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Great Migration Safari Season Guide – Experience Nature’s Greatest Wildlife Show
What Is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the most dramatic and awe-inspiring wildlife spectacle on Earth. It is not simply a single event, but a year-round circular journey of survival and instinct across the vast plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of Thomson’s gazelles move in massive herds across nearly 3,000 kilometers, chasing seasonal rains and fresh grazing lands.
This endless migration is guided by nature’s rhythms, dictated by rainfall patterns that influence grass growth and water sources. Along the way, the herds encounter some of Africa’s most iconic predators—lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles—leading to dramatic scenes of survival that attract photographers and nature lovers from around the world.
The term "Great Migration" often conjures images of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-infested rivers, but that’s only one part of the story. Every stage of this journey—from the calving season in Ndutu to the high-stakes river crossings of the Mara and Grumeti Rivers—offers something unique and unforgettable. Whether you witness a lioness hunting amidst thousands of wildebeest, or a newborn zebra taking its first steps, you are seeing a story that’s been playing out for millennia.
How Best Price Tours Brings You Closer to the Migration
At Best Price Tours, we specialize in expertly timed Great Migration safari packages that put you in the right place, at the right time. Whether you're hoping to catch the calving season in the Southern Serengeti, the Grumeti River crossings in the west, or the heart-pounding Mara River drama in the north, we craft every itinerary to align with the herd’s natural path.
We offer:
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✅ Mobile and permanent camps based on herd locations
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✅ Local guides with insider tracking knowledge
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✅ Private game drives for more flexibility and better wildlife sightings
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✅ Photographer-friendly tours with extended drive times and special access zones
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✅ Optional hot-air balloon safaris, walking safaris, or beach extensions in Zanzibar
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, we tailor your journey to your interests, travel dates, and preferred experience level—from luxurious tented camps to immersive camping safaris.
What to Expect on Migration Safari with Us
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Scenic game drives timed to river crossings or calving zones
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Dramatic nature photography—crossings, wildebeest columns, predator hunts
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Optional sunrise hot-air balloon over northern Serengeti
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Mobile tented camps that move with the herds during peak periods
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Wildlife-rich safari stops in Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and optional Zanzibar beach extension
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Known as the predator capital of East Africa, Serengeti boasts one of the densest lion populations on the continent—as many as 3,000 lions in the ecosystem. You'll also encounter elephants, buffalo, and elusive leopards along kopjes and tree branches. Rhino sightings are rare but possible in secluded areas like Moru Kopjes .
January – March: Calving Season in Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains
This is one of the most dramatic and emotional times of the Great Migration. Around 500,000 wildebeest calves are born over the course of just a few weeks in the Ndutu region and southern Serengeti. The open plains provide excellent visibility for wildlife viewing.
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🌱 Why It’s Special: Calves are born on the fertile short-grass plains, and their arrival attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
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📸 Photographic Opportunities: Incredible predator-prey interaction, newborn wildlife, and open vistas make this a dream for photographers.
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👨👩👧👦 Great For: Family safaris, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in predator behavior.
🧭 Best Price Tours Tip: We offer Ndutu-focused safaris with extended stays for maximum wildlife immersion and optional off-road tracking with our expert guides.
Migration by Season
April – May: Herd Movement Across Central & Western Serengeti
As the long rains begin, the herds gradually start to move northwest, heading from Ndutu and Southern Serengeti to the central plains and Western Corridor. This is considered a shoulder season—less crowded and incredibly scenic.
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🌾 Why It’s Special: The landscape is lush and green, ideal for peaceful game drives with fewer vehicles around.
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🐘 Other Wildlife: You’ll see elephants, giraffes, and abundant birdlife, with predators still following the herds.
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☁️ Travel Tip: Some areas may be muddy due to rain, but your reward is solitude, lower prices, and excellent photography in vibrant green backdrops.
🧭 Best Price Tours Tip: Take advantage of our photography safari packages during this season, when lighting and scenery are at their best.
🌊 June – July: Grumeti River Crossings in the Western Corridor
By June, the herds are pushing into the Western Serengeti, and their biggest challenge is approaching—the Grumeti River crossings. This is the first river obstacle of the migration journey, and it’s both perilous and powerful to witness.
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🐊 Why It’s Special: Thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the crocodile-filled Grumeti River, creating dramatic and chaotic scenes.
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🦓 Predator Encounters: Crocodiles lie in wait, while lions and leopards patrol the riverbanks.
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📍 Top Spots: Grumeti Reserve and Kirawira region are top locations during this period.
🧭 Best Price Tours Tip: We offer Western Corridor safaris with access to private camps and remote crossing points for uninterrupted views.
August – October: Mara River Crossings & Northern Serengeti Action
This is peak migration season, when massive herds gather to cross the dangerous Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. The crossings are unpredictable but breathtaking, offering some of the most iconic safari moments ever recorded.
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🌉 Why It’s Special: The Mara River crossings are the highlight of the Great Migration. Wildebeest plunge into the river, risking crocodiles, strong currents, and waiting predators on both sides.
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🦁 Predator Density: The highest concentration of predators—especially lions and cheetahs—follow the herds during this season.
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🏕️ Travel Note: Camps in Northern Serengeti and Mara regions fill fast—advance booking is essential.
🧭 Best Price Tours Tip: Join our private 4x4 drives and guided hot air balloon safaris over the Mara River—ideal for aerial photography of the drama below.
November – December: Return Migration to Southern Serengeti
With the onset of the short rains, the herds begin their journey southward, leaving Kenya and moving back through the Eastern Serengeti toward Ndutu. This return leg offers a quieter, more relaxed safari experience.
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🧭 Why It’s Special: This is the “hidden gem” of the migration, with beautiful light, green scenery, and less crowding.
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📸 Great For: Travelers who want a mix of migration activity, birdwatching, and peaceful landscapes.
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🌳 Vegetation: The landscape turns green again, offering a vibrant setting for photography.
🧭 Best Price Tours Tip: We offer combo safaris that blend this season with Zanzibar beach extensions—perfect for honeymooners or laid-back travelers.
Must-Know Tips
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Book early, especially for peak season (August–October) when lodges fill fast
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Aim for 3+ nights in key zones (e.g. near Mara River or Ndutu) to improve your chances of seeing crossings
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Bring binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and patience—crossings may take hours to begin
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Rain gear, layered clothing, sun protection & water bottle are essential—even in dry season popular months
What to Expect on a Best Price Tours Big Five Safari
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🚙 Private or small-group luxury 4x4 game drives with dedicated guides
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🦁 Guided and escorted drives in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire
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🏨 Accommodation options from luxury lodges to tented camps
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🚑 Complete trip support with conservation fees & porter ethics (KPAP)
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🎈 Optional extras like hot-air balloon safaris and Maasai cultural visits
Ready to Witness the Great Migration?
Let our safari experts craft your perfect journey through the Serengeti and Masai Mara—timed exactly with the herds.
