Wildebeest Migration Safari Tours in Africa

Natural phenomena occur all over the world, but very few can compete with the sheer size of the annual Wildebeest Migration through the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. The numbers alone are hard to believe: up to 2 million animals – wildebeest as well as zebra and gazelle – follow the rains and their ancient instincts on a death-defying, 3 000-kilometre (1 900-mile) journey.

It’s drama on a truly epic scale: the migrating herds undergo all manner of challenges and hardships as they move from region to region. They’re constantly under attack from predators, none more so than from Africa’s big cats – lion, leopard and cheetah – and the massive crocodiles that lie in wait at various river crossing points.

Tips for Planning Your Migration Safari

  1. Book early – at least a year in advance. Lodges and camps fill up fast, especially for a Great Migration safari from June to October. Remember, this is safari’s high season and when the popular river crossings happen, but you can see the herds any time of the year.
  2. Arrange your timing carefully. The Migration is a year-round journey and some of its stages, like the river crossings, cannot be predicted. Knowing when to go on a Wildebeest Migration safari depends on what you want to see and experience.
  3. Go private. The national parks can get very busy during safari’s high season (June to October). If you’re looking for exclusivity plus accessibility to the herds, consider staying in a private reserve or conservancy.

Browse our recommended Wildebeest Migration safaris below, or get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help you tailor-make an itinerary based on your travel wishes:

Best Wildebeest Migration Tours & Safaris

East Africa's Migration, Safari & Highlands

From $12,010 per person sharing
11 days
Ololo-Safari-Lodge-Swimming-pool Ololo-Safari-Lodge-The-Tower-Suite Ololo-Safari-Lodge-Nairobi-National-Park Game-drive-sighting-from-Porini-Lion-Camp kimondo-camp-migration-views-from-vehicle kimondo-walking-safari Gibb's-Farm-Pathway-to-the-dining-room Gibb's-Farm-ngorogoro_crater_day_excursion_3
Highlights

Visit iconic destinations in Kenya & Tanzania. Fantastic wildlife & excellent guiding.

Destinations visited
Amboseli National Park Kenya Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti
10 days
The Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp in Tanzania has a beautiful landscape of the grassy savannah studded with thorn trees and rocky outcrops. On game drives in the Serengeti, guests have the opportunity to witness massive herds on the move and predators lurking. Katambuga-House_exterior Katambuga-House_pool Sanctuary-Ngorongoro-Crater-Camp-game-drive Sanctuary-Ngorongoro-Crater-Camp-tent-interior Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp (Northern Serengeti)-firepit Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp (Northern Serengeti)-guest_wildlife
Highlights

Great Wildebeest Migration viewing from specialist camps in Kenya or Tanzania. Full-day Ngorongoro Crater Big 5 safari in Tanzania.

Destinations visited
Arusha Kenya Lake Manyara Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater

East Africa Year-Round Migration Safari

From $8,310 per person sharing
10 days
Primates-in-close-proximity-to-Arusha-Coffee-Lodge Exterior-of-Arusha-Coffee-Lodge Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-is-Tanzania's-largest-coffee-plantation Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-room-exterior Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-cottage-interior ArushaCoffeeLodge-Exterior-SwimmingPool Gibb's-Farm-Pathway-to-the-dining-room gibbs_farm-looking_down_into_the_ngorongoro_crater_-_natalie_roos1
Highlights

First night spent on a coffee estate with Mount Meru as your backdrop. Big Five encounters at the famed Ngorongoro Crater.

Destinations visited
Arusha Kenya Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti
9 days
Coffee-stop-on-the-mara-river-andBeyond-Bateleur-Camp Nature-walk-andBeyond-Bateleur-Camp South-Camp-boma-andBeyond-Bateleur-Camp Sundowners-from-your-suite-andBeyond-Bateleur-Camp andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge--Flamingos-Tanzania andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge--game-drive Tree-climbing-lions-safari-game-drive-andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge-Tanzania Lake_Manyara_Tree_Lodge_night-game-drive1
Highlights

Unrivalled Big 5 game viewing. Witness the Great Migration (July to October).

Destinations visited
Kenya Lake Manyara Masai Mara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti

Good-Value Migration, Crater & Zanzibar

From $9,275 per person sharing
11 days
Exterior-of-Arusha-Coffee-Lodge You will witness herds on the move and predators lurking, a definite highlight of the migration. Predator-sighting-near-Sanctuary-Kichakani-Serengeti-Camp Wildebeest-Migration-herd-Sanctuary-Kichakani-Serengeti-Camp Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp tent exteior Coffee-stop-with-a-hippo-sighting-with-Sanctuary-Ngorongoro-Crater-Camp View-from-the-top-of-Ngorongoro-Crater-Sanctuary-Ngorongoro-Crater-Camp Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort beach views
Highlights

Spot the Big 5 in the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater. Mobile Wildebeest Migration camp for the Serengeti.

Destinations visited
Arusha Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania Zanzibar
9 days
andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge--game-drive Exterior-of-Arusha-Coffee-Lodge Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-is-Tanzania's-largest-coffee-plantation Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-room-exterior Primates-in-close-proximity-to-Arusha-Coffee-Lodge Arusha-Coffee-Lodge-cottage-interior andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge--Drink-stop andBeyond-Lake-Manyara-Tree-Lodge--Flamingos-Tanzania
Highlights

Tanzania's top safari destinations. Excellent year-round game viewing.

Destinations visited
Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania