Experience Grumeti Game Reserve
Established in 1994, the Grumeti Game Reserve covers approximately411 square kilometer along the northwestern border of the Serengeti National Park. It was created to protect the vital migratory route used by hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras. The reserve is managed as a private-public partnership aimed at biodiversity restoration and community development. The landscape is a stunning mix of open savannah, rugged hills, and dense riverine forests. Because it is a private reserve rather than a national park, it offers unparalleled exclusivity and flexibility, including off-road driving for rare sightings, night game drives, and guided walking safaris. It is widely considered one of the best places in the world to witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration.
Explore on Map
Iconic Highlights
1
The Migration Crossing: Witness the dramatic moment wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested Grumeti River (typically June–July).
2
Exclusive Night Drives: Track nocturnal predators like leopards, servals, and honey badgers using specialized infrared spotlights.
3
Luxury Eco-Tourism: Home to some of the world’s most award-winning eco-lodges that focus on high-impact conservation.
4
The Grumeti River: A permanent life-blood for the region, home to massive Nile crocodiles and large pods of hippos.
5
Balloon Safaris: Soar over the Western Corridor for a bird’s-eye view of the migratory herds and the winding river below.
Wildlife & Nature
Lion
Elephant
Leopard
Rhino
Buffalo
Wildebeest
Zebra
Giraffe
Cheetah
Wild Dogs
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Permits: Access is generally restricted to guests staying at the lodges within the reserve; permits and fees are typically handled by the lodge management.
Access: Most visitors arrive via private charter flights to the Grumeti or Sasakwa airstrips.
Health: Malaria prophylaxis is essential. Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an endemic zone.
Attire: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, tan) is recommended. Avoid dark blue/black to discourage tsetse flies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grumeti different from the Serengeti National Park?
Yes. While it is part of the same ecosystem and has no fences, it is a private reserve. This allows for activities like night drives and off-road driving that are not permitted in the National Park.
When is the "River Crossing" season?
The wildebeest typically reach the Grumeti River between June and July. This crossing is often considered more "intimate" than the Mara River crossing as there are fewer vehicles.
Can I visit Grumeti if I am not staying at a lodge there?
Access is primarily reserved for guests of the lodges within the reserve to maintain the exclusive, low-density tourism model.
Are there "Big Five" in Grumeti?
You can see four: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo. While rhinos are being reintroduced to the wider ecosystem, they are rarely seen in this specific reserve.
What makes the Grumeti River dangerous for wildlife?
The river is home to a high concentration of Nile crocodiles that wait for the migration. The muddy banks and deep water also make it a challenging obstacle for the herds.