxury tented camp | Migration season with high comfort |
| Safari Haven Migration Camp | Moves with the herds | Seasonal mobile camp: Ndutu December–March, Kogatende July–October | Staying close to the migration in both seasons |
| Singita Faru Faru | Western, Grumeti Reserve (bordering the park) | Ultra-luxury lodge in a private reserve | Exclusivity, walking and night drives |
See every option on our Serengeti National Park page, grouped by area.
Mobile camps vs permanent lodges
- Mobile and seasonal camps move during the year to stay near the herds, such as Safari Haven Migration Camp. They give the most time with the migration, with comfortable tents, private bathrooms and hot showers.
- Permanent tented camps and lodges stay in one place all year. They are best for reliable big-cat viewing in the central and eastern Serengeti, and often add pools, spas or larger rooms.
Many of our guests combine both: two nights in a permanent camp in the centre, then two nights in a seasonal camp near the herds.
Trips that use these camps
| Trip | Serengeti camps | From (per person, USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Days Migration Calving Safari | Lake Masek Tented Lodge (Ndutu) and Serengeti Woodlands Camp | $4,330 |
| The River Crossings (9 days, ultra-luxury) | Serengeti Bushtops (northern Serengeti, Kogatende) | $14,100 |
| 6 Days Tanzania Wildlife Safari | Central Serengeti (use the camp named on that itinerary page) | $1,800 |
Every trip can be rebuilt around the camps you prefer. See what a Tanzania safari costs for prices by lodge level.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best luxury camp in the Serengeti?
It depends on your dates. From December to March choose a camp in Ndutu for the calving season; from July to October choose the northern Serengeti for the river crossings. For any time of year, the central and eastern Serengeti, such as Moyo Luxury Camp or Namiri Plains, offer excellent big-cat viewing.
Where should I stay in the Serengeti for the Great Migration?
Follow the herds: Ndutu and the southern plains from December to March, the Western Corridor in June and July, and the northern Serengeti around Kogatende from July to October. Seasonal camps move with them.
Is it better to stay in a tented camp or a lodge?
Tented camps feel closer to the wild, with the sounds of the bush at night, while lodges offer more space and facilities such as pools. Luxury tents have private bathrooms, proper beds and hot showers.
How many nights should I stay in the Serengeti?
Three to four nights, ideally split between two camps in different areas. See our how many days guide for ideas.
Is Ndutu part of the Serengeti?
Ndutu lies on the southern Serengeti plains but sits inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildlife moves freely between the two, and it is the heart of the calving season.
Plan your Serengeti stay
Tell us your dates and budget and our Arusha team will match you with the right camps for the season, with a tailored itinerary within 24 hours.