In general, the great migration crossing is always awaited during the months of July to October as it’s when the best sightings are seen as they jump and cross these Crocodile-infested Mara – Serengeti Rivers. You can easily book some of our best Masai Mara migration packages, or Serengeti migration safaris, well-curated to ensure you enjoy the migration crossings to the fullest.

Therefore mark your calendar as from July – October when the wildebeest are always crossing the Mara River into Kenya. This is when to book wildebeest migration safari packages. The herds are sometimes crossing the Mara River from one side of the Masai Mara to the other (all in Kenya).

Accommodations for a great migration safari are divided into two categories: the permanent lodges and mobile tented camps.

Each have different advantages, but choosing one depends on what is important to you:

For an unforgettable migration river crossing safari experience, it’s best to stay at accommodations located within or near the Maasai Mara National Reserve; – known for its prime location along the wildebeest migration route and river crossings. Stay in top lodges and camps located near the Mara River for the best sightings & shorter drive times to where the herds are crossing.

With good big 5 safari tours, choosing between Tanzania and Kenya to spot the Great Migration depends on the time of year. Mobile camps are great as they move with the herds, ensuring optimal viewing. Permanent lodges around key crossing points and calving areas also offer excellent opportunities to witness the migration. There exists lots of good Serengeti migration accommodation options to choose from; – plenty of well-located river crossing accommodations both in the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti Park, enabling you to experience an unforgettable wildebeest migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara.

As to where to stay during a river crossing, let’s take a look at some of the best wildebeest migration safari accommodation; these are accommodation options that cater to many different travelers. Whether you seek to explore the best of Kenya luxury lodges, luxury lodges in Tanzania, boutique hotels, or cozy beach cottages, or idyllic beach bungalows – the choices are practically endless.

With that in mind, these are just some highlights of the best places to stay for an African migration safari;

1. Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Tanzania
2. Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania
3. Bateleur Camp Masai Mara, Kenya
4. Serengeti Under Canvas, Tanzania
5. Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Tanzania

Instead, just get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help you find a lodge that’s right for your Great Migration safari: We’ve designed a list of our top 10 places to stay to see the wildebeest migration. We’ll not only help you find some of the best wildebeest migration camps and lodges, but also curate a once in a lifetime migration trip in Africa.

Though the great migration includes different phases, the main crossing usually happens at Mara River around late July to August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. Still, the exact dates around this period are not predictable Hence, if you’re planning a Serengeti migration safari, plan around those dates. At times the herds can gather at the river banks for days without crossing over to the Mara, some patience is required; – making the exact answer on when to go on a wildebeest migration safari somehow based on you interests.

For you to witness a migration river crossing in Masai Mara, the best time to visit is from late July to early August and minimal parts of October when the herds arrive from the Serengeti and cross the Mara River. Keep in mind that at times the herds may not show at certain crossing points therefore adding flexibility and patience on your migration safari really helps.

The wildebeest usually migrate from southern Serengeti into Masai Mara in the Northern side on a ring-like path through Tanzania and Kenya as they follow the seasonal rains, and navigating through dangerous territories and crocodile-filled waters. Their return journey back to Serengeti Park happens around late or early October. Therefore keep in mind wildebeest migration in Masai Mara is much popular as compared to the ones at Serengeti; but also, our top picks for holidays to Tanzania features the beginning phases of the Migration as it starts in Tanzania making it a good time to go and see where it starts.

The way to see a migration crossing is while on a game-viewing drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve, or Serengeti – which is done in custom made 4X4 safari vehicles accompanied by experienced driver-guides. For the best Masai Mara migration packages, on accommodations, we recommend booking safari lodges located inside Masai Mara Park. This reduces the drive times to the Mara River where crossing will be taking place.

The Mara River crossing usually takes place between July and August, while the Grumeti River crossing usually happens in late June and/or early July. While witnessing the river-crossing herd is undeniably breathtaking, it’s important to note that these events are random. Herds may just arrive and delay by the river for days, or weeks making their strategies for a safe passage.

When choosing between Grumeti and Masai Mara migration, remember that accommodation is better established in the areas surrounding the Mara River, with good options to suit the budget traveler.

Secondly, the chances of seeing a river crossing are much higher at the Mara River, since the crossings tend to occur more frequently. Additionally, at the Mara River, the migration crossing is much more dramatic as the river is flowing faster, much deeper and made up of steep river banks, creating a jumping circus unlike the Grumeti River which is somehow just open and shallow – therefore not challenging.

Even though a safari in Grumeti is fantastic all year-round, it’s much better when the great migration herds passes through, usually around late June and/or early July, crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River on their way back to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Now this is the best time to visit the Grumeti River to witness river crossings; catch the drama our favorite Serengeti wildebeest safaris.

So how much is a migration river crossing safari? On average, the price of the great migration safari costs around $700 to $1,200 per person per day, offering an unforgettable and exclusive experience. You’ll stay in top safari lodges that offer premier game-viewing opportunities, and enjoy fine amenities, spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and exceptional dining experiences. With additional activities hot air balloon safaris, guided safari walks, horse riding, game drives, spa treatments, swimming pools and infinity pools at your disposal. There is also child-friendly activities and programmes for those going on a safari with kids. Therefore, “don’t be surprised to see wildebeest migration safari adventures in Africa costing around US$1,000 a night.

As for the vehicles to be used on a great migration safari holiday, all of migration tours use the best-quality safari jeeps. Expect both the 4×4 land cruiser with open rooftop and open sided 4×4 safari jeeps are available. The vehicles are built to withstand the bush terrain offering a fairly smooth ride over even the bumpiest roads. Both cruisers have raised seats ensuring every traveler has a 360 degrees view of the animals no matter which side of the vehicle they are on. Additionally, the windows are large providing some up-close encounters with curious Big Cats! Most of the vehicles will have cool boxes filled with water, power sockets for charging camera batteries and camera support bases for those going on Africa photo safari tours.

The professionality of the driver and guide is as important as the quality of the vehicle. On a luxury safari, are expect highly trained driver and guides who have outstanding wildlife knowledge. Expect them to always switch off the vehicle engine when you want to see an animal or stay much longer on a sighting. They will always try and position the vehicle so that you have the best viewing angle of the wildlife. Expect short briefs even during an animal sighting where you will see them turn and face you when they talk. Keep in mind our luxury fly-in safaris are also available if you wish to explore this option. Ready to start planning your trip? Discover some of the best wildebeest migration tours & safaris that put you right in the middle of the action.

Most people think that the Wildebeest Migration only takes place between peak seasons from late July to October, but it’s actually an ever-moving, circular migration filled with several exciting events that occur year-round. Throughout the year, there’s plenty of wildebeest migration safari packages covering every phase of the cycle.

The famous Great Migration river crossing, begins after calving in the southern plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores migrate north towards the lush grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, then back again, over and over again… yearly.

The wildebeest migration is a yearly spectacle where millions of wildebeest, together along with zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains of East Africa in search for water and fresh grazing grounds, water, and safe places to raise new life. The Wildebeest herds migrate primarily following the rainfall patterns and fresh grazing grass, a crucial cycle for their survival and breeding.

While the normal safari clothes and equipment’s apply, let’s see some few extra additions from our list below – which might be just what you need to experience the wildebeest crossings in the best way possible.

Kindly make sure you have the necessary travel documents to ensure a smooth journey to your Great Migration adventure.

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Africa. Also, ensure you have at least two blank pages for visas and stamps.

Visa: Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter countries like Kenya or Tanzania, where the Great Migration can be witnessed. U.S. and European citizens need to apply for an e-visa for holidays in Tanzania. While Kenya offers visa-free entry, all foreign visitors – U.S. and European visitors are required to fill an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 72 hours prior to their travel. It is best to arrange this before departure to avoid any potential delays at the airport.

Your Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss or theft is highly recommended. Make sure it includes coverage for any safari activities you plan to participate in.

Vaccination Certificates: Depending on the current health guidelines and requirements, you might need to show proof of certain vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever. Check if the countries you are visiting have any specific health requirements.

Flight Return Ticket: Some countries might require you to show proof of a return ticket or an onward journey to grant entry.

Itinerary Details and Accommodation Confirmations: Having a copy of your travel itinerary and confirmed hotel reservations can be helpful at the immigration desk.

Emergency Contacts and Important Addresses: Carry a list of emergency contacts, including your country’s embassy or consulate in the countries you will visit, as well as the addresses and contact details of your accommodations.

No, it’s not only wildebeest that migrate; they migrate together with thousands of zebras, topi’s, eland and gazelles forming one mega herd; – in their circular movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of food and water.

You can explore more of our migration questions not covered here, don’t spend hours researching online asking;-  Is July a good time to see the great migration? Is August a good time to see the great migration? Or Is September a good time to see the great migration? We’re here to help you out with all this.