Serengeti Travel Areas - Grumeti Reserves

June and July are the months to be in the Grumeti Reserves, a private concession bordering the western Serengeti. Named after the Grumeti River it's a 400 000 acre area of classic savannah and open woodland - and the wildebeest have to cross the muddy, crocodile-infested waters of the Grumeti to continue their northward migration.

It's a superb area to see the dramatic interaction between the migrating herds and their reptilian predators - there are substantial numbers of lion, hyena and cheetah in the area too - and the riverine forest is a good place to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys.

That said, the Grumeti area is good for wildlife all year round. Even in September and October large wildebeest herds remain, along with large numbers of topi, zebra, Thomson's gazelle and eland - and it is often regarded as the best time of year for wildlife - and don't forget that since it is a private reserve you will have the opportunity to go on bush walks and night drives.

In November, southbound wildebeest, returning from the Masai Mara in Kenya, move back into the reserves after the season's first rains.

The Grumeti region is also a great bird watching area with over 400 recorded species including 5 of Tanzania's endemics.

Our recommended Grumeti Reserves accommodation:

Sasakwa Lodge - Built in the style of an English manor house, the views from Sasakwa's elevated position are breathtaking. Just about every activity is covered here from game viewing to horse riding, tennis to spa treatments.

Sabora Plains Tented Camp - This exclusive lodge has many professionally guided activities including game drives in open vehicles, walks, night drives, and mountain biking - and there is the chance to saddle up and hit the grasslands on horse back.

Faru Faru River Lodge - This family-friendly colonial-style lodge overlooks the Grumeti River and has everything from spa treatments to a spotting scope on your private deck - you can even fly high over the savannah with a hot air balloon safari.

Read more about the wildebeest migration here.

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