What to expect

The Great Migration

The epitome of Africa and the historic and ultimate safari. This annual celebration of flocking Wildebeest, zebras and antelope is a one-of-a-kind event that calls many over to the beautiful and wild continent of Africa. And for good reason – seeing more than a million of these wild animals migrating in a clockwise fashion around the Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem while also birthing, mating and trying to stay alive along the way is something unique to behold and amazing to be a part of. Endless Wildebeest-dotted plains and harrowing animal-versus-elements river crossings all make for some truly spectacular African experiences you’ll never be able to forget.

When it happens

The Wildebeest migrate throughout the year, always in search of fresh grazing and probably better quality water too – but the main action happens from around April to September. The animals move in an annual pattern which is quite predictable, but exactly when the migration takes place is completely dependent on the rainfall patterns each year. The below serves as a guide to help you out in this area.

Most of the Wildebeest calves are born in a short two to three-week window around February (which also makes it an excellent time to see predator action).

Around April the animals start their great migration north from the southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania.

By May, the masses of herds are on the go and you can witness huge columns of up to 40km in length often with around hundreds of thousands of animals (as well as zebra and some Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles) moving into the central and western Serengeti.

Around June you’ll find massed congregations of Wildebeest in the Western Corridor, on the south side of the Grumeti River in Tanzania. The migration is often halted here because some of the river’s channels block or slow the Wildebeest’s migration north. The numbers then frequently build up to a high density before the animals cross the river, providing a feast for the huge river crocodiles.

The herds carry on moving north during July and August, some spreading through the Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, and others north through the center of the Serengeti National Park.

From around August to September the animals spread out across the northern Serengeti, preparing for the greatest obstacle yet of crossing the Mara River into Kenya, another dramatic sight with scenes of panic and confusion. The Mara River gushes through the northern Serengeti from Kenya’s neighboring Masai Mara Game Reserve. It often happens that herds will cross the Mara River north on one day into the Masai Mara Reserve, and then back south a few days later into the Serengeti.

In September, about half the animals stay in the northern Serengeti, while the rest can be found in the Masai Mara.

By October, the Wildebeest are migrating southwards through western Loliondo in Tanzania and the Serengeti’s Lobo area.

Weather around migration time

After the peak wet season from March to May comes the dry season lasting from June to October when there is little or no rainfall. There are clear skies and most days are sunny, but the mornings and nights get cold – so come prepared with warm clothing for morning and evening game drives in the months of June, July and August.

What to Do

Get a bird’s eye view of the savannah in a hot air balloon

An exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the vast Mara or Serengeti savanna is unforgettable. The journey offers a superb bird’s eye view of the wildlife on the plains below. The flight takes 45 to 60 minutes at varying altitudes. Your guests will enjoy a bit of bubbly followed by delicious breakfast (cooked using the balloon burners!) and served on the open savannah plains.

---

Enjoy a delectable picnic on the savannah

A great enhancement to the early morning game drive! After a successful morning drive the guide will stop at a special picnic spot to enjoy a relaxed breakfast. The chef will prepare a delectable meal out in the open while guests sit back, relax and enjoy the glorious views.

---

Enjoy dinner in the African bush under the stars

A lovely dinner under the stars is a wonderful part of your guests’ safari experience. These dinners usually consist of succulent meats, cooked on open fire, as well as other delectable side dishes (including dessert with tea and coffee). And no dinner would be complete without a Masai tribal dancing performance.

---

The ultimate safari experience – watch the Migration

During July through to October millions of wildebeest and other antelope migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The endless plains dotted with wild animals are breathtaking; and don’t forget the spectacular river crossings where thousands of animals taking the harrowing journey across crocodile-infested rivers in an attempt to reach greener pastures. All this makes for an unforgettable East African safari experience!

---

Sip a cocktail as you glance over the savannah

Nothing beats a sundowner cocktail while staring out at the African savannah as the sun sets. The experience starts with an exciting afternoon game drive. The game drive will run into the early evening and guests will be surprised with a short stop in a scenic location for a relaxing sundowner drink in the bush.

---

Where to Stay

Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Set between riverine forest and sweeping plains in the path of the great migration in Kenya, Kinchwa offers total seclusion, luxury and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Panoramic views of Maasai Mara and Sabaringo River views are a permanent fixture. Décor is simple yet contemporary and stylish with earthy tones, coupled with large windows to invite the outside inside. Classic Tents, Superior Tents and Superior View Tents laid out on immaculate grounds capture the camp’s signature elements of romance and nostalgia.

More information

---

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

At the very center of the world-renowned “Mara Triangle” of the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve high on a bush-covered hill stands a lodge that has front-row tickets to the “greatest wildlife show on earth”, the great migration. Offering long views over the savannah and hippo-filled Mara River, the lodge is styled to the circular motif of a traditional Maasai manyatta, and blends worldly sophistication with raw African beauty. The individual rooms are set in twin rows, each boasting its own view of the Mara River.

---

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti offers an elegant fitness center and spa and an infinity pool overlooking the Serengeti. A variety of room types are available, including secluded guest rooms, suites and private villas, all styled in contemporary African décor and local textiles and artwork. Each room is furnished with an elevated, open-air sundeck with excellent views of the plains. Learn about the great migration, the Serengeti's wildlife and local Maasai culture at the lodge’s acclaimed Educational Discovery Center.

---

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge represents a culmination of traditional African architecture and world-class style. Ideally located next to the legendary Western Corridor and Grumeti River in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the lodge as well as its vanishing horizon pool enjoy panoramic views over the Serengeti. Accommodation is offered in traditional domed “rondavels” with private balconies, or alternatively, in a private bush camp. Detailed vibrant cultural design elements come to life, particularly by means of elaborate Makonde carvings in the rooms and domed dining room.

---