Why Go on a Migration Safari?

Witness the Great Migration

Every year, about 2 million animals follow the rains and their ancient instincts on an epic, 3 000-kilometre (1 900-mile) journey. Witnessing one of the death-defying river crossings is like watching a live National Geographic film.

One-of-a-Kind Experiences

From floating silently over the Wildebeest Migration’s mega-herds in a hot-air balloon to immersing yourself into the wild landscape staying in mobile safari camps, a migration safari offers the kind of experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

Exclusive Lodges & Camps

Despite some camps being situated in remote wilderness locations, they still offer superb amenities like private plunge pools, spas and gyms. You can even choose to stay at mobile camps that are set up and move throughout the year to the best spots to see all the action of the herds.

Quick & Easy Air Transfers

There are dedicated airstrips that service both Kenya and Tanzania’s national reserves and private conservancies. The best migration itineraries are fly-in itineraries, which eliminate the need for long road transfers – meaning more time on safari!

Convenient Add-Ons

Regular flights and accessibility make it easy to combine your migration safari with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda or Uganda. The same goes for crowning your trip along Kenya’s gorgeous coast or on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean.

Top Safari Destinations to Witness the Great Migration

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

Home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife and the majority of the Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s flagship conservation area and a must-do for first-time and returning safari goers alike. The park’s astonishing density of wildlife offers a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of the year you visit, and the wide-open plains and mild climate mean that vegetation is never too dense to see animals.

Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve’s wide, open plains provide a sanctuary for an abundance of animals like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah. Between about July and November every year, the Mara is a much-welcomed pit stop for unending masses of wildebeest that follow the rains on their epic journey.

Highlights

• Crowd-free game viewing, nature walks and off-road game drives in private game reserves

• Custom-made safaris for every traveller type – from families and honeymooners

• Incredible year-round game viewing, especially predators

• The Great Wildebeest Migration (December to October)

Consider Adding …

Amboseli 

With its perennial wetlands flourishing beneath towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the best place in East Africa to see massive herds of elephant. If you’re looking for that iconic postcard image of wildlife against a Kili backdrop, this is the place to get the shot.

Ngorongoro Crater 

Created about 3 million years ago when a massive volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. A diverse ecosystem of savannah, lakes and forest, the crater is renowned for its geological splendour, out-of-this-world cliff-top accommodation and delivering East Africa’s most reliable Big 5 game viewing.

Laikipia

The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.

Top Safari Destinations to Witness the Great Migration

The Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country's greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s pièce de résistance is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

Dry Season: 

May–Oct

The dry winter season is considered the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing. Vegetation is low and sparse, making animals easier to spot and follow, and wildlife will not move far from remaining water sources at this time of year. It’s a very comfortable time for a safari with few mosquitoes around, little if any rain, and pleasant temperatures.

Highlights

• Luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds

• 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa

• Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5

Green Season:

Nov–Apr 

The summer’s afternoon thundershowers transform the Kruger into a beautiful, thriving green landscape that makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good – with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise – and it's the best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching plus safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

Consider Adding …

Created about 3 million years ago when a massive volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. A diverse ecosystem of savannah, lakes and forest, the crater is renowned for its geological splendour, out-of-this-world cliff-top accommodation and delivering East Africa’s most reliable Big 5 game viewing.

Amboseli 

With its perennial wetlands flourishing beneath towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the best place in East Africa to see massive herds of elephant. If you’re looking for that iconic postcard image of wildlife against a Kili backdrop, this is the place to get the shot.

Ngorongoro Crater

The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.

Laikipia

What Happens When?

The Kruger

South Africa’s biggest and best-known national park is home to the country's greatest diversity of animals and exquisite safari lodges on private game reserves. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, it boasts healthy populations of wildlife and highly sought-after sightings of cheetah and wild dog. But the Kruger’s pièce de résistance is the almost guaranteed encounter with the super-celebrities of the safari circuit: Africa’s iconic Big 5.

Dry Season: 

May–Oct

The dry winter season is considered the best time to go to Kruger for game viewing. Vegetation is low and sparse, making animals easier to spot and follow, and wildlife will not move far from remaining water sources at this time of year. It’s a very comfortable time for a safari with few mosquitoes around, little if any rain, and pleasant temperatures.

Highlights

• Luxurious lodges with spas, gyms, private pools and star-beds

• 5-star service and exquisite cuisine – some of the best safari food in Africa

• Virtual guarantee to see all the Big 5

Green Season:

Nov–Apr 

The summer’s afternoon thundershowers transform the Kruger into a beautiful, thriving green landscape that makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good – with many young summer-born animals around it's a predator's paradise – and it's the best time to visit the Kruger for bird watching plus safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

Days

Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration

Your tour encompasses the vast open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara, the delightful diversity of Tanzania’s Lake Manyara, the extraordinary Ngorongoro Crater, and the rolling grasslands of the Serengeti.

Ideal for seasoned travellers and first timers alike, this wildlife and gourmet adventure combines easily with a romantic Indian Ocean island getaway to make a perfect honeymoon itinerary.

Days

Wildebeest Migration Trip Ideas

Tarangire, Highlands & Migration

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Fly-in safari to the northern parks
• Fantastic year-round game viewing
• Inclusive of lodge, flights and game drives
• Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara

THE EXPERIENCE:

Experience this fully inclusive safari that explores the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the stunning Tarangire National Park over eight incredible days.

This exciting itinerary begins and ends at the Kilimanjaro International Airport as you fly to Tarangire for some time spent exploring this remote region. Head off to experience the Ngorongoro Crater before visiting the renowned Serengeti.

Consider Adding… 

Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

This trip is perfect for couples or honeymooners. Each accommodation on this safari is an elegant tented camp with facilities such as swimming pools, spa treatments and private dining. The distances between destinations are taken care of by short flights, enabling you to enjoy as much time on safari as possible. You can look forward to a unique rhino tracking adventure and seeking out the Special 5 – Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, long-neck gerenuk and Somali ostrich – in Samburu, plus incredible game viewing in private conservancies along the Masai Mara. 

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.

How Much is a 
South Africa  Safari?

How Much is a Migration Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Migration safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Migration safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1650 USD at the finest lodges in high season. 

What's Included in the Cost?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy. 

The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.:

How Much is a Migration Safari?

Why Travel With Go2Africa

We are African

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

We are safari experts

Our size and trusted relationships with Africa’s top operators gives us access to the best possible rates. If you find a better quote for your itinerary, let us know and we’ll match it.

Our best price promise

Your money stays in Africa

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Why Travel with Go2Africa

Complete financial protection

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

We are African

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We are safari experts

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

Our best price promise

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

Your money stays in Africa

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Complete financial protection

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

What Our Clients Say

All rights reserved Copyright © 2023 Go2Africa.com 

Jan – March

Mega herds of wildebeest are grazing on the short grass plains around Lake Ndutu in the southern Serengeti. Thousands of calves are born now, attracting plenty of predators like lion, cheetah and leopard.

What Happens When?

Also Consider Kenya

Samburu National Reserve 

Samburu is an arrestingly beautiful, rocky landscape that heralds Kenya’s vast northern deserts. It’s the traditional homeland of the Samburu people and a haven for the unique Special 5: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, long-neck gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Laikipia

The high plains of Laikipia are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s 
best safari regions. It’s home to some of the country’s most encouraging conservation success stories like Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary 
for black and white rhinos as well as Grevy’s zebra.

Kenya Beaches

Relaxing along Kenya’s dazzling tropical coastline is one of the best ways to crown your safari. From family-friendly resorts to exclusive beach villas, the country’s coastline offers excellent accommodation and superb diving and snorkelling spots.

Wildebeest Migration Trip Ideas

Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:

W I L D E B E E S T 
M I G R A T I O N  S A F A R I S

N a t u r e ’ s  P h e n o m e n a l  S p e c t a c l e

W I L D E B E E S T  M I G R A T I O N    S A F A R I S

N a t u r e ’ s  P h e n o m e n a l  S p e c t a c l e

Browse our Migration Safari resources

Browse our Kruger Park resources

The safari destinations that play host to the Great Migration are some of the heavy hitters and deliver sensational safari experiences any time of the year. When you are following the herds, you are sure to be wonderstruck by the diversity of wildlife in Africa.

Superb, Year-Round Game Viewing

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Unrivalled Big 5 game viewing
• Witness the Great Migration (July to October)
• Legendary Masai Mara & Serengeti
• Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara

THE EXPERIENCE:

April – May

The mega herds move towards the Seronera Valley in the Serengeti. Calves are now older, but predators still take advantage of the abundance of prey. Rutting males challenge each other for territorial dominance and the right to mate.

June – July

Winter is peak safari season in Africa so visitor numbers are high, and accommodation must be secured well in advance. The wildebeest are moving slowly to the Grumeti River, still in the Serengeti. River crossings are hard on the wildebeest – they risk broken limbs, drowning, and attacks by predators including massive crocodiles.

August – October

The wildebeest move through the eastern woodlands of the Serengeti and cross the Mara River into the Masai Mara in Kenya. Once again, danger lurks in the water. The Loita Plains in the Mara offer fresh grazing for the migrants.

November – December

Those who have survived their year-long trek start arriving back in the Seronera Valley, on their way back south to Lake Ndutu to prepare to give birth.

Our Partners

Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we've built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.

Partners

Everything is about relationships. Fortunately, we've built great ones working with the top names in Africa for more than 20 years.