The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Earth's most amazing wildlife shows. Imagine over a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and many gazelles moving across vast plains. This journey is a constant search for fresh grass and water.
For many of our visitors, they say seeing this event is a dream. A Combined Kenya and Tanzania Safari offers the best chance to see this incredible movement. At Kenya Peaks, we help you plan this adventure. You can even create your own journey with our custom trip planner.
If you are from the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else and you are planning to visit Kenya for the first time, this guide is for you. Our expert local tour guides have put this guide to help you understand the migration and how to see it in both countries.
Exploring East Africa safari packages for Kenya and Tanzania will give you more ideas for this unforgettable experience.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not just a single event. It is a continuous, circular journey of animals across the Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve.
These animals follow the rains. They move to find green pastures for grazing. This constant movement means there's always something to see. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas often follow the herds, creating dramatic scenes of hunt and survival.
Understanding this cycle is key to planning your Tanzania and Kenya safari tours.
Why a Combined Kenya Tanzania Safari is Best for Migration Viewing
The migrating herds do not know borders. They move freely between Kenya and Tanzania. This is why dual country Kenya Tanzania tours are ideal for following the migration.
By visiting both countries, you increase your chances of seeing large herds and different parts of their journey. You might see calving in Tanzania and dramatic river crossings in Kenya, or vice versa, depending on the time of year.
A combined safari gives you a fuller picture of this incredible natural event. You can discuss options for this with our custom trip planner.
The Migration Calendar on When and Where to Go Month by Month
The migration follows a general pattern, though exact timing can vary with rainfall.
- December - March: Herds are usually in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area in Tanzania. This is calving season, with thousands of new calves born.
- April - May: The herds start moving north and west from the southern plains as the long rains begin. This can be a quieter time for travel, but still offers good viewing.
- June - July: Animals gather along the Grumeti River in Tanzania's western Serengeti, facing their first major river crossings. They continue moving north.
- July - October: This is when many herds arrive in Kenya's Masai Mara. The famous Mara River crossings occur during this period. Some herds remain in northern Serengeti.
- November - December: The short rains begin. Herds start moving south from the Masai Mara, back towards the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, starting the cycle again.
Kenyas Masai Mara Prime Migration Viewing between July and October
From July to October, Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve becomes the stage for the Great Migration. Vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra arrive from the Serengeti.
The plains are full of animals during this time of the year. The Mara River is a major focus here. Herds gather on its banks, building courage before attempting the dangerous crossing. This is a popular time for Kenya and Tanzania migration tours, so booking well in advance is important.
Tanzanias Serengeti Calving Season and River Crossings Year Round Action
Tanzania's Serengeti National Park hosts the migration for most of the year. The park is very large and the animals here are plenty. From January to March, the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu) are where wildebeest give birth.
This calving season attracts many predators. Later, around May to July, the herds face the Grumeti River crossings in the Serengeti's Western Corridor. Even when the main herds are in Kenya, parts of the Serengeti still offer excellent wildlife viewing and some resident migration herds.
Key River Crossings and the Drama of the Mara and Grumeti Rivers
The river crossings are perhaps the most famous part of the Great Migration. The two main rivers are the Grumeti River in Tanzania and the Mara River, which flows through both countries. Animals gather in large numbers at the riverbanks.
They wait, sometimes for days, before one brave animal takes the first step. Then, chaos often follows as thousands try to cross. Crocodiles wait in the water. Predators may lurk on the opposite bank. It is a powerful display of nature. Witnessing this requires patience and a bit of luck.
Planning Your Combined Migration Safari From USA, UK, or Globally
Planning a migration safari, especially from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, needs careful thought.
- Book Early: This is very important, especially if you want to travel during peak migration seasons (July-October or Jan-March). Accommodation and guides get booked up fast.
- Choose a Reputable Operator: Work with a company like Kenya Peaks that understands the migration's movements and can tailor your combined Kenya and Tanzania safari. We are a network of tour operators and tour guides with over 20 years of experience in this industry.
- Decide on Duration: Allow enough time. At least 7-10 days is good for a combined trip focusing on the migration, but longer is better.
- Pack Smart: Bring layers of clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and good binoculars. A camera with a zoom lens is great for photographers.
- Visas and Flights: Check visa requirements for both Kenya and Tanzania well in advance. Plan your international and internal flights.
- Use a Custom Planner: A custom trip planner can help you build an itinerary that matches your specific interests and budget for seeing the wildebeest migration across Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Best Accommodation for Migration Viewing in Kenya and Tanzania
There are many types of places to stay for your migration safari.
- Mobile Camps: These camps move several times a year to be close to the main migration herds. They offer an immersive experience.
- Permanent Lodges and Tented Camps: These are fixed structures offering various levels of comfort, from rustic to luxury. Many are in strategic locations for game viewing.
Choosing accommodation near key migration areas for your travel dates is vital. For example, during river crossing season in the Mara, staying near the Mara River is ideal. In calving season, camps in the Ndutu area are best.
Witnessing the Great Migration across Kenya and Tanzania is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By planning carefully and choosing a combined safari, you maximize your chances of seeing this incredible spectacle.
Just check out our Kenya Tanzania combined safaris or let us help you design your perfect journey with our custom trip planner.