Great Migration
Witness one of nature’s most spectacular events. Our Great Migration safaris put you front and centre as millions of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains of East Africa—an unforgettable experience of raw power, survival, and beauty.
Many visitors to East Africa are attracted by the opportunity to witness one of Nature’s most incredible phenomenon – the Great Migration. This is one of our planet’s most spectacular wildlife events and it can be seen on our safaris in Kenya and Northern Tanzania.
Here we have put together a guide to the movement of the Great Migration and which locations are best to view it according to the time of year, and which safari camps / lodges we would recommend.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration is the largest and longest over-land migration and is one of the Wonders of the Natural World. Over 1.5 million wildebeest – and 200000 zebra and gazelle – move in vast herds in an unending 2000 kilometre cycle within the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. Their constant quest for fresh grasses keeps them on this eternal journey of life, chasing the rains over this huge area of open plains and woodland and across obstacles such as fast-flowing rivers.
This profusion of plains game attracts predators such as hyenas and the Big Cats, so game-viewing is particularly rewarding.
Where to Stay
We offer a vast range of permanent or mobile camps and safari lodges in many locations across Tanzania to ensure that our guests are in the heart of the action, whatever time of year they choose for their Great Migration safari holiday.
The mobile tented camps offer an unrivalled wilderness experience and these are located close to the herds at any time of year. For those who prefer luxury over adventure, there are permanent lodges in superb locations for exhilarating game drives.
Below we have outlined the general cycle of the Great Migration, and some great camps and lodges (and tours) to consider according to the time of year. Please note that wildebeest and their exact travel plans are unpredictable, they have been known to take unexpected routes and to even turn back on themselves, but this can be used as a general guide.
December to March:
This time of year sees the wildebeest gather around Lake Ndutu to the south of the Serengeti. Here, half a million calves are born and the herds are spread throughout the vast Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Ngorongoro Crater are highlights of any visit to Tanzania, and visitors are rewarded with remarkable wildlife spectacles as well as interesting archaeological sites at “The Cradle of Mankind”.
Great choices of accommodation at this time include: Plantation Lodge, Exploreans Ngorongoro Lodge, Lemala Ndutu (Migration) Camp, Lemala Ngorongoro Camp, Ngorongoro Serena, Ubuntu Safari Camp, Olakira Camp (Ndutu)
Tours that include this area are:
3 night Manyara & Ngorongoro Safari
5 night Highlights of Tanzania
6 night Tanzania Discovery
4 night Serengeti Luxury Safari
9 night Kenya & Tanzania
6 night Luxury Northern Tanzania Flying Safari
8 night Tanzania Luxury Flying Safari
April to July:
At the start of this period the wildebeest migrate northwards into the grassy plains of the Southern Serengeti . From late May the Migration herds tend to split, some heading West into the Western Corridor and crossing the Grumeti River – this is one of the best locations to witness the herds making a perilous river-crossing through crocodile infested waters. They then start arriving into the Kogatende area in July.
The other herds head directly up through Central Serengeti passing Seronera and on to the Bologonja River area near the Loliondo reserve.
Great choices of safari accommodation at this time include:
Western Corridor (Grumeti): Serengeti Safari Camp, Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Ubuntu Safari Camp
Central & Southern Serengeti: Asanja Africa Luxury Camp, Lemala Ewanjan Camp
Namiri Plains Camp
Tours that include this area are:
5 night Highlights of Tanzania
6 night Tanzania Discovery
4 night Serengeti Luxury Safari
9 night Kenya & Tanzania
6 night Luxury Northern Tanzania Flying Safari
8 night Tanzania Luxury Flying Safari
August to November:
From late July to October, the main herds of over one million wildebeest, and thousands of eland, Thompson’s gazelle and Burchell’s zebra are in the Northern Serengeti as well as across the Kenyan border in the Maasai Mara National Reserve – another world renowned prime location for spectacular sights as they venture across the Mara River.
In late October and November, the herds head south through Central Serengeti, and by early December, they are returning to the fertile Ndutu plains to calve in February and March after which they swing around to head north again. From here the endless cycle begins once more.
Great choices of accommodation at this time include:
Northern Serengeti: Kimondo Safari Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Lemala Mara Camp, Sayari Safari Camp, Olakira Camp (Mara), Serengeti Safari Camp, Ubuntu Safari Camp
Tours that include this area are:
6 night Tanzania Discovery
4 night Serengeti Luxury Safari
9 night Kenya & Tanzania
6 night Luxury Northern Tanzania Flying Safari
8 night Tanzania Luxury Flying Safari
The Loita Migration – Masai Mara, Kenya
The Serengeti-Mara migration is not the only chance visitors have of seeing the spectacle of herds of wildebeest across the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara. A migration of over 300,000 zebra and wildebeest arrives in Ol Kinyei Conservancy from the Loita Plains, which is located northeast of the Reserve, between February and March and moves between Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi and Mara North Conservancies. Like the Serengeti wildebeest, calving takes place in February and March, usually in Ol Kinyei, followed by the rutting season in early June when males fight to gather a harem of females . With predator populations within the conservancies growing, guests are sure to have a true safari experience with fewer crowds and to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that the conservancies of the Maasai Mara ecosystem have to offer.
Accommodation / tours for the Loita Migration in Masai Mara (Kenya):
Porini Mara Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Porini Lion Camp, Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Masai Mara Big Cat Safari
6 Night Porini Camps Safari
10 Night Savannah Safari
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED KINGDOM
SOUTH AMERICA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
ENQUIRY FORM
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rick Mcintyre 
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Julie Roggow 
Hi, I'm Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!
You can contact me at rae@gamewatchers.com
Rachel Chambers 
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