The Grumeti River crosses the western Serengeti and is the first major water obstacle the migrating herds encounter as they move north from the southern plains in May and June. The crossings here are less famous than those at the Mara River but no less dramatic: large pools below the crossing points hold populations of enormous Nile crocodiles waiting for the seasonal bonanza, and hippos occupy the deeper stretches.
The western corridor of the Serengeti — where the Grumeti flows — is less visited than Seronera and the north, which means better odds of private sightings and quieter drives. The Grumeti Game Reserve, a private concession adjacent to the national park, operates exclusive camps and allows off-road driving and night game drives not permitted in the main park. If the migration timing brings you to the Grumeti in June, it is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Africa.