Experience Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya).
Welcome to nature’s grandest show; millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thundering across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in a breathtaking journey of survival, instinct, and beauty.
This is The Great Migration, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
What is The Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the annual, circular movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.
This epic journey spans 1,800 miles and is dictated by seasonal rains and the availability of fresh grazing lands.
This spectacle isn’t just about movement… it’s a dramatic saga of life, birth, death, and survival, as predators like lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, and hyenas lie in wait.
The Great Migration Cycle.
| Time of Year | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains) | Calving season with thousands of newborns and heightened predator activity. |
| April – June | Central to Western Serengeti | Herds begin migrating northwest; watch early river crossings and dramatic movement. |
| July – October | Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara | Iconic Mara River crossings, high drama, predator-prey action, and peak safari season. |
| November – December | Eastern & Southern Serengeti | Return south as rains begin completing the migration cycle in preparation for calving. |
Strategic Viewpoints for The Migration.
Serengeti National Park – Tanzania.
The Serengeti is the heart and origin of the Great Migration. Spanning vast savannahs, woodlands, and riverine valleys, it offers front-row seats to every phase of the migration… from calving in the Ndutu Plains to massive herd movements through Seronera, and dramatic crossings in the north. It’s especially rewarding from December to June, during the calving and initial migration phases. With its year-round wildlife density, it’s also ideal for seeing big cats in action.
Serengeti Highlights:
- Home to the world’s largest population of free-roaming wildebeest and zebra.
- Accessible from Arusha via fly-in safaris or overland.
- Exceptional photographic opportunities across varied landscapes.
Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya.
Located in southern Kenya, the Maasai Mara is where the Great Migration culminates. From July to October, the Mara plains erupt with movement as over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras arrive from Tanzania. It’s famed for its high density of predators and dramatic Mara River crossings, where crocodiles, lions, and cheetahs stage ambushes.
Maasai Mara Highlights:
- Best place to see the predators at work.
- High chances of witnessing river crossings.
- Over 150 bush camps and lodges.
- Rich cultural experiences with the local Maasai communities.
Grumeti River – Western Serengeti, Tanzania.
The Grumeti River offers one of the most underappreciated spectacles of the migration. Taking place around April to June, the Grumeti crossings are quieter than those on the Mara but equally dramatic, with massive crocodiles lying in wait and herds hesitating at the riverbank create suspenseful scenes. This area is also home to some of Tanzania’s most exclusive safari lodges.
Grumeti River Highlights:
- Quieter and less crowded than other locations.
- Great for luxury and off-the-beaten-path safaris.
- Unique chance to see rare predators like leopards and wild dogs.
Mara River – Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) & Southern Maasai Mara (Kenya).
The Mara River is the most iconic and photographed point of the Great Migration. Spanning the border between Kenya and Tanzania, this river becomes a death trap and survival route between July and October. Wildebeest leap into its crocodile-infested waters en masse, offering one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Mara River Highlights:
- Classic river-crossing experience with high drama and predator action.
- Ideal for photographers and documentary filmmakers.
- Multiple crossing points, great for mobile tented camps that track the herds.
Travel Tips for Your Great Migration Safari.
Best Time to Visit
Timing your safari correctly means the difference between a good trip and a spectacular one. The Great Migration is a year-round cycle, but specific months bring unique experiences:
July to October: Best for Mara River crossings (in Northern Serengeti & Maasai Mara). Expect dramatic predator-prey interactions and massive herd movements.
January to March: Ideal for the calving season in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area). Thousands of wildebeest give birth daily, attracting predators and offering excellent photographic moments.
April to June & November: These are the transitional months with fewer tourists, lower rates, and great viewing in central and western Serengeti, especially around the Grumeti River.
Insider Tip
Consider multi-country safaris (Kenya + Tanzania) to follow the migration trail across borders.
Photography & Gear
The Great Migration offers some of the most photogenic moments in nature. From river crossings and predator action to golden savannah sunsets, be ready to capture it all:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast shutter speed.
Lenses: Telephoto lens (200–400mm) for wildlife; wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for landscapes.
Essentials: Extra batteries, high-capacity memory cards, bean bag for stabilization, lens cleaning kit, and waterproof gear.
Expert Tip
Bring binoculars (at least 8x42) for better game-spotting, even if you're not photographing.
Clothing & Packing List
Your Great Migration safari attire should be practical, comfortable, and suited for game drives in varying climates:
Colors: Stick to earth tones (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid bright colors and dark blue (attracts tsetse flies).
Layers: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in highlands… carry a fleece jacket.
Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes or safari boots.
Day Pack: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, hat, insect repellent, and reusable water bottle.
Pack Light
Most internal flights (like Serengeti or Maasai Mara fly-ins) have strict weight limits (15 kg) in soft bags.
Health & Safety
Your wellbeing is a top priority on safari. A few precautions will ensure smooth travels:
Vaccinations: Yellow fever (mandatory if coming from a risk country); routine vaccines recommended.
Malaria: Both Kenya and Tanzania are malaria zones… take prophylactics and use mosquito repellent.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended. Make sure it covers evacuation, flight changes, and medical emergencies.
Water: Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Pro Tip
Your safari operator will carry basic first aid and have evacuation protocols in place.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Kenya: eVisa required for most travelers. Apply online via the eCitizen portal.
Tanzania: eVisa also required. Apply via the Tanzania Immigration site.
East African Tourist Visa: Allows seamless multi-country travel in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Not valid in Tanzania.
Documents Checklist
Valid passport (6-month minimum), printed eVisa confirmation, vaccination proof (yellow fever if applicable).
Booking The Great Migration Safari from Canada.
Why Book With Best Safari Adventure Canada Inc.?
🇨🇦 Canadian-Based, African-Rooted.
We are proudly born in Africa, built for Canadians — headquartered in Edmonton, Canada and serving Canadian clients with a personalized approach to East African safaris. Our strong, long-standing partnerships with local tour operators, lodges, and conservation experts in Kenya and Tanzania ensure seamless service, insider access, and authentic experiences on the ground.
🦁 Tailor-Made Great Migration Itineraries.
Every traveler is unique, and so is every migration safari we plan. Whether you seek a luxurious lodge safari, a mid-range adventure, or a more budget-conscious experience, we design custom itineraries aligned with the migration’s movement, your interests, and your budget. You choose your style, we handle the details.
🚁 Fly-In Safari Options for Ultimate Comfort.
Skip the fatigue of long road transfers. Our fly-in packages bring you straight into the action, from Nairobi or Arusha directly to key airstrips in Maasai Mara or Serengeti. This means more time watching the migration, less time in transit, and the comfort of seeing East Africa from above.
📷 Expert Local Safari Guides.
Our safaris are led by seasoned, passionate local guides who know the terrain and wildlife behavior intimately. From tracking the herds’ location to predicting dramatic river crossings, your guide ensures you’re in the right place at the right time, with in-depth storytelling and safety always in mind.
🛏️ Prime-Location Camps and Lodges.
We handpick migration-route accommodations based on their proximity to herd movements and overall guest satisfaction. Whether it’s a luxury tented camp overlooking the Mara River or a mobile camp that follows the herds, you’ll stay where the action is, often hearing the hooves and roars from your room.
🎯 Migration Timing Expertise.
With access to real-time data and local intelligence, we help you choose the perfect time of year to witness the specific migration moments you want to experience, from the calving season in Ndutu to the thrilling Mara River crossings. Our team will guide your travel dates with precision.
🔒 Trust, Transparency & Support.
As a Canadian company, we offer peace of mind with transparent pricing, reliable communication, and full travel support before, during, and after your safari. You’re never alone on your journey… we’re only a call or email away.
- Tour Type: Private or Small Group Safari - This is a fully customizable safari experience. Choose between private game drives, fly-in options, or intimate group safaris with our expert guides.
- Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – No strenuous activities required. Safari vehicles and accommodations are accessible. Optional walking safaris or hot air balloon excursions are also available.
- Destinations Covered: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Ndutu, Grumeti Reserve or Mara River (North Serengeti) – Key river crossing points.
- Transport Type: 4x4 Land Cruiser game drives with pop-up roofs, Fly-in options for time-saving and aerial views, Scenic transfers between destinations as per package level.
- Accommodation Type: Luxury: Award-winning tented lodges. Mid-range: Comfortable bush camps and lodges with en-suite facilities. Budget: Simple but clean tented camps near prime wildlife zones.
- Wildlife Highlights: Spot the Big Five, witness dramatic predator-prey interactions, and encounter massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles in action across iconic terrains.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 12-day full circuit safari following the dramatic path of the Great Migration across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
This immersive journey takes you deep into the heart of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, braving predators and treacherous river crossings along the way.
With luxurious lodges and mobile tented camps placed strategically along the migration route, you’ll enjoy unmatched wildlife viewing, private game drives, guided bush walks, and the chance to witness nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacle unfold from the front row.
Perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike, this is the ultimate Great Migration experience.
Comfort Level Options Available for this Trip.
- Luxury Safari Option.
- Mid-Range Safari Option.
- Budget-Friendly Safari Option.
How This Adventure Package Stands Out.
- Stay in mobile camps that follow the herds.
- Private game drives with knowledgeable driver-guides.
- Hot air balloon safari with champagne breakfast.
- Bush dinners under African skies.
- Optional fly-in between parks to save travel time.
- Cultural interactions with the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes.
- Complimentary emergency medical evacuation cover.
- Customizable for honeymoons, family groups, photographers, or solo travelers.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania).
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. You’ll be met by our friendly representative for a private transfer to your luxury city hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening, a safari briefing, and a restful overnight stay before your migration adventure begins.
Day 2: Fly into Maasai Mara or Northern Serengeti.
Take a scenic morning flight to either the Maasai Mara (Kenya) or Northern Serengeti (Tanzania), based on the current migration movement. Arrive at a luxury tented camp or lodge nestled near the herds. After check-in and lunch, head out on your first guided game drive, an exciting introduction to the Great Migration safari experience.
Day 3: Game Drives in the Migration Corridor.
Spend the day immersed in thrilling game drives that follow the movements of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Witness dramatic predator-prey interactions and, depending on timing, the iconic Mara River crossing. Enjoy sundowners in the bush and dine under a starlit sky.
Day 4: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Full-Day Game Viewing.
Start the day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari floating over the migration herds, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. Continue with full-day game drives, stopping for a picnic lunch amid nature. Return to your camp for a relaxing evening and storytelling by the campfire.
Day 5: Transfer to Central Serengeti.
Enjoy a final early morning drive before flying or driving to the Central Serengeti, home to year-round wildlife and big cats. En route, keep your camera ready for elephants, giraffes, and prides of lions. Settle into a camp that offers both luxury and prime game viewing.
Day 6: Explore Central Serengeti’s Wildlife-Rich Plains.
Spend the day exploring the Seronera Valley, famed for its dense predator populations and panoramic views. Spot lions on kopjes, leopards in trees, and massive herds moving across the savanna. Your professional guide will track the latest wildlife sightings for the best experience.
Day 7: More Game Drives in Central Serengeti.
Embark on another day of game drives tailored around the movement of the Great Migration. Explore hidden valleys and riverbanks where wildlife gathers to drink. End the day with bush sundowners and a gourmet dinner back at camp.
Day 8: Travel to Southern Serengeti / Lake Ndutu.
Journey to the Southern Serengeti or Lake Ndutu region, depending on the season. This area is the stage for the Great Migration’s calving season (Dec–Mar). Arrive at a camp located near open plains filled with expectant mothers and young calves.
Day 9: Witness the Calving Season in Ndutu.
Enjoy incredible wildlife action as tens of thousands of wildebeest give birth daily, attracting predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. Capture dramatic scenes and rare moments of new life and survival in the wild. This is a photographer’s paradise.
Day 10: Transfer to Ngorongoro Highlands.
Depart the plains and ascend into the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. Arrive at your crater-rim lodge with sweeping views of the ancient volcanic landscape. Relax with a warm meal and prepare for one of the most unique game drives of your trip.
Day 11: Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater.
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, home to an astonishing array of wildlife including the endangered black rhino, large elephants, hippos, and a dense lion population. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a hippo pool and absorb the surreal beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 12: Departure or Optional Beach Extension
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Arusha or Nairobi for your departure flight. For those extending their safari, connect to Zanzibar or Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast for a luxurious beach retreat to end your East African journey.
Price Range (Per Person, Double Occupancy):
- Luxury Option: CAD $12,500–$16,500.
- Mid-Range Option: CAD $8,500–$12,500.
- Budget Option: CAD $5,000–$8,500.
Prices vary depending on season and amenities selection.
Price Inclusions:
- All park fees and conservation levies.
- All ground transfers and internal flights (where applicable).
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides.
- Full-board accommodations.
- Bottled water on game drives.
- 24/7 in-country support.
- Medical evacuation insurance.
Price Exclusions:
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa fees.
- Personal expenses (e.g., tips, drinks).
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon rides).
Real experiences from adventurers who witnessed the Great Migration with us.
From dramatic river crossings to luxury bush camps and cultural encounters, hear how our guests felt fully immersed in one of the world’s greatest natural events.
