December in the Serengeti marks the beginning of one of the most enchanting stages of the Great Migration: the return of the wildebeest herds to the southern short grass plains, particularly the Ndutu region, which straddles the southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the area where the migration cycle begins, as the rains coax new grasses from the earth, offering ideal nourishment for the wildebeest as they prepare for the upcoming calving season. For travelers hoping to experience this lush, wildlife-rich environment, choosing where to stay in December is key to maximizing game viewing and comfort.

The Ndutu Area – Prime Location for December

By December, the majority of the migratory herds have made their way down from the northern and central Serengeti into the Ndutu and Kusini plains. This region transforms into a vibrant, green landscape dotted with newborn animals and teeming with predators. The concentration of wildlife in this area makes it the top location for migration safaris in December, and many mobile camps reposition themselves here to follow the herds.

Recommended Camps and Lodges

To stay close to the action, mobile tented camps such as those from Nomad, Legendary Expeditions, and Asilia set up seasonal bases in Ndutu during December. These camps offer a front-row seat to the migration and are positioned to move with the herds as they begin to settle in for the calving months ahead. These luxury mobile camps strike a perfect balance between comfort and immersion in nature, offering excellent guiding, intimate settings, and proximity to wildlife.

For those seeking more permanent lodge-style accommodations, there are excellent options in and around the Ndutu area. Properties such as Ndutu Safari Lodge provide a rustic but comfortable stay with fantastic access to the migration routes, and many of the smaller camps nearby specialize in predator viewing, taking full advantage of the lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that follow the wildebeest.

Access and Experience

Reaching the Ndutu area in December is relatively easy via regional flights into the Ndutu airstrip from Arusha or other parts of the Serengeti. Once on the ground, the experience is immersive and authentic—vast open plains filled with herds, the calls of distant predators, and the peaceful rhythms of the bush. Game drives focus on tracking the migration, observing newborns, and encountering the incredible diversity of wildlife that converges in this lush seasonal haven.