Western Corridor

Despite the importance of the Volcanic Grasslands to the life cycle of the wildebeest, the herds spend most of their lives in the Southern Acacia-Commiphora Bushlands. This is due, of course, to the patterns of rainfall and drought. It's also due to the immensity of the eco-region. The eco-region stretches from the southwestern Serengeti, along the eastern shore of Lake Victoria and north well into Kenya where it meets another eco-region - the Northern Acacia-Commiphora Bushlands.

The Bushlands would be a lot bushier if not for the activities of elephants and the people who live on its periphery. Elephants and other browsers limit the growth of trees and shrubs. In fact, the acacia takes its familiar umbrella shape because of the grazing of giraffes. Fires - some occurring naturally, many set by pastoral livestock herders to promote new growth - further restrict the growth of larger plants. The wandering herds contribute to the promotion of grassland, too, by aerating and tilling the soil with their hooves and fertilizing with their manure and urine.

The Grumeti River passes through the Western Corridor, the first of two major rivers the herds must cross during the migration.

When to Visit

The herds depart the southeastern Serengeti in April and continue to filter through the area until late June. Rutting takes place in the Western Corridor, usually in May. Males mark and defend territory from one another. When a female enters a bull's territory, he courts her by following her. If she's interested, she'll stop. If not, she'll lie down, or continue moving on to the next territory.

Where to Stay

Central Serengeti (March/April)

Serengeti Serena Lodge
Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Olakira Camp - Mobile Camp (01 Jun to 31 Jul)
Mbuzi Mawe Camp

Western Serengeti Corridor (April/May)

Faru Faru River Lodge
Grumeti River Camp
Kirawira Camp
Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge
Sabora Plains Tented Camp
Sasakwa Lodge

Northern Serengeti (June/July)

Kleins Camp
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Migration Camp
Olakira Camp - Mobile Camp (01 Aug to 30 Nov)
Sayari Camp - Mobile Camp (01 June to 20 Nov)
Lemala Serengeti Camp - Mobile Camp (June to Oct)