Follow the wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara—from the southern calving grounds to the Mara River crossings—with a private safari planned for the right region and season.
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PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY
TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO
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TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS
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The right Great Migration safari begins with your travel month. Compare private journeys positioned for Serengeti calving, the herds’ northward movement or Mara River crossing season—then choose an itinerary to tailor around your dates, interests and preferred pace.
Unsure which migration season fits your dates? We’ll position your journey around the herds’ expected location and the experience you want most.
Key facts to help you choose the right season, region and migration safari.
The Great Migration is a continuous year-round movement through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. We shape your private safari around your travel dates—whether you want to experience calving in the southern Serengeti, the herds moving north or the dramatic Mara River crossing season.
Vast Herds & Predator Action
Year-Round Crossings Jul–Oct
7–12 Days
With Ngorongoro, Tarangire
YEAR-ROUND MIGRATION · CALVING JAN–MAR · MARA RIVER JUL–OCT · TANZANIA & KENYA · IDEAL 7–12 DAYS
Travel in a private 4×4 with an experienced guide, flexible daily timings and the freedom to linger at exceptional wildlife sightings.
Stay in selected lodges or seasonal tented camps offering convenient access to the migration areas expected to be active during your visit.
Explore with an experienced private guide and flexible timings, allowing you to follow wildlife activity without rushing between sightings.
Every safari begins with a conversation. We listen first, then design your journey around your interests, travel style, accommodation preferences and pace. No fixed templates — only yours.
From Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda, our specialists draw on first-hand local knowledge to recommend the right destinations, experiences and seasons for a safari designed around how you want to travel.
Every lodge and tented camp we recommend is chosen for its location, hospitality and guest experience — ensuring each stay complements your safari rather than simply accommodating it.
Your journey is backed by comprehensive insurance through ICEA Lion / Lloyd’s of London, 24/7 on-the-ground support and dedicated safari specialists before, during and after your journey.
Clear answers to help you choose the right migration season, safari route and length of stay.
In Tanzania, the Great Migration can be experienced throughout the year. From January to March, the herds gather across Ndutu and the southern Serengeti for the wildebeest calving season. Between April and June, they move north through the central Serengeti and Western Corridor. From July to October, they reach the northern Serengeti, where Mara River crossings may occur. During November and December, the herds begin returning south.
In Kenya, the main migration season in the Masai Mara usually runs from July to October. August and September often bring the largest herd concentrations and stronger possibilities of witnessing river crossings. Outside these months, the Masai Mara still offers excellent resident wildlife, but most migrating wildebeest are generally in Tanzania.
Choose Tanzania for a wider range of migration seasons, Kenya for the concentrated July–October period, or combine both countries for a longer Serengeti and Masai Mara journey.
In Tanzania, Mara River crossing season generally runs from July to October in the northern Serengeti, particularly around Kogatende and the Lamai area. July can bring the first northern crossings, while August and September are often especially active.
In Kenya, migrating herds normally enter the Masai Mara between July and October. Crossings may occur as the animals move between the Serengeti and Masai Mara, sometimes crossing the river several times in either direction.
Exact dates cannot be predicted because rainfall, water and fresh grazing determine the herds’ movement. No operator can guarantee a crossing. Spending at least three or four nights near the Mara River provides more time to follow the herds and wait for possible crossing activity.
Yes. In Tanzania, a Great Migration safari can easily include Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire or the central Serengeti before or after visiting the seasonal migration area. After the safari, you can fly from the Serengeti or Arusha to Zanzibar for a beach stay.
If your migration safari includes Kenya’s Masai Mara, you can combine Kenya and Tanzania by flying or travelling between the two countries before continuing to Zanzibar.
Allow approximately 10–14 days for a comfortable safari and beach combination. Your exact route should reflect your travel month, preferred migration experience and the number of beach nights you want.
Tanzania’s Serengeti is better for travellers wanting a wider choice of migration seasons. It offers calving in the southern Serengeti from January to March, northward movement through the central and western regions, and possible Mara River crossings in the north from July to October.
Kenya’s Masai Mara is best known for the concentrated July–October migration period. Its smaller geographical area can make it suitable for a shorter safari focused on large herds, predators and possible river crossings.
Neither destination is universally better. Choose according to your travel dates and available time, or combine the Serengeti and Masai Mara for a more complete Great Migration safari.
For Tanzania, allow approximately 7–10 days. This provides time for the Serengeti migration area, Ngorongoro Crater and another northern park without rushing. During Mara River crossing season, we recommend spending at least three or four nights in the northern Serengeti.
For Kenya, approximately 4–6 days works well for a Masai Mara migration safari, especially when flying from Nairobi. Additional days can include Amboseli, Lake Nakuru or a private conservancy.
A combined Tanzania and Kenya Great Migration safari generally requires 10–14 days. Zanzibar or the Kenyan Coast can then be added if you would like to finish with a beach stay.
In Tanzania, a private 7–10 day Great Migration safari generally costs approximately USD 3,500–6,500 per person. Remote northern Serengeti camps, internal flights and peak crossing-season accommodation can increase the price.
In Kenya, a private 4–6 day Masai Mara migration safari generally costs approximately USD 2,500–5,000 per person. Prices depend on whether you stay inside the reserve, in a private conservancy or at a luxury camp.
A combined Tanzania and Kenya migration safari can begin from approximately USD 6,000 per person, with premium and luxury journeys costing considerably more. Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, accommodation level, park fees, flights and trip duration.
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Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.
