Every year, two million zebra, wildebeest, antelope and gazelles migrate across the great plains of East Africa in search of better grazing. Moving clockwise through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, the 2,900km migration route is never the same and, as it is entirely dependent on the rains, it is never predictable more than a few weeks in advance.

But, no matter what time of year you go to see the Great Migration we know you will want to be in the heart of the action, which is why we recommend staying at a mobile camp. Mobile camps are seasonal camps that move every few months to keep up with wildlife migration patterns. So, whether you are more interested in seeing newborn baby zebras take their first steps, or wildebeests crossing the mighty Mara River, we can suggest the best mobile camp for you.

As an old year ends and a new one begins, herds of wildebeest and zebra assemble on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and the neighbouring Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

With the safety of numbers, mothers give birth to their young – most wildebeest calves are born in a short window around February. However, the Great Migration is notoriously fraught with danger, and sightings of lions and leopards is common as they stalk the new, and vulnerable, arrivals. Slowly, around March, the herds begin to spread north and west across the grasslands…

Recommended camp: Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp

Sanctuary’s newest camp includes 10 five-star tents with mid-century modern décor inspired by the classic shelters of 19th century pioneering explorers. With Kichakani meaning ‘in the bush’ in Swahili, the camp also features a grand main tent with lounge and dining wings that is open on both sides to the awe-inspiring panoramas. End the day with a sundowner on your tent’s private deck, or lounging in the opulent central tent, while surrounded by thousands of animals.

With a few wobbly stumbles from newborn calves and foals, the herds begin to migrate along the Serengeti’s Western Corridor. The slow pace in April means this is one of the most consistent times to see large groups, but when the pace picks up in May there’s lots of opportunities for great action photography. While it can be wet and muddy, rain mostly occurs in the evenings and the days are generally clear.

Recommended camp: &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

In the middle of the African savannah you can find chandeliers, private butlers and crystal glassware at this luxurious semi-permanent tented camp. Using only private campsites, the nine expansive safari tents that make up the camp move five times throughout the year. Elegant Indian rugs and candlelight glittering under the night sky make this camp a wonderful romantic escape.

Now that the rainy season has ended the plains of the Western Serengeti are lush and green. June is mating season for the migrating wildebeest, and herds often halt and congregate into larger groups on the south side of the Grumeti River.

This can be one of the best places to watch the migration before the animals dodge the river’s large crocodiles to continue heading north. While the water here doesn’t flow as fast as at other crossings, the crocodiles here are just as perilous – an estimated 250,000 wildebeest die on the Great Migration every year.

Recommended camp: Singita Explore Tented Camp

This exclusive-use camp has six custom-designed one-bedroom tents configured to suit each group of travellers. Since the whole camp is booked for only one group at a time, you can decide on the length of your game drives, and for the adventurous there are also walking safaris and archery. Our top tip – pre-arrange a spa treatment for after those long days tracking zebras and antelope.

The Great Migration is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and the crossing of the crocodile-infested Mara River in the northern Serengeti is one of its most spectacular sights. The frantic wildebeest, zebras and gazelles push forth through the rushing waters, on alert for predators in and out of the water, until they arrive in Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve on the other side. Herds often recross the river multiple times, so you might get to know your favourites if you stay long enough.

Recommended camp: Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp

Only six safari tents make up this eco-conscious camp, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on opulence. Soothing neutral tones dominate the bar and library tents, and meals can be enjoyed inside or in the great open plains. Wash off the desert in a safari-style bucket shower before enjoying a cocktail around the outdoor fireplace.