The Great Wildebeest Migration – Nature’s Greatest Show on Earth
Imagine standing on the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, as the earth trembles beneath the hooves of over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. Dust rises in the golden light, predators lurk at the edges, and the Mara River churns with crocodiles waiting in silence. This is the Great Wildebeest Migration – the largest overland wildlife migration on the planet, and one of the most spectacular natural events you can ever witness.
Every year, from July to October, the migration moves north from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, crossing rivers, braving predators, and painting the savannah with the drama of survival. It’s not just a safari; it’s the ultimate wildlife spectacle.
What Makes the Great Migration Special?
- Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in search of greener pastures.
- River Crossings: The most dramatic moments happen at the Mara River, where herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters in a desperate dash to the other side.
- Predator Action: Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas follow the migration, offering unmatched chances to witness nature’s raw power.
- Unforgettable Landscapes: From the endless Serengeti plains to the rolling hills of the Mara, the migration takes place across two of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
When & Where to See the Migration
- December – March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti – over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in just a few weeks. A paradise for predators.
- April – June: Herds move north through the Serengeti’s central and western corridors.
- July – October: Peak season in the Masai Mara. This is the best time for dramatic river crossings and classic safari experiences.
- November: The herds head back south into the Serengeti as the cycle continues.
Experiencing the Migration with Beyond Kenya Safaris
At Beyond Kenya Safaris, we believe that witnessing the Great Migration should be seamless, exclusive, and unforgettable. With nearly two decades of safari expertise, we craft tailor-made itineraries that place you at the heart of the action, while ensuring your journey is comfortable and stress-free.
Our Migration Safari Highlights
- Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps: Stay in handpicked lodges in both the Masai Mara and Serengeti, combining wilderness with world-class hospitality.
- Expert Driver-Guides: Our guides know the land intimately, giving you the best chance of witnessing river crossings and predator encounters.
- Private & Flexible Safaris: Travel at your own pace, with the option of private vehicles or exclusive fly-in safaris for ultimate convenience.
- Seamless Logistics: From Nairobi or Arusha, we handle every detail — flights, transfers, park fees, and lodge bookings.
Extend Your Migration Safari
Why stop at the Mara or Serengeti? Combine your migration safari with:
- Amboseli National Park – iconic elephants with Kilimanjaro views
- Laikipia Conservancies – exclusive wilderness and rhino conservation experiences
- Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast – relax on white-sand beaches after the adventure
Plan Your Great Migration Safari
The Great Wildebeest Migration is more than a safari — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of life, death, and survival. With Beyond Kenya Safaris, you’ll experience it not just as a spectator, but as a privileged guest in the wild heart of Africa.
📩 Start planning your migration safari today. Our team will tailor an itinerary that ensures you witness this incredible event at its very best.
5-Day Great Wildebeest Migration Safari – Masai Mara Only
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Meet your Beyond Kenya Safaris representative for a warm welcome.
- Private transfer to your luxury hotel for rest and safari briefing.
- Overnight: Hemingways Nairobi / Karen Blixen Coffee Garden.
Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara – First Game Drive
- Morning: Transfer to Wilson Airport for your scenic flight to the Masai Mara.
- Late Morning: Game drive en route to your camp, spotting giraffes, elephants, and big cats.
- Afternoon: Lunch followed by your first afternoon game drive (3:30–6:30 pm).
- Evening: Return to camp for sundowners by the fire, followed by a gourmet bush dinner.
- Overnight: Angama Mara / Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Entim Mara Camp.
Day 3: Full-Day Safari – Mara River Crossing
- Early Morning (6:00 am): Coffee/tea and head out for a dawn game drive when predators are most active.
- Breakfast: Bush breakfast in the wild.
- Midday: Continue game drive towards the Mara River to witness dramatic wildebeest crossings.
- Afternoon: Picnic lunch followed by more wildlife viewing.
- Evening: Relax at camp with sundowners and a 3-course dinner.
- Overnight: Governors’ Camp / Mahali Mzuri / Mara Bushtops.
Day 4: Balloon Safari & Big Cat Encounters
- Pre-dawn: Optional hot-air balloon safari over the Mara, followed by champagne breakfast.
- Morning: Game drive focusing on the big cats that shadow the migration.
- Afternoon: Leisure time at camp, spa treatments, or cultural visit to a Maasai village.
- Evening: Sunset game drive followed by a private bush dinner under the stars.
- Overnight: Sanctuary Olonana / Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi
- Early Morning: Final game drive to bid farewell to the Mara’s wildlife.
- Late Morning: Breakfast and check-out.
- Midday: Fly back to Nairobi, connect to your onward international flight, or extend to:
- Amboseli – elephants & Kilimanjaro views
- Laikipia – exclusive rhino conservancies
- Diani / Lamu – pristine beach relaxation.
Safari Inclusions
✔️ Round-trip flights Nairobi – Masai Mara – Nairobi
✔️ 4 nights in luxury safari camps/lodges (full board)
✔️ Private 4×4 safari vehicle & expert driver-guide
✔️ All game drives, park fees & conservation levies
✔️ Bush breakfasts, sundowners & cultural encounters
✔️ 24/7 concierge & on-ground support
Price Guideline (per person sharing)
💠 Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps: from US$ 3,450 pp
💠 Luxury Camps & Lodges: from US$ 5,280 pp
💠 Ultra-Luxury (Signature Camps): from US$ 7,800 pp
(Rates vary by season, lodge selection & travel dates. Contact us for a personalized quote.)
✨ In just five days, this safari lets you live the drama of the Great Migration — from thrilling river crossings to intimate predator encounters — while enjoying Beyond Kenya Safaris’ seamless service, luxury lodges, and expert guiding.