The Great Migration is the name for the movement of over 2 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle during the dry season on the East African savanna. The herds move around 2,000 kilometres from the southern expanse of the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater over the borders of Kenya to Maasai Mara National Reserve and back down to the southern Serengeti again in search of food and water.

Below is some information for travelers looking for advice on when to travel with the best chance of seeing the migration.

July to September:

Both sides of the Mara River are important during this period. The herds begin to cross central Serengeti into the Western Corridor, then through the Ngurumet River into northern plains of the Serengeti. Come late July/early August, the grasses of the western Serengeti die and the herds move on north seeking further grazing.

However, before they are able to reach the succulent grassy plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they are faced with the next dangerous river crossing, the Mara River. Wildebeest oscillate between the Kenyan and Tanzanian side of the Mara River. This is where the dramatic events unfold as huge Nile crocodiles wait while the herds bravely and boldly make enormous leaps of faith into the water to get to better grazing on the opposite banks. By september, the last of the herds will be crossing the Mara River.

October to November:

At this stage the herds move through the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara plains should be scattered with large herds, naturally followed by their hungry stalkers. From October onwards, the herds will slowly begin their journey south, back to the Serengeti in search of better grazing.

The seasons have a variable of up to a month – making predictions impossible. Despite this it must be mentioned that the migration is not the only attraction of the Masai Mara for the park is renowned for its wildlife aside from the great herds.

Perhaps you wish to immerse yourself in the bush while sleeping under canvas or prefer to retire in a contemporary lodge with modern amenities abound. Whatever your preference and budget, Evacay Africa offers the guidance and insight you need to find your perfect Kenya trip accommodation.

You will get to select your safari accommodation of choice while on this safari, be it Comfort, Comfort-Plus or Luxury.

A great mix of Evacay Africa’s best game-viewing destinations are carefully curated in a specially-adapted 6 seater safari minivan (4×4) with pop-up roofs so that our guests can stand up when viewing wildlife and can take photographs.

A Higher-priced option, instead of the 4×4 Safari Mini Van, is to go on a road safari in a 4X4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof. These take 6 passengers in 3 rows so each has a window seat.

On this 3 days safari, you are always in the safe hands of a professional guide to drive you between destinations, conducting game drives in the wildlife reserves as well as introducing you to the cultural side of the landscape.

Evacay Africa safari guides are chosen for their high levels of skill and customer service. All are accredited by the KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association).

Balloon safari (Optional)

A highly recommended way to experience the Masai Mara is on a dawn hot-air balloon safari that culminates with a champagne breakfast in the bush after landing – Request to book with us – 395 USD per person.

Masai village visit (Optional)

Visit the Maasai Village in Kenya and enjoy a cultural extravaganza! Learn about their unique way of life and experience life through their eyes. Organize this with your guide – 20 USD per person.

Would you want this safari any different? Please feel free to request our safari specialists to create your safari to suit your interests, requirements and budget – designed to offer an adventure of a lifetime.