Well each year, almost two million wildebeest and 20 000 plains game migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to the south of Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of lush grazing grounds and life-giving water. This treacherous odessey is dictated by the seasons and where the rains are, the wildebeest are not far behind. This epic journey from north to south spans almost 3000 kilometres and is virtually endless.
This great spectacle of nature is an iconic safari option for avid travellers, nature lovers and those who want a little more from their African experience.
Rather than having a start or end point, the Great Migration moves rhythmically in a clockwise direction, making herd tracking unpredicatable. It is for this reason that our Herdtracker app was created; to help you track the wildebeests’ movements and plan the safari of a lifetime. Choose from our existing safari packages or tailor-make your own journey according to your budget.
Below, you’ll find some useful resources that detail when to go, where to stay and what to expect along this unforgettable journey. Our experienced safari experts as well as affiliate camps and guides on the ground all work together to provide you with up-to-date information on where the herds are, as well as the predators that stalk them.
June.
June is traditionally the Grumeti River crossing period. The herds are spread out, so expect longer, rewarding game drives. June marks the end of the rainy season. The plains are lush and green.
The wildebeest herds cover great distances. Driving times between leading and trailing herds can exceed three hours.
June is traditionally the Grumeti River crossing period, but this is mainly dependent on the water level of the Grumeti River. There is seldom enough water in the river to produce dramatic crossings like those seen at the Mara River in July and August.
Expectation, Where to stay in June for great migration safari
Traditionally June is tricky because of the dispersion of the herds. You usually need time on both sides of the Nyamuma and Simiti Hills.
It’s a long way round, but this approach gives you the best of both worlds: you could find yourself deep in the migration one day, and then have a view of the approaching migration at the Mbalageti River, the next day (we have seen some of the best migration views from the restaurant deck at Mbalageti).
That said, depending on how much rain has fallen, the back end of the migration could still be at Lake Magadi and on the southern side of the Nyamuma and Simiti Hills.
We recommend combining Makoma Hill and Mbalageti accommodation in early June and then going towards the Grumeti River in late June and early July. We suggest an even 5-night / 5-night split between the two areas for the best possible Serengeti migration safari in June.
October
October is a good time to see the wildebeest herds move back into the Serengeti. October will be milder, as the dry season approaches its climax. You might even experience early rain in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.
The wildebeest herds are in the Masai Mara, but will start to slowly move back into the Serengeti moving through Loliondo in the east.
Expectation, Where to stay in October for migration safari
It’s best to stay in the Masai Mara to have the best opportunity to see the wildebeest herds. Nomad’s Lamai and Lemala’s Kuria Hills are good migration safari destinations.
August
August is your best month to see the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Serengeti or Masai Mara.
August is a hot and humid month as the dry season kicks into overdrive.
The wildebeest herds will continue their search for lush, greener grass and by doing so, attempt to cross the dangerous, crocodile-infested water of the Mara River.
Expectation, Where to stay in August for great migration safari
August is the most consistent month to view river crossings. The herds will be crossing an international border between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Book early on both sides of the Mara River. The Olakira Camp, Sayari Mara and the Mara River mobile camps are unique migration safari accommodations.
July
July marks the start of the Mara River crossings as well as mating season in the Serengeti. July is a warm month. As the dry season approaches, the Serengeti landscape becomes more arid.
The wildebeest herds begin moving faster in search of water and greener grass, making their way across the Grumeti and Mara River. Expect to see crocodile encounters.
Expectation, where to stay for a July Serengeti migration safari
The Grumeti River is where you’ll want to be during July to view early river crossings. However, due to limited accommodation, we suggest that you book early to avoid disappointment. In late July, stay closer to the Mara River for an extra river crossing experience. The Olakira Camp, Sayari Mara and Singita Explore are all great Serengeti migration safari options.
