The Tanzania and Kenya Migration Safaris offer one of the most exhilarating wildlife spectacles on the planet. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast Serengeti plains in Tanzania, heading toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. This natural phenomenon, known as the Great Migration, is a breathtaking experience for safari enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers.
From thrilling river crossings teeming with crocodiles to predator-prey chases involving lions, leopards, and cheetahs, every moment on a migration safari is filled with adventure and raw nature at its best. In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to witness the migration, top safari destinations, and tips for planning the ultimate Tanzania and Kenya Migration Safari.
The Great Migration: A Natural Marvel
The Great Migration is a year-round cycle that moves between Tanzania and Kenya. It is driven by rainfall patterns and the availability of food. This movement follows a predictable route through the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Stages of the Migration
- January – March: The calving season takes place in the Southern Serengeti, with over 500,000 calves born in a short span. Predators such as lions and hyenas take advantage of this feast.
- April – June: The herds move toward the Western Corridor and Grumeti River, where crocodiles lie in wait.
- July – October: This is the most dramatic phase, where thousands of wildebeests cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This is the best time to witness the migration.
- November – December: The herds start returning to the Serengeti as the rains bring fresh grass.
Top Safari Destinations for the Great Migration
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves, known for its vast open plains and rich biodiversity. It is the primary location for the migration, hosting the herds for most of the year.
Best Places to Visit in Serengeti
- Ndutu Plains – Ideal for calving season (January – March).
- Grumeti River – Witness dramatic river crossings.
- Northern Serengeti – Perfect for spotting herds before they enter Kenya.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is the final destination for the migration, where thousands of animals arrive after crossing the Mara River. It is home to an incredible concentration of predators.
Top Safari Spots in Maasai Mara
- Mara River – Experience the heart-stopping river crossings.
- Mara Triangle – Less crowded, offering incredible game viewing.
- Oloololo Escarpment – Stunning landscapes and fewer tourists.
Best Time to Go on a Migration Safari
The ideal time to witness the migration depends on the stage you want to experience.
- June – October: Best for river crossings in the Mara River.
- January – March: Great for witnessing newborn calves in the Serengeti.
- April – May: Fewer tourists, but wildlife viewing is still excellent.
Safari Packages and Tour Options
There are multiple ways to experience the Tanzania and Kenya Migration Safaris, depending on your budget and preferences.
Luxury Safaris
- Stay in high-end lodges and tented camps.
- Exclusive game drives with professional guides.
- Private charter flights between locations.
Mid-Range Safaris
- Comfortable lodges and tented camps.
- 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced guides.
- Small group safaris for a more intimate experience.
Budget Safaris
- Basic camping options with shared facilities.
- Road transport between parks.
- Group tours to share costs.
The Mobile tented camps are a best way for Tanzania migration safari. The tented camps follow the migration as it moves, there are also some permanent lodges where you can base yourself in this Tanzania migration safari whilst you head out to explore the Serengeti.
Planning a Tanzania migration safari can be tricky, the wildlife is on the move. However with a little help from us you may be hopefully be able figure of where you should be at what time and which is the best Camp or Lodge to stay.
Migration Calving Season Safari
January – February
Throughout January and February Tanzania migration safari is following the rains, the migration moves onto the Serengeti plains in the south. Is a fantastic time to travel to the Southern Serengeti as this time of year is when the thousands of wildebeest begin to give birth, this is where the newborn graze along with the herds, it is at the
Ndutu area where consists of endless grass plains, which keep going for as far as the eye can see. This is an incredible sight to witness, it is easy finding cheetahs, Lions and hyenas picking off their own fresh meals. At this time of year being located at the Ndutu area will give you the best access to the migration herds. Ndutu plains area is the best during February to April as the grass is green and the wildlife is plenty.
The best place to stay at this time are Ndutu Safari Lodge / Ndutu Mobile Camps.
Migration Big Cats Safaris
March – April
It is heavy rain season the Tanzania migration safari starts moving through Central Serengeti and towards the Western corridor of Serengeti. This area at this time grasses are long so food is good, this period of the year is when we call GREEN SEASON it is a beautiful time to travel onto Serengeti wild flowers appear at Serengeti and there are very few people around. It is rainy season be prepared because, the roads get muddy and therefore access to the some of game areas may be limited.
The best places to stay at this time are Ndutu Safari Lodge, Ndutu Mobile Camps or at Lodges or Mobile Camps in Serengeti.
Western Serengeti Migration Safaris
May – June
Dry season is approaches migration animals begin to move towards Grumeti River where the abundant of crocodile waiting for them as they are easy meals to catch. It is the first of these animals to crossings the Grumeti River at Western Serengeti.
Observing the thousands of wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River is highlights of your migration safaris. Staying at the lodge or camps near the Grumeti River at western Serengeti is an ideal for this time. However, being in the Seronera and Western Serengeti area will also give you fantastic accessary
Migration Safaris Crossing Mara River
July-September
Movement is on to Northern Serengeti and toward the Mara River, July you can witness thousands of wildebeest struggling their way through the River and trying to avoid crocodiles. Perhaps the most famous Great migration period is that of the Mara River during the August and September. The crossings are hugely exciting to witness. After the excitement of the river crossings migration the migrating herds settle for a while in the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya.
The best place to stay at this time are Kogatende Mobile Camps, Bologonja Mobile Camps, Lobo Lodge or Migration Tented Camp.
October
The journey begins to the southwards through north-eastern Serengeti, wildebeest migration moving through Lobo and down to the Serengeti plains. Lobo area is less visited by tourists it is less crowded than other areas of the Serengeti national park. The mass herds of migration animals travelling throughout the year at Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem.
Southern Serengeti Migration Safaris
November – December
It is short rain season, migration animals travelling quickly to southern Serengeti through plain side of eastern Serengeti. Eastern Serengeti offers great resident animals especial cheetah, lions observing on rock kopjes. During the December, the migration settles on the short grass plains near the southern Serengeti. At this time of year, the migration tends to stay around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro (Ndutu) area as Serengeti provides a constant source of water for the herds. During December you have the privilege of seeing thousands of wildebeest and zebra gathering on the southern plains near the Naabi hill gate. This is best time to see big cats following migrations.
The best place to stay is Ndutu lodge and in lodges or tented camps found in Serengeti.
At least now you have an ideal of migration animal’s movements in Serengeti. For more information about animal’s migration in Serengeti or where to stay/more place to visit while on your migration safari please contact us at info@natureexcursionsafaris.com our safari consultant awaiting to hear from you.
