Wildebeest Migration Safaris & Tours in Kenya and Tanzania
Cheetah Safaris offers expertly planned Wildebeest Migration safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, including luxury, mid-range, family, honeymoon, photography, and private tours. Experience river crossings, predator action, and the Great Migration with tailor-made itineraries guided by local safari experts.
Why Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari?
First Understand the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania
The Great Migration comprises a constant 1,900-mile circular route taken throughout the year by more than 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles that move between the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Migrating wildlife, including grazers and calves in the southern Serengeti, from January to March before moving northward to cross the Mara River from July to October.
The wildebeest migration safaris are expert-led safari adventures that take place in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, tracking the wildebeests and big cat actions as they search for greener pastures.
These guided migration safaris are year-round adventures that give visitors a front-row seat to the Greatest Show on Earth, as they experience the sheer power of nature in the African savannah plains.
The highlight of this safari experience takes place between July and October, when the wildebeests are faced with the dramatic and crocodile-infested river crossings.
The adventure is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences for photographers and nature lovers alike.
The journey starts when there is synchronized calving of all the members south before they make the trek northwards to survive in the rich grasslands of Kenya.
This safari offers you a very unique perspective on the life cycle, and it is widely acclaimed among the Seven Natural Wonders of the world.
Some of the most spectacular highlights of the wildebeest migration are:
- Dangerous River crossings: You will get a glimpse of tens of thousands of wildebeests attempting to cross the river filled with crocodiles in an attempt to cross to the other side.
- Thrilling Predators chasing Prey: Witness the drama as lions, hyenas, and leopards stalk their prey that they will easily find because of their vast number.
- Calving Time: Watch the spectacle as about one million calves are born while making the long and tough trek towards greener pasture.
- Spectacular numbers: Behold the spectacular number of about 1.5 million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras.
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Where does the Wildebeest Migration happen?
Top Locations to Visit For Wildebeest Migration Safaris
The main great migration for the wildebeest is concentrated in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
7redThe two popular tourist destinations offer almost 2 million animals during their visits, featuring such memorable activities as the synchronized births in the south and the dangerous crossings in the north.
Some particular regions and times of year for the Great Wildebeest Migration are:
- Northern River Crossings in Serengeti (July тАУ October): This is one of the most memorable parts of the migration, where the herds gather near the Mara River, ready to jump into the waters, which are crowded with hungry crocodiles.
- Maasai Mara Plains of Kenya (July тАУ October): Here you can visit the huge open grasslands with a huge number of animals grazing on the rich green grasslands.
- Calving Period in Southern Serengeti/Ndutu (January тАУ March): You will have a chance to witness the birth of thousands of calves each day during this time, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
- Western Corridor of Tanzania Serengeti (May тАУ June): The wildebeests make their first significant crossing through the water at the Grumeti River.
The choice of where to go completely depends on what stage of this fight for survival you want to experience first-hand.
A world wonder destination in Kenya, Africa, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to quite...
Serengeti National Park is home to millions of wildlife and bird species. This includes the many...
Ndutu Conservation Area is located well within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but right on the doorstep...
Best Time for Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Perfect time to Book your Wildebeest Migration Safaris
The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place throughout the year and travels around 3,000 kilometers in East Africa.
Even though the wildebeest move continuously throughout the year, there are places where the viewing can be best during different times.
- January – March (Southern Serengeti, Tanzania): See the wildebeest give birth as thousands of calves are born each day in the plains and attract many predators such as lions and cheetahs.
- April – May (Central Serengeti & Western Corridor, Tanzania): Join the wildebeest as they move to new locations with the rainy seasons, gathering in the Western Corridor and crossing the Grumeti River.
- June – July (Northern Serengeti, Tanzania): Be witness to the enormous groups of wildebeests moving north into the Northern Serengeti, meeting their first significant water obstacle of the year.
- July – October (Maasai Mara, Kenya): See the wildebeests cross the rivers, braving the waters filled with dangerous predators, in order to get to their new home in the Maasai Mara area.
- November – December (Southern Serengeti, Tanzania): See the migration circle back to its start due to the short rains moving it back to its rich plains location.
- Peak River Crossings: July тАУ October
Peak River Crossings: July тАУ October
The most popular period for a migration safari is between July and October.
It is during this time that the animals migrate to the Northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, where they have to cross the Mara River, which is infested with giant crocodiles.
It is during this time that the wildebeest face the biggest challenge as they cross the Mara River to get to the lush grass on the other side.
Mid-July to August is the peak time for those who wish to see this struggle for survival.
Calving, New Life, and Predators: January тАУ March
During the months of January to March, the scene moves to the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu plains for the calving season.
This is a unique season where thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily, giving the plains a sense of new life.
However, due to the high number of young and vulnerable wildebeest, the predator levels are also extremely high.
You will be able to witness lions, cheetahs, and hyenas preying on their victims in the open plains, making it a great time for photography.
Wildebeest Moving Through the West of Serengeti: May тАУ June
In May and June, the herds start their move north, moving through the Western Serengeti.
This marks the time of the Grumeti River crossings, which are the first major water barriers that the migrating animals have to overcome.
Although these river crossings are often less crowded than the Mara River crossings, they are no less dramatic.
The landscape during this migration period is a beautiful, green one, providing a stunning backdrop for the herds as they move towards the north.
Types of Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Africa
Type of wildebeest Migration Safari to Book
For those who wish to see the Great Migration, travelers get to choose from a variety of safaris depending on which season of the migration they wish to see and what kind of safari accommodations they prefer. Since the animals are in constant movement, the best safari for you will depend entirely on your travel dates.
Seasonal Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Wildebeest Migration safaris provide travelers with four unique opportunities during the various seasons in different regions:
- Calving Season Safari (January-March): This “new life” safari in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu provides tourists with an opportunity to view up to 8,000 newborn wildebeest each day, as well as the accompanying predation action.
- Grumeti Migration Safari (May-June): A wilder and less crowded safari along the western corridor of Serengeti focused on witnessing the first river crossings in the Grumeti River.
- River Crossing Safari (July-October): The most popular and exciting part, where travelers go to the Northern Serengeti or Maasai Mara to witness action-packed wildebeest river crossings at the Mara River.
- Eastern and Central Serengeti Safari (End of the Year): A quiet and low traffic safari where herds full of pregnant females cross through the eastern and central corridors back to their southern plains home.
Accommodation-Based Safaris┬а
Your choice of migration safari accommodation is a key factor in determining your proximity to the herds, as well as your overall safari experience:
In selecting accommodation for a migration safari, tourists have three main categories to choose from, depending on whether they prefer proximity, luxury, or exclusivity:
- Mobile Migration Safari Camps: Mobile safari camps that relocate throughout the year to follow the migration, offering tourists a genuine bush experience and maximum proximity to the animals.
- Luxury Safari Lodges: Most suitable for family travelers who want extra amenities such as spas and swimming pools, these safari lodges provide comfort but can take more time to access the herds, depending on the season.
Specialized Experience Great Migration Safaris
For those who wish to have a different viewpoint about the Great Migration, there are several specialized experiences to choose from:
Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Hot air balloon safaris are offered in both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara and offer a chance to float above the savannah at dawn. These tours offer a thrilling birdтАЩs eye view of the sheer magnitude of the herds, which cannot be seen from any other perspective.
- Wildebeest Migration Photographic Safaris – Migration Photographic Safaris are offered by professional photographers who know exactly where to go and when to go to capture the ultimate photo of a river crossing or a lionтАЩs kill. The vehicles used for this tour have 360-degree swivel seats and beanbag mounts to help photographers get the ultimate shot.
Great Migration Fly-In Safaris – For those with little time to spend in Africa, fly-in safaris are offered to help travelers make the most out of their time in Tanzania or Kenya. These tours save time and energy that would have been spent on long, bumpy road trips to different parks in search of the Great Migration.
Where to Stay For Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Top Recommended Camps for Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Safari Accommodation options for Wildebeest Migration safaris range from mobile tented camps that move with the animals to fixed, luxurious lodges.
The two options ensure that clients are right in the middle of all the action.
Mobile tented camps are highly mobile, moving from place to place depending on the migration of the animals.
On the other hand, fixed lodges offer a permanent base with all the luxuries that come with it, such as swimming pools and spas.
The decision on which one to take depends on whether you want the adventure that comes with following the migration or the consistency of a fixed location.
Mobile Tented Camps For Migration Safaris
Mobile tented camps are one of the most preferred options as they relocate two or three times a year to keep pace with the herds.
This way, you are assured of being in the thick of things, whether it is calving season in the south or river crossings in the north.
These tented camps provide a “rustic luxury” experience, with canvas tents that are comfortable and come with en-suite bathrooms and bucket showers.
It is the best way to experience the never-ending motion of the migration.
Luxury Tented Camps For Wildebeest Migration Safaris
Luxury tented camps are semi-permanent canvas suites that are set up in the best locations for the whole season.
Unlike mobile tented camps, these tents come with more advanced plumbing systems, such as flush toilets and hot running water.
Camps such as Serengeti Salinero Camp combine the excitement of sleeping in the wild with the luxury of a five-star hotel.
They are ideal for those who want to stay in touch with nature without having to forego any of the high-end amenities.
Permanent Safari Lodges For Wildebeest Migration
Permanent lodges are made of stone or brick and are very durable, providing a classic hotel experience in the middle of the wilderness.
These camps, like Four Seasons Lodge, have all the amenities, including swimming pools, spas, and Wi-Fi. Since they are permanent structures, they are set up in areas where there is a constant flow of wildlife throughout the year.
This makes them a great option for families or individuals who want the comfort of walls and more amenities.
Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, Heritage Luxury Tented Camp offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and
Alex Walker’s Serian is a collection of intimate and exclusive safari camps. Being mobile means they move seasonally. This is
Kuoom Serengeti Camp is an exclusive, eco-friendly tented retreat located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park. Designed for
Tailor-made Wildebeest Migration safari packages
detailed great Wildebeest Safaris and Tailored itineraries
The Ultimate Wildebeest Migration Safari packages start from when you want to witness the majestic movement from South of Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya.┬а
Whether you want your safari adventure to last two nights or two weeks, we have you covered at Cheetah Safaris.
We have an abundance of Wildebeest Migration Safaris for you to choose from in some of AfricaтАЩs prime wildlife spotting locations, such as KenyaтАЩs Masai Mara and Tanzania.
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari and Masai Mara Tour Packages
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Tanzania start from Arusha. You can visit Serengeti for either the Wildebeest Calving Season or the Wildebeest Migration Crossings in Northern Serengeti.
Book our amazing Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages that will ensure you enjoy sightings of more than 1 million crossing through the vast plains of Serengeti to the Masai Mara.┬а
But it is not all plain sailing. As the Mara River flows up from the Masai Mara Reserve into the Northern Serengeti, some of the herds potentially face yet another dangerous river crossing here as well.
Similarly fast-flowing and filled with hungry crocodiles lying in wait, the wildebeest plunge into the rivers from the steep riverbanks, many losing their lives here so near the very end of their journey.
But even having survived all the river crossings, this still doesnтАЩt mean that life becomes easy, as danger then lurks in the form of hunting by the pride of lions and hyenas. Wherever the herd goes, the predators follow.
Wildebeest Migration Safari Planning Tips
Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages Overview
- Masai Mara Fly-In/Drive-In: Optimized travel packages featuring only the Masai Mara area to allow easy access to river crossings.
- Kenya Migration Route: Extended travel routes combining the Masai Mara with Lake Nakuru for rhinos or Lake Naivasha for bird watching and boat rides.
- Kenya-Tanzania Combined Tours: Extensive tours that cover both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti plains in pursuit of the herds’ full migration route.
- Tanzania Calving Period Tours: Dedicated travel routes centered on the southern plains of Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area, beginning in January.
Migration Planning Essentials – Optimal Timing
- River Crossing Event: Schedule your Masai Mara visit from July through October to observe the migration process.
- Calving Period Season: Focus your tour on the Southern Serengeti from January to March.
Migration Accommodations and Logistical Details
- Variety of Accommodations: Tourists can select from economical campsites, moderately priced permanent lodges, or deluxe tents.
- Inclusion of Services: Normally, these services will include accommodation, meals, safari rides, and entrance charges (international flights may not be included).
- Early Booking: Given that peak seasons attract a lot of tourists, it would be advisable to make arrangements at least 8 to 12 months in advance.
Cost: USD 7,050 PPS
No. of Nights 11
Destinations :-
- Aberdares ,
- Lake Nakuru ,
- Masai Mara ,
- Nairobi ,
- Samburu ,
Cost: 7,130 PPS
No. of Nights 10
Destinations :-
- Amboseli ,
- Lake Naivasha ,
- Lake Nakuru ,
- Masai Mara ,
- Samburu ,
Cost: USD 6222 PPS
No. of Nights 6
Destinations :-
- Karatu ,
- Lake Manyara ,
- Ndutu ,
- Ngorongoro ,
- Serengeti ,
- Tarangire ,
Why Book Your Wildebeest Migration Safaris with Cheetah Safaris?
Lets Cutomise your Luxury Migration Safaris in Africa
Booking your Wildebeest Migration with Cheetah Safaris guarantees an organized and guided experience that will take you closer to witnessing the тАЬGreatest Show on Earth.тАЭ
With our unique approach, we ensure the best experiences for our clients by positioning them at key positions and spots to watch amazing river crossings and fierce predation scenes.
Several factors make Cheetah Safaris an excellent choice for booking your wildebeest migration experience.
- First of all, the fact that we organize personalized experiences is a big advantage, because we provide clients with custom-made safaris according to each individualтАЩs needs and preferences.
- We have a unique advantage of providing access to key spots due to its highly educated team members.
- Our safari packages are created in such a way that they match the best moment of the Great Wildebeest Migration, namely the high-risk crossing times from July to October.
- Additionally, We allow our clients to experience two different accommodation types: mobile tented camps following the migrations and permanent luxurious lodges.
Financial Protection
You are guranteed of a safe, and peace of mind booking process, and as well safari payments. We ensure that your payments are secure and safe.
Sustainable Practices
Keeping in mind our efforts in wildlife, environment and natural resources protections, we are sustainable travel conscious and aware.
Ground Safari Expert
We Know Africa more than any one. We love taking our guests to the less explored destinations. Experiencing the magical touch of African Wild.
Positive Impact
Our Safaris are not only sustainable, but create very positive impacts to so many. We engage in school programmes, that inspires our future leaders.
15 Years of Experience
Cheetah Safaris has a combined of 69 years of safari expertise and practice in Africa. We will take care of your safari from arrival till departure.
Proffessional Guides
We have the best safari guides in East Africa. All our guides are Silver and Gold Guides. Hence you will learn so much with them while on safari.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris FAQs
Having Questions? Learn about our Wildebeest Migration Safaris Q&A
If you have any questions regarding any of our Wildebeest Migration safari tours, you may find your answer below in our most frequently asked questions. However, donтАЩt be afraid to get in touch if your query is not included for our experts to help you design your best Migration Safaris.┬а
Our team is happy to help discuss any of our safari packages, destinations, or general information, so you have peace of mind! Get in touch with us┬аnow.
When is the best time to see the wildebeest migration?
To see the migrationтАЩs dramatic highlights, come between July and October to witness the crossings of the Mara River, between February and March for calving in the southern Serengeti, or June-July for the western corridor walks of Tanzania.
Is the wildebeest migration guaranteed?
While sightings aren’t guaranteed due to shifting rainfall, visiting the Maasai Mara between July and October offers the highest probability of witnessing massive herds and the dramatic river crossings that define this incredible natural spectacle.
Where are the best wildebeest river crossing spots?
The best places for viewing are found on the banks of the Mara River in Kenya, where the crossings at Sand River, Lookout, Kichwa, and Serena provide the most reliable chances of seeing the spectacle of river crossings.
How long should I stay for my Wildebeest Migration Safari?
An Itinerary spanning 12 to 15 days would be perfect for you, as you will get enough time to visit different areas of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, greatly increasing your odds of catching the migration highlights.
What should I pack for my Wildebeest Migration safari?
For a Wildebeest Migration Safari, carry lightweight clothing such as khaki, beige, and green apparel and sleepwear, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection, even though it will be cold in the early morning hours. It will be important to carry a fleece, jacket, and beanie to keep warm, but it will also be warm.
What is included in a Wildebeest Migration safari?
Usually, accommodation, game drives, park fees, and transport. 4×4 vehicles are standard, and you can choose between chartering a flight or going by road.┬а
Which is better between Tanzania vs. Kenya?
The Masai Mara in Kenya offers great access and first-class experiences during the high season, whereas the Serengeti in Tanzania offers extensive open spaces, affordability, and chances to observe the migratory herds during their full annual cycle.
Pack For a Purpose
Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives.┬аThe best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.┬а
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.┬а
- Education
- Sustainable Travel
- Wildlife Conservation
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