When to See the Great Migration: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
There are safaris and then there’s this. The Great Migration isn’t just a wildlife event. It’s a living, breathing rhythm of nature that unfolds across two of Africa’s most iconic landscapes: the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. It’s dust kicked up by thundering hooves. Its golden savannah sunsets shadowed by wildebeest herds a million strong. It’s lion pride stirring at dawn, and the stillness that follows a river crossing.
And for those who crave more than travel, for those who seek immersion, raw beauty, and the kind of perspective only the wild can offer, this is the experience.
This is what we at The Out of Africa Experience are honored to offer you.
What is the Great Migration?
Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by 300,000 zebras and countless gazelles, make a monumental circular trek across Tanzania and Kenya. Following the rains and chasing greener pastures, they move between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in an ancient instinctive cycle.
But this is no gentle stroll. The herds face predators at every turn, lion, leopard, cheetah, crocodile and it’s this raw unpredictability that makes the Migration so deeply compelling.
You’re not just watching animals move. You’re witnessing survival in its purest form.
When is the Best Time to See the Great Migration?
There’s no single “best” time, only what you wish to experience. Here’s how the seasons shape the story:
| Season | Location | Highlights |
| July–October | Maasai Mara, Kenya | Iconic river crossings, dramatic predator scenes, luxurious camp stays. This is peak migration viewing. |
| December–March | Southern Serengeti, Tanzania | Calving season. Thousands of newborns arrive daily. The big cats are always close. An emotional, raw, beautiful time. |
| April–June | Western & Central Serengeti | Fewer crowds, vibrant green scenery, and thrilling crossings of the Grumeti River. Perfect for photographers and those seeking quieter moments. |
Maasai Mara vs. Serengeti: Where Should You Go?
| Aspect | Maasai Mara | Serengeti |
| Accessibility | Easily reached from Nairobi | Often requires a bush flight or longer overland journey |
| Luxury Options | Fewer camps, but ultra-refined | More variety, including boutique mobile camps |
| Scenery | Rolling savannah and river crossings | Endless plains, kopjes, and dramatic skies |
| Best For | First-time safari-goers, families, photographers | Return visitors, adventurous souls, calving season lovers |
The good news? You don’t have to choose. Our Great Migration safari package lets you experience both.
Why Book a Fixed Safari Departure?
At The Out of Africa Experience, we know timing is everything. That’s why our fixed departure packages are carefully aligned with migration movements and weather patterns so you’re always in the right place at the right time.
The Great Migration Experience: Safari Highlights
This 12-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania is more than a holiday, it’s a life milestone. You’ll begin in Nairobi, then explore:
- Maasai Mara: Iconic game drives, river crossings, and golden savannahs
- Amboseli: Majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and giant elephant herds
- Lake Manyara: Tree-climbing lions and a haven for bird lovers
- Serengeti: Wildebeest, predators, and endless plains
- Ngorongoro Crater: The world’s largest volcanic caldera, teeming with wildlife
- Explore the Full Great Migration Safari Itinerary »
All accommodations like Ashnil Mara, Ol Tukai Lodge, and Katikati Tented Camp are chosen for their luxury, location, and charm.
Here’s why travelers love our fixed departures:
- Expertly Curated Itineraries: No guesswork. We’ve mapped the migration and built the route around the action.
- Small Group Luxury: Intimate groups ensure personal attention and less impact on the environment.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: From luxury tented camps to gourmet meals, your every need is taken care of.
- Unmatched Guides: Our safari guides aren’t just experts, they’re storytellers, educators, and custodians of the wild.
Ready to Experience the Greatest Safari on Earth?
The Great Migration is nature’s grandest performance. And there’s a seat waiting for you.
Whether it’s the stillness of the plains at sunrise, the rush of a wildebeest crossing, or the call of a lion echoing through the dusk every moment is a memory in the making.
Let The Out of Africa Experience be your guide.
