Grumeti River

The Grumeti River runs through the Serengeti's Western Corridor. Most people have heard of the Mara River crossings further north, but far fewer know about the Grumeti, and that is exactly why it is worth a visit. The migration passes here first, usually in June and July, and because fewer operators plan around it, you can watch a crossing with far fewer vehicles nearby.

The river's deep pools hold some of the biggest Nile crocodiles in the whole ecosystem, many of them decades old. When the herds finally cross, the scene is just as tense and chaotic as anywhere else on the migration route.

Away from the river, the Western Corridor feels different from the open eastern plains, with thicker bush and riverine forest where hippos and colobus monkeys are common. It suits travelers who have already done a classic Serengeti safari and want to see another side of the park.

Because the Grumeti crossings happen earlier in the year than those on the Mara, they need slightly different timing. Tell us if a quieter crossing matters more to you than the famous one, and we will plan your route around the Western Corridor.