The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in Africa

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Understand The Serengeti wildebeest migration and crossings

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa? The great Serengeti and Masai Mara Wildebeest migration is the movement of vast wildebeests, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, and impala. These wildebeests and zebras move in an annual pattern that is fairly predictable. They migrate yearly, constantly seeking fresh grazing lands and better quality clean water.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. In fact, with up to 1,000 animals per km², the great columns of wildebeest can be seen from space.

The numbers are astonishing: over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra, along with topi and other gazelle, move constantly through the South to the North of Serengeti National ParkMaasai Mara National Reserve ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water.

Guided by survival instinct, each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. Hungry predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles, make sure only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle also known as ‘the greatest show on Earth.’

The circuit takes the animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (although not into the Crater itself) in the south of the Serengeti in Tanzania, up through the Serengeti and cross into the Masai Mara in Kenya, and back again.

The journey is beset with danger: young calves are hunted by predators, the slow and old are brought down by the pride of lions, crocodiles take their share of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown.

Luxury Safaris - African Safaris - Safaris and Tours - Cheetah Safaris

Looking For a Safari in Africa?

Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.

Best Places to Witness The Wildebeest Migration

Witness the Great Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara

Best Places to See the Wildebeest Migration in Africa?

  • Masai Mara in Kenya
  • Serengeti in Tanzania

The best wildebeest migration safari destinations in Africa are Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. They both host millions of wildebeests and antelopes, and zebras migrating from the South of Serengeti to the North and later entering the Masai Mara in Kenya. 

The wildebeests spend more than 7 months in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, as they look for greener pastures, and 5 or 6 months in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The best places for wildebeest migration and crossings are in the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, from June to November every year. 

For the wildebeest calving sightings, the best place to be is in the Ndutu Conservation Area, south of Serengeti, which borders both Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. More than 8000 wildebeest calves are born daily in January to March, but most births are sighted in February.

Ndutu Wildebeest Calving Season - Tanzania Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

Ndutu Conservation Area is located well within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but right on the doorstep...

Kenya Safaris - Luxury African Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

A world wonder destination in Kenya, Africa, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to quite...

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is home to millions of wildlife and bird species. This includes the many...

Wildebeest Migration Map & Overview

The Serengeti and Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Map

Understand the Wildebeest Migration Map, and how the great migration moves from South Serengeti to Northern Serengeti, entering Masai Mara, and finally back to Southern Serengeti. The Migration Map below describes the movement of more than 1 million animals.

They migrate to look for food and water, but a more needy reason is to find favorable weather conditions for mating and giving birth to more than 800,000 calves. 

Facts about Wildebeest Migration Map

The Great Migration is a dynamic phenomenon driven by rains that move about 1,200 miles in a year. Rather than viewing the process as a “migration,” it is more appropriate to see it as an endless chase for greener pastures and water.

Main Elements of the Great Migration Cycle

  • Perpetual Journey: This type of migration cannot be seen as one that has a beginning and an end. Although the herds migrate temporarily to the Masai Mara in Kenya, most of their time in the year is spent in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
  • Rain-Dependent Journey: The timing of the great migration is not determined by any calendar but rather by the rains. Thus, the location of the herd can vary from year to year depending on the timing of rainfall.

Seasonal Migration Pattern – Calving Time

  • January-March – Herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu). During February, nutritious grass ensures the birth of about 8,000 calves daily.

Western Corridor Migration – Grumeti and Ikoma

  • April-June – Due to the drying out in the south, the herds migrate northward and westward. It is characterized by the crossing of the Grumeti River, where the first water obstacles and encounters with crocodiles take place.

Crossing the Mara River Events

  • July-October – The most spectacular and perilous stage. Herds migrate to the Northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River into Kenya. Here, they overcome steep slopes and enormous Nile crocodiles to reach fresh grasslands in the Masai Mara.

Eastern Return Journey

  • November-December – In response to the onset of the “short rains” in the south, the migration commences an urgent return journey along the eastern border of the Serengeti to its southern plains.

The Mega Herd Numbers

  • The term “Mega-herd” is made up of about 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 Thomson’s gazelles, all following the same path for survival.
Wildebeest Migration Map in Kenya and Tanzania - Cheetah Safaris
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION MAP IN KENYA AND TANZANIA

Month-by-Month Wildebeest Migration Guide

The Serengeti and Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration By Month Guide

From our Wildebeest Migration Map, the mass migration begins in January and never ends. The reason is, the wildebeests start life in January in a region called Ndutu in South Serengeti, where when they start moving, they never stop.

Below, we have highlighted when the best time is to see the great wildebeest migration, with the season running from January to December. They move in search of food and water, but another major reason is due to their biological clocks. They mate in the Masai Mara in Kenya and give birth in Ndutu Serengeti South in Tanzania.

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in January, February, March

Also known as the wildebeest calving season

The Great Wildebeest Migration in January, February, and March

Around January each year, the wildebeest migration will end their trek from the Masai Mara, moving along the eastern edge of the Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the Ndutu Conservation Area. Here, the plains are rich in nutritious grass, providing the herds with the best conditions for raising their newborn calves.  

Although there is no real beginning or end to this migratory circuit — other than birth and death — it seems reasonable to call the wildebeests’ birthing season the start of the migration. Around late January or February, the herds occupy the short-grass plains that spread over the lower northern parts of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands. Some 8000 calves are born here every day, within a period of two to three weeks, or nearly 500,000 new calves within 1 month.

During the wildebeest Calving Season, it’s easy to spot actions and hunts easily as big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunt the newly born calves and weak wildebeests that are readily available for them.

Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti - Tanzania Great Migration - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti - Tanzania Great Migration - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti - Tanzania Great Migration - Cheetah Safaris

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in April, May and June

Grand Movement starts to the Serengeti South to the Serengeti North

The Great Migration in April, May, and June

Gradually, they spread west across these plains, and then around April, they started their great migration north. Around April, the wildebeest herds begin to drift northwest toward the fresher grass of the central Serengeti, drawing with them thousands of zebra and smaller groups of antelope.

By May, columns of wildebeest stretch for several kilometers as the animals start to congregate by the Moru Kopjes. Mating season begins toward the end of May and male wildebeest battle head-to-head. Throughout ‘the rut,’ the journey continues at leisure with the wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle grazing as they go along.  

With all the newborn wildebeest, this is a time when the herd size is especially high. Central, southern Serengeti is the place to be as the herds assemble northwards, getting ready for the big push towards Lobo and the far north.

As the dry season approaches during May and June, the migrating herds begin moving once again, this time towards the Grumeti River, where the crocodiles wait for an easy meal. Seeing the thousands of wildebeest crossing the river is a sight not to be missed, and has to be one of the highlights of a Tanzania safari.

Being located near the Grumeti River is ideal at this time. However, being in the Seronera and Western Serengeti area will also give you fantastic access.

Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in July, August, September, October

The Most eventful season - Wildebeest Crossing in Serengeti and Masai Mara

The Great Migration in June, July, August, September and October

These are the most exciting months of the great migration as the herds move further into the Northern Serengeti and toward the Mara River. At this time of year, you can witness thousands of wildebeests battling their way through the waters and trying to avoid the crocodiles. The best place to be is in the Northern Serengeti or across the river in the western part of the Maasai Mara.

These are the major migration months as the herds are in the middle of their major push north. The first wildebeest herds start crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River – it is a fabulous time to be in this remote part of the park.

September sees the wildebeest herds spread out across the northern Serengeti park, where the Mara River provides the migration with its most serious obstacle, infested with crocodiles. This river meanders through the northern Serengeti from Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Watching the thousands of herds of wildebeest migrating crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular; there are often scenes of great panic and confusion. It’s common to see herds cross the Mara River north on one day, and then back south a few days later.

Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration in November and December

The Most eventful season - The herd starts moving back to Serengeti South

The Great Serengeti Migration in November and December

This is a fairly difficult time to predict the movement of the herds as they push south. Some move east to Loliondo, and others move through the heart of the park.

After the East African short rains in late October and early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya Masai Mara National Reserve and into the eastern limits of the Serengeti National Park past Namiri Plains, an area known for outstanding cheetah sightings. By December, they are spread throughout the eastern and southern regions of the Serengeti.

In the early months of the new year, the grasses in the deep south of the Serengeti are lush with rain. This draws the herds of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and other plains animals. The cycle continues as the calving season starts once again.

Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris 5
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris
Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris - Tanzana Safaris - Serengeti Safaris - Crossings in Mara - Cheetah Safaris

Best Time For Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

When is the Serengeti wildebeest migration & Crossings

Below is the best time to see the Great Migration by season. We have highlighted them from the Low season, also known as the great season, when rain is in abundance, and the high season, when there is are bit of rain and still hot with fewer crowds, while the peak season is when we have high numbers of tourists, and the climate is hot and dry.

The best time to spot the wildebeest migration and crossings is between mid-July and the end of August. Though you are not guaranteed to see the wildebeest crossings, they might be delayed or come early.

LOW SEASON:

April to May and November to December

During this Season, the herds are in Central & North Serengeti from April, May, and June. The grass is tall, and better time to spend with them. In November, they will have migrated from the Masai Mara back to the Serengeti National Park. The Weather in these periods is wet and warm, and not recommended for a wildebeest migration safari.

Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving - Cheetah Safaris 1
Wildebeest Migration - Masai Mara - Cheetah Safaris

HIGH SEASON:

January to March Mid-October to Mid-November

January, February, and March are the best times to witness the calving of wildebeest calves in the Southern Serengeti. Ndutu Conservation Area offers the best ground for calving of more than 8000+ Calves. In April, they start moving up to Northern Serengeti, and in November, they start moving down to Serengeti from Masai Mara. 

These seasons, the weather and climate conditions are warm, and less rain in between. In November, the short rains start and end in early December.

Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti and Masai mara - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti and Masai mara - Cheetah Safaris

peak SEASON:

June, July, August, September, and up to Mid-October

These are the best months to witness the dramatic migration and crossings in Serengeti and Masai Mara, with over 1.5 million wildebeests crossing the Mara River. It’s easier to spot them in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and the Northern Serengeti in Tanzania. It’s not possible to predict exactly when, but the highest probability of spotting the wildebeest migration is between mid-July and mid-August. From the many wildebeest crossings we have witnessed, the peak of it is between this period.

The Weather in June all the way to mid-October is Hot and dry, best for a wildebeest migration safari, and an extension of a beach safari holiday. It’s a perfect time to visit East Africa for a wildlife safari. We have listed some guides for what to pack for a safari in Africa.

Wildebeest Migration - River Crossings - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Masai Mara Crossings - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Serengeti River Crossings - Cheetah Safaris

Wildebeest Migration: Kenya vs Tanzania

Which is best for Wildebeest Migration Sightings

The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round event that takes place in Tanzania’s Serengeti (9-10 months) and Kenya’s Masai Mara (3-4 months). Tanzania is good for longer viewing with calving season (January – March), or for viewing in the northern Serengeti, which is quieter. Kenya is good for more dramatic and dense river crossings, which are in July to October, in a small, intense, and crowded area.

The Serengeti Migration and the Maasai Mara Migration may be seen as two different migrations, but in reality, they are simply different stages of the same continuous migration loop referred to as the Great Migration. The Great Migration is a massive migration of more than two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

The only real distinction is that the Serengeti offers a longer game viewing time, covering the vast majority of the entire migration cycle. In contrast, the Maasai Mara is the sensational peak of the migration to the north, which normally takes place between July and October as the animals head for the permanent water sources of the Mara River.

Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

In terms of scale and landscape, the Serengeti migration is distinguished by its sheer enormity and length. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is much larger than the Maasai Mara and has varied habitats, ranging from the short grasslands in the south to the wooded hills in the north.

Due to its size, the Serengeti offers two events: the Calving Season, of 8000 wildebeest calves born daily, and the millions of wildebeest crossings in the Northern Serengeti. This is where it all starts; in the southern Serengeti, during the calving season from January to March, 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in a confined period of about 90 days, i.e., from January to March.

The migration is an event of survival and growth that lasts for nine months as the herds move in search of rain and nutrient-rich grass to feed the lactating mothers and their newborns. As they move up, they face their next life challenge, crossing the infested Mara River to make it to their next destination, the Masai Mara. Though not dramatic compared to the Kenyan Masai Mara wildebeest crossings.

Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara Reserve

The Maasai Mara migration, while not as long in duration, is famous for its intensity. As the grasses of the Serengeti begin to wither with the coming of the dry season, the migration continues northward into Kenya. This is the time of the famous Mara River crossing, where the animals must make a gamble against the bloated crocodiles and steep banks to make it to the lush grazing lands on the other side.

The fact that the Maasai Mara National Reserve is more compact means that the concentration of wildlife is often much higher, resulting in a theatre of predators where lions, leopards, and hyenas feed on the sudden influx of prey in a relatively small area.

Wildebeest Crossings in the Masai Mara, Kenya, are more eventful and thrilling compared to the Serengeti scenes. Due to deep river cliffs and large water volumes in the Mara River, the experience is out of this world. Despite its short-lived experience, the Migration in the Masai Mara is more exceptional.

Which is better for the Wildebeest Migration Experience?

Finally, the ecological role of each region varies depending on the season. The Serengeti acts as a breeding and grazing area where the migration spends most of its time, around nine months of the year. This area offers sufficient space for the large population to disperse and prevent the exhaustion of resources. On the other hand, the Maasai Mara acts as a dry-season sanctuary.

The migration would not survive without the availability of perennial water and green pastures in the dry season. In conclusion, the Serengeti acts as the core of the migration journey, where production takes place, and the Maasai Mara acts as a sanctuary for the migration. Hence, both Serengeti and Masai Mara are better together by complementing each other. 

Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

Wildebeest Migration Photography & Wildlife Highlights

Best Wildebeest Migration Photography opportunities in Masai Mara and Serengeti

A Wildebeest Migration photography safari in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, typically occurring between June and October, offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traversing crocodile-infested rivers and predator-stalked plains.

The spectacle focuses on dramatic river crossings, primarily in the Maasai Mara, where high-speed, long-lens action photography highlights the raw struggle for survival.

Best Timing and Locations during wildebeest migration and crossings

The herds usually move from the northern Serengeti into the Maasai Mara between July and August, staying until September. This is the peak time for dramatic river crossings. Photographers focus on the Mara, Talek, and Sand Rivers to capture the intense struggle of the migration.

Key Moments to Capture as the wildebeest migrate

Photographers look for the buildup of animals on the riverbanks, the chaotic and dusty crossings, and the action when crocodiles or predators strike. Beyond the wildebeest, you will have many chances to photograph lions, leopards, and cheetahs following the herds.

Essential Lens Choice for taking wildebeest migration photos

Use a telephoto lens (300mm to 600mm) for close-up action, such as animals crossing the water. A wide-angle lens is also useful for capturing the vast landscapes and the massive size of the herds stretching across the plains.

Practical Safari Preparation

Patience is the most important tool; a river crossing can take hours to start. It is best to book a safari with fewer guests per vehicle so you have plenty of room to move your camera and get the best angles.

Choosing Your Destination

Tanzania’s Serengeti offers vast, open scenes that are often less crowded. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is famous for the most dramatic crossings and high predator numbers, though it can be busier with other tourists. Using mobile tented camps helps keep you close to the wildlife action.

Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration - Wildebeest Calving Safaris - Cheetah Safaris

Safari Accommodation Options During Migration

Best Camps to Stay During Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania

During the Great Migration, safari accommodations range from luxury permanent lodges to rustic mobile tented camps. Many intimate, permanent tented camps are strategically positioned near key grazing areas and river crossings. These diverse options cater to every preference, ensuring you stay in the heart of the action. Whether you seek high-end comfort or an authentic, wild experience under canvas, we have the perfect stay for your adventure.

Tips for Choosing Wildebeest Migration Safari Accommodation

  • Book as soon as you know you want to go – don’t procrastinate! Lodges and camps are small and fill up very quickly.
  • The wildebeest river-crossing season is the most popular, so start planning at least 24-18 months before.
  • For family rooms, it’s hard to get availability at the last minute; it’s recommended to book them early, as they are limited
  • If you’re travelling with very young children, consider fenced accommodation, babysitting services, and your own private game-drive vehicle.
  • If you have mobility challenges, ask for rooms as close to the mess areas as possible to avoid long walks, often on soft sand, and in case of support or assistance, it’s easy.
  • If you are on a budget, choose good-value accommodation so that you have extra time on safari. This increases your chances of seeing births, hunts, or crossings.
Ndutu Mobile Camp

Ndutu Mobile camp – Tanzania bush camps

4.7

Location: 
  • Ndutu Area
  • Tanzania

Ndutu Mobile Camp, operated by Tanzania Bush Camps, offers a unique and immersive safari experience in the heart of the southern Serengeti ecosystem. The camp

Lemala Mara Camp Maasai Mara

Lemala Mara Camps

Location: 
  • Serengeti
  • Tanzania

Lemala Mara Camp is a seasonal luxury tented camp located in the remote Northern Serengeti, perfectly positioned near the Mara River between June and October.

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa

5

Location: 
  • Kenya
  • Tsavo West

Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa is a unique safari destination located in the heart of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a blend of luxury,

Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara

4.9

Location: 
  • Kenya
  • Masai Mara

Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara is a luxurious tented camp located in the heart of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, adjacent to the famous Maasai Mara

Alex Walker Serian

Alex Walker Serian Mobile Camp

5

Location: 
  • Ndutu Area
  • Serengeti
  • Tanzania

Alex Walker’s Serian is a collection of intimate and exclusive safari camps. Being mobile means they move seasonally. This is a unique bush camping experience

Asilia Ubuntu Migration Camp

Asilia Ubuntu Migration Camp

4

Location: 
  • Ndutu Area
  • Serengeti
  • Tanzania

Asilia Ubuntu Migration camp follows herds of wildebeest as they move around the Serengeti from the fertile south grassland that have wildebeest give birth to

Looking For a Wildebeest Migration Safari?

We have some of the best great wildebeest migration safari packages

These Wildebeest Migration safaris will be planned to coincide with two important stages in the herd’s migration: the exciting river crossings and the mass birthing period.

Safari Package Overview

  • Masai Mara Fly-In/Drive-In: Simplified itineraries that take you to the Mara only, making it easier to reach river crossing sites.
  • Kenya Migration Loop: Extended itineraries that frequently combine the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru for rhinos or Lake Naivasha for bird watching and boat tours.
  • Combined Kenya and Tanzania Tours: Cross-country tours involving both the Masai Mara and Serengeti to follow the herd throughout their migration trail.
  • Tanzania Mass Birthing Season Itineraries: Customized itineraries concentrating on the southern part of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Important Seasonal Aspects to Consider When Planning Your Migration Safari

  • River Crossing Season: To see the herd cross the Mara River, plan your visit to the Masai Mara region between July and October.
  • Calving Season: If you want to see thousands of young calves born, visit the Southern Serengeti during January-March.
Wildebeest Safari in Kenya

Cost: USD 8052 PPS

No. of Nights 7

Destinations :-

Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti and Ndutu Tanzania

Cost: USD 3,228 PPS

No. of Nights 3

Destinations :-

Why Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari with Cheetah Safaris

Lets customise your wildebeest migration Safari Holiday in Kenya and Tanzania

Many dream of booking a Great Wildebeest Migration safari. At Cheetah Safaris, we make this dream a reality with expert tours across Kenya and Tanzania. We ensure you are always in the right spot, from the dramatic river crossings to the peaceful calving season.

What makes us unique is our local expertise. Instead of driving long distances and getting tired, we offer flying safaris between high-quality camps. This saves you time and keeps you refreshed for more wildlife viewing. Our guides are highly trained and know exactly where the herds will move next.

As a local operator with over 15 years of experience, we handle all the tricky paperwork and border crossings to make your trip smooth. We also care for the land; your journey supports local schools and nature conservation. A luxury adventure that helps protect the wild awaits you with us.

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.

Luxury Safaris - African Safaris - Safaris and Tours - Cheetah Safaris

Looking For a Safari in Africa?

Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.

Wildebeest Migration FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore these common questions to help you plan your Wildebeest Migration safari Kenya and Tanzania. Understanding the timing and locations will ensure you experience the best of this year-round journey.

When does the wildebeest migration start?

The wildebeest migration is a year-round, circular journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back to the Serengeti. However, it is often considered to “start” with the calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) of Tanzania between January and March.

No, the Wildebeest Migration and specific events like river crossings are not guaranteed. While the migration is a natural, year-round event, it is highly unpredictable because it is driven by rainfall and follows no fixed schedule. The herds may arrive at a river, linger for days without crossing, or even turn back entirely.

Both countries offer amazing wildebeest migration views. Tanzania’s Serengeti provides longer viewing windows and quieter crossings, while Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers more intense, high-density river crossings from July to October.

Migration safaris are perfect for families, especially children over eight years old. While many lodges are family-friendly, some have age limits. We recommend private, flexible itineraries to keep kids comfortable during long drives. 

A wildebeest migration safari requires a minimum of 5 to 7 days for a focused trip, though 12 to 17 days or longer is recommended to see dramatic events like wildebeest mara river crossings. 

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, or olive) for daytime wear and warm layers for cool mornings. For a birding trip, high-quality binoculars are essential; an 8×42 pair is a great choice. You will also need a camera with a 200–400mm telephoto zoom lens to capture bird images. Don’t forget a solar-powered charger, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat. Check our recommended Safari Packing List.

For the best migration photography, visit Kenya’s Maasai Mara between July and October. August and September are peak months for dramatic river crossings and predator action. The dry, sunny weather provides perfect lighting for capturing these high-energy moments as the herds brave the Mara River.

Migration safaris generally range from $450 to over $1,200 per person per day. Costs depend on luxury levels, peak timing (July–October), and location. High park fees and specialized guiding drive these prices, though budget options exist. Expect higher rates in Tanzania due to its vast size and premium concession fees.

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. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

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. 

Let us help you customize your trip

Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.

Talk to an Expert

Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. We’ll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.

Prepare for your trip

Our Safari experts will be of help in planning your safari from start to end. They will advise you on all that you need to pack and travel documents, too. They will be ready to answer any queries you have.

When you return

We would love to hear from you about your trip with us. Your feedback will help us always work better and try to be the best. You can leave your review on our Reviews Page or TripAdvisor Page

Partners / Memberships

People who always support and endorse our good work

Make a Quick Enquiry

Speak to an Expert