The Great Migration
Witness over a million wildebeest and the Mara River crossings.
About the great migration
The Great Migration is the largest movement of land mammals on earth: more than a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle following the rains in a vast annual loop between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Its most dramatic chapter, the Mara River crossings, unfolds in Kenya between July and October, when the herds plunge through crocodile-filled waters. It is raw, unpredictable and unforgettable, and timing your trip well is everything.
Where to do it
Mara River, Maasai Mara
The stage for the famous, heart-stopping river crossings from July to October.
Maasai Mara plains
Vast grasslands where predators follow the herds, offering relentless big-cat action.
Private conservancies
Quieter Mara-bordering reserves with front-row access and fewer vehicles.
What to expect
During crossing season, mornings are spent positioned near the river, waiting for the herds to build courage and surge across. Between crossings, the plains teem with predators on the hunt. A dawn hot-air balloon safari offers a breathtaking aerial perspective over the moving herds.
Best time to go
For river crossings in the Mara, plan for July to October, peaking around August and September. Note the migration follows the rains and exact timing shifts year to year, so a few days in the Mara improves your odds.
Good to know
| Stay 3+ days | Crossings are unpredictable; more time means better chances |
| Base near the river | Camps close to the Mara River reduce driving time |
| Add a balloon | A sunrise balloon safari over the herds is a bucket-list add-on |
| Book early | Peak migration camps fill up a year ahead |
What to bring
- A telephoto lens and plenty of memory
- Patience for long, rewarding waits
- Neutral clothing and a warm layer
- Binoculars
- Sun protection and water
The Great Migration FAQs
When exactly are the Mara River crossings?
Typically July to October, peaking in August and September, but the herds move with the rains so dates vary each year.
Are crossings guaranteed?
No. Crossings are a wild, spontaneous event. Staying several days near the river dramatically improves your chances of witnessing one.
Where is the calving season?
Calving happens January to March in the southern Serengeti in Tanzania, a different chapter of the same migration.
Is the balloon safari worth it?
For many travellers it is the highlight, drifting silently over the plains at dawn followed by a bush breakfast.
Safaris featuring the great migration
Maasai Mara Migration & Big Five
Kenya's quintessential safari, sweeping across three legendary parks in search of the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Honeymoon in the Wild
A once-in-a-lifetime luxury honeymoon: gorillas at dawn and the Mara's big cats, in privileged fly-in style.
Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth
Uganda's premier savannah circuit, pairing the thunder of Murchison Falls with the game-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth.
The Great Migration in pictures
Add the great migration to your safari
Tell us your dates and dreams and we will build it into a tailor-made journey.