The Great Migration – Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari Experience
Wildebeest Migration Safaris – Masai Mara & Serengeti
Experience one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth — the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya) in search of greener pastures.
At Annest Kenya Safaris, we bring you closer to this natural wonder with custom migration safari tours that follow the herds across borders, ensuring you witness the drama, beauty, and life cycle of Africa’s wild plains.
What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is a continuous, clockwise movement of wildlife between Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya).
It’s not just one event — it’s a year-round cycle of survival, birth, and movement driven by rainfall and grass growth.
The herds follow the rhythm of nature:
Birth (Jan–Mar) in southern Serengeti
Movement north (Apr–June) across central Serengeti
River crossings (July–Oct) in northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
Return south (Nov–Dec) back to Serengeti
This cycle is considered the largest land migration in the world — and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Month-by-Month Guide to the Migration
| Month | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains | Calving season: thousands of wildebeest births and predator action. |
| Apr – May | Central & Western Serengeti | Herds begin migrating north; lush landscapes, fewer tourists. |
| Jun – July | Grumeti River, Western Serengeti | Dramatic river crossings with crocodiles. |
| Aug – Oct | Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara | Iconic Mara River crossings; peak viewing season. |
| Nov – Dec | Return to Serengeti | Herds move south for fresh grazing. Excellent photography time. |
Best Places to Witness the Great Migration
🇹🇿 Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Southern Serengeti: Calving season (Jan–Mar)
Western Corridor: Grumeti River crossings (Jun–Jul)
Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings (Jul–Oct)
Stay in luxury tented camps like Serengeti Serena Lodge, Lahia Tented Camp, or Mara Kati Kati for prime access.
🇰🇪 Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Peak migration action: July to October
Famous for Mara River crossings and big cat sightings.
Stay near Mara Triangle, Talek, or Oloololo Escarpment for best access.
Lodges: Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Serena, Basecamp Explorer, Elewana Sand River Camp.
Great Migration Safari Packages
Kenya–Tanzania Safari packages Itineraries
We offer a range of customizable Kenya Tanzania safari packages to suit every traveler, whether you’re looking for a budget–friendly group tour or a luxurious private safari experience.
Highlights of the Great Migration
Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras moving in a single wave.
River crossings — heart-pounding drama as herds face crocodiles.
Predator action — lions, leopards, and hyenas on the hunt.
Calving season — thousands of newborns and life in full circle.
Aerial views — hot air balloon safaris over the plains.
Wildebeest Crossing at the Mara River
One of the most dramatic scenes of the great wildebeest migration is the Mara River crossing — where herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters. These crossings happen in July to early October on the Kenyan side and late June–August in northern Tanzania.
Plan your safari with enough flexibility (minimum 3 days in the Mara or Serengeti) to increase your chances of witnessing this incredible natural drama.
Best Time to Visit the Great Migration
| Experience Type | Best Months | Recommended Region |
|---|---|---|
| Calving Season | Jan – Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) |
| River Crossings | Jul – Oct | Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti |
| Photography Tours | Feb – Mar & Aug – Oct | Both parks |
| Luxury Fly-In Safaris | Year-round | Kenya & Tanzania combination |
Recommended Camps & Lodges (Migration Access)
In Masai Mara:
Ashnil Mara Camp – Near Mara River
Entim Mara Camp – Front-row seat to crossings
Mara Serena Lodge – Elevated views, luxury tents
In Serengeti:
Mara Under Canvas (Northern) – Seasonal camp near river
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (Central) – Year-round game viewing
Ndutu Safari Lodge (Southern) – Best for calving season
Why Book with Annest Kenya Safaris
Cross-border Expertise: Seamless migration safaris covering both Kenya & Tanzania.
Flexible Packages: Choose from midrange to luxury lodges.
Local Guides: Experienced Masai and Tanzanian driver-guides who know the herds’ patterns.
Conservation Focus: We partner with lodges that protect wildlife and local communities.
Great Migration Add-On Experiences
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Sunrise view of the migration.
Masai Village Visit: Learn Maasai traditions and culture.
Diani Beach Extension: Relax after your safari on Kenya’s coast.
Ngorongoro Crater Tour: Add a world-class natural wonder to your trip.
FAQs – Great Migration Safari
The migration reaches the Masai Mara between July and October, when wildebeests cross the Mara River.
From January to June, the herds move through the Serengeti, especially during calving season.
Yes, after the rains in Kenya end, the herds return south to the Serengeti in November–December.
Yes — depending on the month, you can follow the herds either in Kenya or Tanzania.
Stay in northern Serengeti or Masai Mara Triangle between July and September for the highest chance.
Yes — we arrange luxury fly-in safaris directly to Mara or Serengeti camps from Nairobi or Arusha.
