Great Migration safaris

The best time to see the Great Migration depends on what you want to see. Most want to witness the two seasons described below, but if you are looking for fewer tourists and lower prices, consider the months in between.

Mara River crossings: August to October. Hordes of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River again and again as the herds criss-cross the northern Serengeti and southern Maasai Mara in search of better grazing. This can be a dramatic spectacle, as the herds battle the current and face the risk of being killed by crocodiles and lions lying in wait. This is also the prime tourism season, so expect crowds and higher lodge prices.

Babies & predators: December to March. The Southern Serengeti transforms into nature's most remarkable maternity ward, with half a million wildebeest born across the season and as many as 8,000 calves arriving daily during peak periods. Lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas cash in on the bonanza of defenceless babies, feasting while the opportunity presents itself.

Read a more detailed month-by-month analysis of the Great Migration and ask our safari experts for advice based on your hopes and budget.

Both Kenya and Tanzania excel in different ways. Kenya’s conservancies almost guarantee Big Five sightings and exclusivity, while Tanzania’s Serengeti offers unmatched scale and variety. Your choice depends on priorities: predictability and variety (Kenya) or wilderness and vastness (Tanzania).

Read more about Kenya versus Tanzania.

Yes, especially in August–October when herds move between Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti. Flying between countries is faster and more practical than driving. Many travellers combine Kenya’s private Maasai Mara conservancies for exclusive viewing with northern Tanzania’s Serengeti for river crossing action.

Yes, absolutely. Regardless of timing, you'll witness vast herds – thousands upon thousands of animals stretching to the horizon - and have excellent encounters with lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras and many other species. Also, Kenya and Tanzania have well-established tourism infrastructure and a long-running culture of excellent service.

Read more about this topic: Our ultimate first-timers guide to the Great Migration.

The unfortunate reality is that the Mara River crossings during the months of the Great Wildebeest Migration (August to mid-October) can be crowded in both Kenya and Tanzania. All of the river crossings occur in the public areas of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, which means that they are accessible to anybody with a vehicle - including day-trippers and self-drive tourists.

Even if your chosen lodge is in a private concession bordering the parks, you will still have to join the throngs of vehicles at the river crossing points if you wish to witness the drama of this epic natural phenomenon.

To avoid the crowds during your Great Migration safari, you have three options:

1. If you want to see Mara River crossings (Serengeti and Maasai Mara) but are not keen on the crowds of the prime safari season (August and September), then October is your best bet - although leaving it beyond mid-October risks not seeing any river crossings.

2. Grumeti River (Serengeti) crossings occur during July, but be aware that the Grumeti River is smaller than the Mara River and has many dry crossing points. This means that Grumeti River crossings are not as dramatic. Additionally, the Grumeti area is more remote, and crossings are more challenging to locate.

3. Enjoy the other aspects of the Great Migration - away from the Mara River crossings. The calving period in Tanzania's southern Serengeti is spectacular, offering a unique opportunity to witness massive herds, adorable babies, and predators feasting on the bounty. Any month is a good month during the Great Migration, and you will find unique, epic experiences no matter when you come on safari.

1. Great Migration safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.