So, based on the historical wildebeest movement patterns, you can choose and arrange your timing according to what you want to see and experience during the migration cycle.

While the famous Mara River crossings from July to October attract the most attention, there are other wildebeest migration chapters that you can choose from, depending on your priority. 

For The River Crossings: Plan your trip for mid-July to early September, to maximize your chances of catching a crossing, given that wildebeest migration events are unpredictable.

For The Calving Season: Are you more interested in witnessing the adorable new-borns? January to March in Ndutu in the southern Serengeti offers this experience. You’ll see newborn wildebeests and calves learning to survive in a predator-filled world.

Tip #2. Set the duration of your safari

STAY LONGER – It is important to consider the length of your migration safari, as this will help us best customize your safari itinerary. How much time should I have for a migration safari?

Spend at least 5 – 8 days in the reserve to increase your chances of seeing the river crossing or predator hunts.

WHY – The reason is simple. You can see wildebeest gathering at the river bank but it does also not necessarily mean a river crossing will start immediately.  They are known to camp around on the bank for a few days before attempting to cross! That’s why you need more days for your safari migration. It’s a tense and confusing time — both for the animals and the observers. The riverbed is packed with crocodiles lying in wait, and its often dangerously steep banks make it difficult for the animals to get out on the other side.

Finally, after several attempts, one wildebeest will trigger the jump, forcing the others to follow in an adrenaline-packed surge.  They rush blindly into the water.

Tip #3. Go private & decide on the travel style

It’s best you book a private migration safari. This will give you the chance to take your time while on the safari, and in addition allows you to move at your own pace – not at the pace of the entire group. A private safari allows you to plan your own exclusive activities on flexible terms as compared to a group tour. These private river crossing tours allows you to have your on exclusive private vehicle and guide to focus on your interests alone.

With several safari styles to choose from, each offering a unique experience, here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options:

Private Safari: Ideal for families, photographers, or those wanting a personalized experience. These safaris offer flexibility in timing and locations, ensuring you get the shots and moments you’ve been dreaming of.

Migration river crossing photography safari: Best suited for experienced safari-goers. While it offers flexibility, it’s important to be aware of park regulations and the unpredictability of wildlife movements.

Tip #4. Decide on the type of accommodation

Choosing your desired accommodation is another key step before planning for a wildebeest river crossing safari. Your choice of accommodation can make or break your safari. While permanent luxury lodges offer comfort, mobile tented camps offer unmatched proximity to wildlife. Here’s what to consider when selecting your camp for the Great Migration.

There’s plenty of well-located accommodation both in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti to enable you to experience an unforgettable Wildebeest Migration safari. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our safari experts to help you find a lodge that’s right for your Great Migration safari:

Types of migration accommodations:

Permanent Safari Lodges: Are more stable and offer luxury. Opt for lodges a few drives near the Mara River for top-tier service and prime locations. In Kenya’s Masai Mara, most camps are within easy reach of the Mara River.

Mobile Tented Camps: Ideal for those looking to stay close to the herds. These camps move with the migration and provide a raw, immersive experience. If going mobile is a little too unsure for you, then pick the permanent lodges that will offer all the creature comforts you need together with a good location to see the herds.

Key tips for choosing migration safari accommodation

Book as soon as you know you want to go – don’t delay! Lodges and camps are fewer inside parks and fill up very quickly.

If you want inter-connecting tents or family lodges, book as early as possible as there are limited numbers of these options available.

If you’re travelling with very young children, consider fenced accommodations, go private, and with your own private game-drive vehicle.

If you are on a budget, choose a good-value accommodation so that you have extra time on safari – keep in mind that budget lodges are very far from the park, making the driving distance long. Go for a style of accommodation that suits your taste and fits within your budget.

It is important to check with your tour operator if your accommodation options available on those dates.

Tip #5. Book early – at least a year in advance

Please keep in mind that the Great Migration is one of the most popular wildlife safaris in the world, early booking is very important. Lodges and camps fill up fast, especially for a Mara River crossing safari from June to October.

Therefore, it is strongly advised to start planning early to guarantee your river crossing holiday accommodation. Aim to book 6-8 months in advance if you want a spot in prime-located safari lodges.

The park will be very busy, so starting your preparation and research between December and May of any given year is advised. Additionally, make all your minor adjustments to your itinerary before July.

 Tip #6. Be flexible and patient

Be prepared for the unexpected – we still stress that river crossing movements can be unpredictable. Even if you will travel during the recommended migration months – there’s still only a 20-30% chance that you’ll witness the river crossing. So, it’s important to set your expectations accordingly. Having flexibility in your travel plans allows you to easily adapt to changing conditions and make the most of your trip.

#Tip: Spend at least 5-8 days in the reserve to increase your chances of seeing the migration crossing moments, or predator hunts. Wildebeest movement is beyond human control, and at times you may need to wait for a longer time to witness the migration as the wildebeest may sometimes take several hours or even days on the river banks before they start crossing.

Keep in mind that the herds may not cross at the time or location you expect them to. Our guides are good at picking up on signs that animals are about to cross, and will communicate with each other to give you a heads-up on any possible migration activity. In addition, it may sometimes take long drives to get to the spots with the best views of the migration – just be patient.

Remember – there’s so much more wildlife to see beside river crossings, it’s not worth spending your whole time waiting for one, take time, enjoy and appreciate everything along the way. But, if you are focused on trying to see a crossing, we recommend a private safari and guide to focus on your interests alone.

 Tip #7. Add-ons, spice up your migration safari

If your safari plan allows, consider mixing your Wildebeest Migration tour with additional destinations. For example, combining the Masai Mara with Amboseli and Ol Pejeta, or adding the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and the Rift Valley Lakes to the Serengeti. Depending on your interest and budget, there are many additional tour experiences available which you can combine your Wildebeest Migration Safari. They further include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, beach holidays in Diani or Zanzibar; you can even go further and easily add destinations like:  Uganda, or Rwanda for the best gorilla-trekking experiences.

Tip #8. Consider additional activities

Enhance your great migration safari experience. We suggest adding more fun to your migration safari holiday. Discover on walking safaris to observe wildlife up close, take a pre-dawn hot air balloon safari, and watch the migration from above, or take part in cultural tours and community activities like visiting Masai communities to learn about their way of life.  

Enjoy the bush breakfast & dinners: Savor meals amidst the wide-open plains.

Sundowner experiences: stunning bush sunsets with a champagne in hand.

Horseback riding: Watch the migration on guided horseback rides.

Dining excellence; Indulge in gourmet dining prepared by skilled chefs, allowing you to enjoy delicious cuisine while taking in stunning views of the wilderness, or after a long day of game viewing.

Elegant living spaces; Enjoy the lodge or camp amenities, set far away from the crowds with a bit of tranquility and a diverse game viewing experience. Relax in spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Tip #9. What to pack for the migration safari

Packing wisely is important to ensure the best experience. The climate can vary greatly, from cold mornings to hot afternoons, and wildlife can be hard to spot without the right equipment. Watching the herds cross dangerous, crocodile-filled rivers and travel across borders over several months creates an incredibly memorable and breathtaking experience.

Essential Items; – what to pack for a river-crossing:

Camera Equipment: you’ll come across some picture-perfect moments that you will want to capture and keep forever – remain attentive and ready at all times. A telephoto lens (200-400mm) is essential for wildlife photography, and a wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes; or a high-end DSLR, a pocket-sized point-and-shoot or even just your cell-phone camera, make sure to keep your device on you at all times.

Binoculars: These are a must-have to spot animals from a distance during game drives; you may also not be able to go off-road, therefore a pair of binoculars will come in very handy when sightings are far.

Clothing: opt for neutral-colored, lightweight breathable clothes that can be layered. Early morning game drives can be very chilly, so bring a warm jacket. Other items include sun protection, a portable charger, a hat & sunglasses with closed shoes.

If you’re tempted to spend your entire vacation in Africa wearing flip-flops or sandals, think again, reserve the flip-flops and sandals for when you are back at camp or poolside.

In addition, many guides recommend carrying a bean bag or window mount for stabilizing your camera while taking pictures from the safari vehicle. This trick ensures that your photos remain sharp and steady, even when zooming in on distant wildlife.

Tip #10. Mara River migration crossings guideline

Respecting the natural environment and wildlife is essential for a sustainable safari experience. Follow these Mara River migration crossings guideline:

1. Animals MUST be given enough space for them to pass freely (NO animal blocking).
2. When approaching the River during a crossing, make sure you do not go beyond the allowable distance from the river bank, as indicated in the table below for each crossing point.
3. No approaching animals during crossing, vehicle should remain stationary in the designated area (with clear signage) for viewing animals crossing the river. i.e When wildebeests are seen congregating for a crossing, all vehicles should remain stationary in the designated areas with clear signage.
4. All vehicles going for river crossing will have to park in a particular designated crossing point with signages indicating the name of the crossing point, distance from the river bank and maximum number of vehicles per site.
5. Vehicles at the designated crossing points must be stationed on only one side of the Mara River as per the table below (to allow for unhindered views), and facing one direction (depending on the direction of light).
6. Vehicle should not exceed the maximum number in each crossing points as indicated from the table. The additional vehicles will have to be on the designated road or parking and remain stationary.
7. Please remain in your vehicle at all times (unless in emergency situations), in the designated areas and within the designated distances, where you can watch and photograph the animals crossing unhindered.
8. Do not set up a table or undertake any picnic activity on the banks along the Mara River.
9. Keep a Safe Distance:Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour.
10. Quiet Observation:Keep noise levels to a minimum to observe wildlife without causing stress.
11. Be Patient:Wildlife sightings are unpredictable. Exercise patience and enjoy the beauty of the Serengeti while waiting for those magical moments.