Grumeti river flows through the western corridor of Serengeti national park also known as Grumeti reserve, the reserve was established by the Tanzanian government in 1994 to protect the wildebeests migration route. This area is less crowded and less visited by most tourists to Serengeti. The reserve is one of the only few places in Serengeti that offers walking safaris.
This Grumeti River flows westward to lake Victoria over with over 50 kilometres length, the Grumeti reserve is characterised with riverine forests, acacia woodlands, rolling hills and savannah grasslands.
Grumeti River
Grumeti River flows through Serengeti national park in Tanzania. The major point of interest for travellers visiting the western corridor of Serengeti national park and Grumeti reserve is the the River crossings. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of other antelopes embark on a journey from Ngorongoro conservation area and Ndutu plains to Serengeti national park arriving at Grumeti sector by around May.
The the River is one of the challenges that the animals face during their annual migration, although the river acts as a water source for the migration herds, it’s also home to numerous crocodiles that take advantage of many animals as they cross the river to hunt for prey.
The crossings at Grumeti River are not as dramatic as those of the Mara River. But worth witnessing with an added advantage of experiencing the true African wilderness. For those that would like to have a private kind of experience in the wilderness. Without the crowds like during the Mara river crossings.
The crossings at the River also happen from May to June which is not the peak season. With some hotels giving off season rates favouring budget travellers. But bookings must be made in advance because there are few lodges around Grumeti area and western corridor.
The main challenge of visiting the River for the wildebeest’s migration river crossings is the rainy season. It occurs from March to early June conceding with time the animals cross. This can disrupt daily excursions for tourists due to bad roads and unpredictable weather.
Seasonal hot air balloon safaris are available at Grumeti area from June to August. The best time of the year to visit the River is from late May. To early July for exceptional river crossings. The drive from Serengeti is 3 to 4 hours to Grumeti reserve. But daily flights to Grumeti airstrips are available although costly.
