Wildebeest herds during the Great Migration river crossing in the Serengeti, Tanzania

The Great Migration

Follow 1.5 million wildebeest & zebra on the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth — safaris timed to the herds, from the thunder of the Mara River crossings to the newborn calves of the southern plains.

1.5M+
Wildebeest & Zebra
The largest herd on Earth
Jun–Oct
River Crossings
Mara & Grumeti crossing window
Jan–Mar
Calving Season
~8,000 calves born a day
Big Five
Guaranteed Territory
Lion, leopard, elephant & more

A year-round chase across the endless plains

The Great Migration is not a single event but a continuous, clockwise loop through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, driven by the rains and the search for fresh grass. Every month the herds are somewhere different — which is exactly why timing your safari matters. Browse our curated packages below, then use the month-by-month calendar to pinpoint exactly where the herds will be.

Choose your migration package

Each itinerary is designed around the herds' position and the best chances of witnessing a crossing.

6-Day Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Crossing
★ Most Popular 6 Days / 5 Nights
5.0
Serengeti

6-Day Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Crossing

Experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles on this 6-day Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration safari. This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, focusing on the legendary Mara River region...

Witness the dramatic Mara River wildebeest crossings
Explore both Central and Northern Serengeti ecosystems
Big Five wildlife sightings in their natural habitat
Predator action including lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs
Day-by-day preview
D1 Arusha to Tarangire National Park for Game Drive
D2 Karatu to Central Serengeti National Park for Game Drive
D3 Northern Serengeti National Park Game Drive
D4 Full Day Northern Serengeti
From / per person $2,950
6-Day Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro in One Epic Journey
★ Most Popular 6 Days / 5 Nights
4.8
Serengeti

6-Day Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro in One Epic Journey

Embark on a 6-day journey through East Africa’s legendary wilds—from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience thrilling game drives, rich Maasai culture, and unforgettable landscapes, perfect...

Explore two of Africa's most iconic safari destinations: Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Experience the spectacular wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Enjoy an authentic Maasai cultural encounter.
Travel across Kenya and Tanzania on one unforgettable East African safari.
Day-by-day preview
D1 Nairobi to Masai Mara – Sunset Game Drive
D2 Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara
D3 Masai Mara to Northern Serengeti via Isebania Border
D4 Full-Day Safari in Northern Serengeti National Park
From / per person $3,350
4-Day Wildebeest Migration, Western Serengeti (May-July)
4 Days / 3 Nights
4.8
Serengeti

4-Day Wildebeest Migration, Western Serengeti (May-July)

Explore the stunning Western Corridor, where the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers sustain diverse wildlife. Encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, and vast herds of zebras and wildebeest. From May to July, witness the dramatic Great Migration as...

Tarangire National Park Adventure – Explore a wildlife-rich park famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and beautiful landscapes.
Big Five Wildlife Experience – Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
Ngorongoro Crater Exploration – Descend into the world-famous crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing experiences.
Rare Wildlife Encounters – Spot endangered black rhinos, hyenas, hippos, gazelles, and many bird species inside the crater.
Day-by-day preview
D1 Tarangire National Park Game Drive
From / per person $1,980

Where are the herds right now?

Plan your trip around the herds — see exactly where the migration is each month and pick the package built for that season.

Calving
Peak Crossings
River Crossings
On the Move
Jan
Calving
Ndutu / Southern Serengeti

Calving season begins — thousands of wildebeest give birth.

Feb
Calving
Ndutu / Southern Serengeti

Peak calving — ~8,000 calves a day, predators on the prowl.

Mar
On the Move
Southern → Central Serengeti

Herds begin drifting north-west as the plains dry.

Apr
On the Move
Central Serengeti

Long rains; columns of wildebeest march westward.

May
River Crossings
Western Corridor

Rutting season; the Grumeti River tests the herds.

Jun
River Crossings
Western Corridor / Grumeti

Dramatic Grumeti River crossings begin.

Jul You are here
Peak Crossings
Northern Serengeti

Herds reach the north — prime Mara River crossing season.

Aug
Peak Crossings
Northern Serengeti / Mara

Iconic Mara River crossings — crocodiles await.

Sep
Peak Crossings
Northern Serengeti / Mara

Crossings continue back and forth across the Mara.

Oct
River Crossings
Northern → Central Serengeti

Herds begin the long journey back south.

Nov
On the Move
Central / Eastern Serengeti

Short rains draw the herds toward the southern plains.

Dec
On the Move
Southern Serengeti

Herds gather on the short-grass plains for calving.

Your migration questions, answered

Everything you need to plan the perfect Serengeti wildebeest migration safari.

What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest overland animal movement on Earth — roughly 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra and hundreds of thousands of gazelle move in a continuous clockwise loop between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara, following the rains and fresh grass. It happens year-round, but each season offers a different spectacle.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
It depends what you want to witness. July to October is prime time for the dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. January to March is the calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu), when around 8,000 wildebeest are born each day. June sees the Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor.
When do the Mara River crossings happen?
The famous Mara River crossings — where wildebeest plunge into crocodile-filled waters — typically occur from July through October in the northern Serengeti. Crossings are unpredictable and can happen back and forth, so we position you in the north during these months to maximise your chances.
How much does a Great Migration safari cost?
Our Great Migration safari packages vary by length, season and accommodation level. Peak river-crossing months (July–October) command higher rates and sell out early. Contact us with your dates for a tailored quote — every itinerary is customised to your budget and interests.
Where is the migration in July and August?
In July and August the herds have reached the northern Serengeti along the Mara River, making it the best time and place to witness river crossings. This is the peak of the migration safari season, so booking 6–12 months ahead is strongly recommended.
How many days do I need for a Great Migration safari?
A minimum of 4–5 days lets you reach the migration zone and enjoy quality game drives, but 6–8 days is ideal to combine the migration with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. We tailor the length to the season and your travel plans.
Will I definitely see a river crossing?
River crossings are one of nature's most unpredictable events — no operator can guarantee a crossing on a specific day. What we guarantee is expert positioning: our Maasai guides track the herds daily and place you at the best crossing points during peak season to give you the highest possible chance.

Have a question we haven't covered? Ask our safari experts or see the full safari FAQ.

Ready to witness the Great Migration?

The best camps sell out 6–12 months ahead of the crossing season. Secure your dates today and let our Maasai guides put you exactly where the herds are.