Complete Guide to the Great Migration in Tanzania & Kenya
Discover everything you need to know about the wildebeest migration safari – from timing and routes to the best safari packages in Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Introduction: Why the Wildebeest Migration Safari is Unmissable
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles move across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh pastures. For travellers, a wildebeest migration safari promises thrilling encounters with predators, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. If you are planning a Tanzania safari, this guide will help you choose the right time, route, and package to witness nature’s greatest show.
Dramatic river crossings – the ultimate highlight of the migration.
When Does the Wildebeest Migration Happen?
The wildebeest migration is a year-round cycle with different highlights each season:
- January – March: Calving season in the Ndutu plains of the Serengeti. Over 400,000 calves are born, attracting predators such as lions and cheetahs.
- April – June: Herds move north through central Serengeti, creating dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- July – September: The famous Mara River crossings – wildebeest face crocodile-infested waters on the Serengeti–Masai Mara border.
- October – December: The herds return south, grazing along the eastern Serengeti before calving begins again.
Check our detailed migration calendar to align your safari with the best experiences.
Best Places to See the Great Migration
Whether in Tanzania or Kenya, the Great Migration offers unique experiences at different stages:
- Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): Ideal for calving safaris and predator action.
- Western Serengeti (Grumeti River): Lesser-known but dramatic crossings with fewer crowds.
- Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara: Iconic river crossings, the most photographed moment of the migration.
Explore our Serengeti safari tours for the best routes and camps during each stage.
Close encounters with migration herds in the Serengeti.
Top Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages
Choosing the right safari package is crucial to being in the right place at the right time. Our curated wildebeest migration safari packages include:
- 7-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari – Perfect for witnessing river crossings in the Serengeti.
- Luxury Wildebeest Migration Safari – Stay in premium tented camps near migration hotspots.
- Budget-Friendly Safari Packages – Affordable yet unforgettable migration experiences.
Why Tanzania is the Best for the Wildebeest Migration
Although the migration crosses into Kenya, the Serengeti in Tanzania offers the longest and most rewarding safari experiences. From Ndutu’s calving season to the Mara River crossings, Tanzania provides multiple opportunities to witness the migration. Browse our Tanzania safari packages to find the perfect itinerary.
Tips for Planning Your Wildebeest Migration Safari
- Book early – lodges near migration routes fill up fast.
- Choose a safari that matches the migration calendar.
- Consider group safaris for affordability: Group Safari Tours.
- Travel with experienced guides who can track herd movements.
Start Your Wildebeest Migration Safari Today
The Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for every safari enthusiast. At Maramatta Safaris, we specialise in authentic, sustainable, and personalised safari experiences. Contact us today to start planning your wildebeest migration safari in Tanzania and Kenya.
