Planning an African safari to witness the Great Migration?
Discover when to go, where to stay, and what to expect from one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Each year, more than 1.2 million wildebeest, joined by 300,000 zebras and gazelles, move in an enormous circular journey through Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing and water.
Sprawling roughly 500–620 miles (800–1,000 kilometers) through the Serengeti–Maasai Mara ecosystem, this continuous movement delivers dramatic river crossings, predator encounters, and wide-open landscapes teeming with life. It is raw, unpredictable, and unforgettable…something no photograph or screen can truly capture.
At SAFARI.COM, we design expert-led safaris that place you in the right location at the right time, ensuring the best possible migration experience while maintaining comfort, safety, and seamless planning.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Why the Great Migration happens
- Where the herds move throughout the year
- The best times to travel based on your interests
- How expert planning maximizes your experience
TRIP OF A LIFETIME. Where do I begin? Safari.com broker asked how we like to travel, then tailor-made the East African safari to suit our style! The lodges were authentic in every way (luxury and superior tent camping), our driver held 20 yr. experience and so knew where the big 5 and more could be found. we searched for leopards and lions high in trees; found lion prides in their kill, learned 3 types of Serengeti that supported the animals, enjoyed baby elephants playing with their mothers, and learned about scavengers & birds that fly the skies in Kenya and Tanzania. A good guide makes your safari even better, and David put our safety and our choices first! safari.com pulled from several companies to make our safari first class! we travel the world and would use this company again, hands down!
- Kathy & Ray
Why Does the Great Migration Occur
This extraordinary circular trek is guided by the herds’ instinct to survive. This nourishment helps to keep large game animals thriving, reproducing, and continuing the circle of life. It is believed that wildebeest can track rain from a distance exceeding 30 miles – their movement is fluid and certain, as if guided by a force far greater than we can understand.
While the migration follows a general annual rhythm, routes and timing vary each year depending on rainfall. This natural unpredictability is part of the magic, and why expert safari planning is essential.
Keep in Mind:
Although the path is not fixed and there is no certainty around the best times, this migration still shapes many African safaris. The raw unpredictability is part of its magic, and we invite you to experience a thrilling, unfiltered, and unique experience in nature.
This is a brief overview of the Great Migration throughout the year.
The Great Migration Month by Month
January - March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
The annual cycle begins with the calving season in northern Tanzania’s Ngorongoro plains. During this time, thousands of calves are born over a few short weeks. Predators take full advantage of this opportunity, hunting frequently in pursuit of vulnerable prey.
Recommended Experience: Our 9-Day Exquisite Tanzania Wilderness Safari showcases the Serengeti at its most vibrant during calving season.
April – May: Transitional Season & Quieter Safaris
During this season, the herds disperse north and west through transitional and rich grasslands, grazing along the way in preparation for the mating season (also known as the rut) in June. There are fewer tourists during this time, allowing for more intimate encounters in the wild.
Recommended Experience: Enjoy peaceful, lush and intimate safaris on our 8-Day Exclusive Northern Tanzania Migration Safari.
June – August: Peak Migration & River Crossings
This is the most dramatic phase of the Great Migration. Herds face dangerous crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where crocodiles lie in wait and survival is never guaranteed
Recommended Experience: For iconic river crossings and thrilling predator action book our 3-Day Maasai Mara Explorer.
September – October: Extended Migration Viewing
Though numbers remain high, only the most resilient animals reach the lush plains and fertile woodlands of Kenya’s Maasai Mara before returning to the replenished Serengeti plains.
Recommended Experience: The 4-Day Fly-In Maasai Mara Safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with effortless travel.
November – December: The Great Migration’s Homecoming
While river crossings are less common, herds are heading back to the Serengeti, where vibrant and lush landscapes await. This is the ideal time for relaxed safari experiences, with fewer visitors and excellent game viewing.
Recommended Experience: Our 6-Day Great Migration Safari highlights the Serengeti’s beauty at year’s end, with options to extend into a 10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari.
What If I Miss a River Crossing?
River crossings are unpredictable, but they are not the only highlight of the Great Migration. Predator interactions, massive herds, dramatic landscapes, and daily wildlife encounters ensure a rewarding experience regardless of timing.
Why Book the Great Migration with SAFARI.COM?
- World Travel Awards Winner 2024 & 2025
- Custom itineraries tailored to your travel style
- Trusted lodge partnerships across East Africa
- Assistance before, during, and after your journey
- Free Travel Insurance - Book by 25 January 2026
Safari experience to the Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha. As a family + 1, we travelled via Nairobi using Kenya Airways to the Masai Mara, where we stayed at Governors' Il Moran camp. The experience was literally out of this world, from each touchpoint, every little detail was thought through and exceeded my expectations, it's a five-star experience from the moment you arrive until you leave. I had the very special experience of having a birthday whilst at the camp, and they pulled out the stops to make it memorable. The staff are friendly, professional and skilled at what they do. Our guide, Kerero, was incredibly knowledgeable, and we saw all the big five and much more that was off the beaten track, I highly recommend it. From there we went to Loldia house on Lake Naivasha which again was a magnificent experience and our guide there; Bett was equally as knowledgeable. All round it was worth every cent and I highly recommend it. This was facilitated by Kim Abrahams from Safari.com who took care of all the details to ensure that it was a seamless trip
- Joy
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
Ready to make timeless family memories? At SAFARI.COM, we are here to help you find the best safari deal for you and your loved ones. Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We will guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way, before, during, and long after your journey. It’s time to explore!
Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
