The Great Wildebeest Migration

1.5 Million Animals. The World's Greatest Wildlife Event.

The Greatest Show on Earth

Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle make a continuous clockwise circuit through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara — following the rains and the fresh grass growth in a cycle of survival that has continued for millions of years.

The Mara River crossings — when thousands of wildebeest plunge simultaneously into the crocodile-infested river in a desperate stampede — are the Migration’s most dramatic moments and among the most spectacular wildlife events on earth. Our guides have spent years studying the exact crossing locations and timing to maximise your chances of witnessing this extraordinary event.

Migration Calendar — Month by Month

Migration Calendar — Month by Month

Calving Season, Southern Serengeti (Tanzania). Approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves born within a 2–3 week period. Exceptional predator activity — cheetahs, lions, leopards, and hyenas hunt constantly.

April – May

Western Serengeti (Tanzania). The herd begins moving north and west. Green season — beautiful landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent wildlife despite the rains.

June – July

Grumeti River Crossings (Tanzania). First Grumeti River crossings — famous for enormous Nile crocodiles. The herd begins approaching the Kenyan border.

July – October

Maasai Mara, Kenya — PEAK SEASON. The herd crosses into Kenya. Dramatic Mara River crossings throughout August–October. This is the Migration’s most spectacular phase. Book well in advance.

November – December

Short Rains — Return South (Tanzania). Herd begins moving back south through Tanzania’s Serengeti following the short rains. December sees the herd return to the southern Serengeti calving grounds.

Year-Round

Resident Wildlife in the Mara. The Maasai Mara offers outstanding wildlife all year — resident lion prides, cheetah families, leopard, elephant, and hippo are present regardless of the Migration timing.

Migration Safari Packages

From per person $520

2 Days Amboseli Safari

2 Days /1 Nights

Join this 2 Days Amboseli Safari from Nairobi and discover Kenya’s famous elephant country beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. 

From per person $320

2 Days Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Tour

2 Days / 1 Nights

Experience an unforgettable 2 Days Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Tour from Nairobi.

From per person $430

2 Days Ol Pejeta Safari

2 Days / 1 Nights

Experience an unforgettable 2 Days Ol Pejeta Safari from Nairobi.

From per person $620

3 Days Amboseli Safari

3 Days /2 Nights

Experience an unforgettable 3 Days Amboseli Safari from Nairobi 

From per person $720

3 Days Masai Mara Safari

3Days / 2 Nights

Experience the world-famous Masai Mara on this 3 Days Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi. 

From per person $630

3 Days Samburu Safari

3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Days Samburu Safari from Nairobi | Samburu National Reserve Safari Package | Charki Safaris

From per person $610

3 Days Tsavo East and Tsavo West Safari

3 Days /2 Nights

Explore Kenya’s largest wildlife ecosystem on this 3 Days Tsavo East and Tsavo West Safari from Nairobi.

From per person $820

4 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Safari

4 Days / 2 Nights

4 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Safari from Nairobi | Kenya Wildlife Safari Package | Charki Safaris

From per person $630

4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari

4 Days / 3 Nights

Experience the best of Kenya on this 4 Days Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru Safari from Nairobi.

From per person $810

4 Days Masai Mara Safari

4 Days /3 Nights

4 Days Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi | Big Five Kenya Safari Package | Charki Safaris

From per person $820

5 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Safari

5 Days / 4 Nights

5 Days Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha Safari | Best Kenya Safari Package | Charki Safaris

From per person $930

6 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

6 Days / 5 Nights

6 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari | Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | Charki Safaris

From per person $1210

7 Days Kenya Highlights Safari

7 Days /6 Nights

7 Days Kenya Highlights Safari | Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari | Charki Safaris

From per person $820

8 Days Kenya Classic Safari

8 Days / 7 Nights

8 Days Kenya Classic Safari | Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | Charki Safaris

 

From per person $810

2 Days Masai Mara Fly-In Safari

2 Days /1 Nights

2 Days Masai Mara Fly-In Safari | Masai Mara Flying Safari from Nairobi | Charki Safaris

From per person $820

3 Days Amboseli Fly-In Safari

3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Days Amboseli Fly-In Safari | Amboseli Flying Safari from Nairobi | Charki Safaris

From per person $930

3 Days Masai Mara Fly-In Safari

3 Days /2 Nights

3 Days Masai Mara Fly-In Safari | Luxury Masai Mara Flying Safari from Nairobi | Charki Safaris

From per person $810

3 Days Ol Pejeta Fly-In Safari

3Days /2 Nights

3 Days Ol Pejeta Fly-In Safari | Luxury Ol Pejeta Flying Safari from Nairobi | Charki Safaris

Tips for the Best Migration Experience

  • Book early: Peak Migration season (August–September) camps and lodges fill up 12–18 months in advance
  • Stay flexible: River crossings are impossible to predict exactly. We recommend a minimum of 3 nights in the Mara for the best crossing chances
  • Mara Triangle vs. Mara National Reserve: The Mara Triangle (western sector) is less crowded and often has crossings at the Mara River’s northern bends. Our guides know both sectors intimately
  • Private conservancies: Staying in a Mara conservancy camp (e.g., Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Mara North) gives exclusive game drives away from the crowds and often better wildlife sightings

Witness the Great Migration

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife event. Contact us now to check availability for your travel dates.

 
 

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our clients