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
The Ololo Safari Lodge swimming pool. The Tower Suite at Ololo Safari Lodge. Enjoy a game drive in Nairobi National Park. An adrenaline-inducing river crossing during the wildebeest migration. Head out on a game drive through the Serengeti. Pathway to Gibb's Farm dining room. Ngorogoro Crater day excursion.
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. Exterior of the Katambuga House Katambuga  House swimming pool area. Game views in the Crater. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp tent interior. Incredible views over the Serengeti plains. Get close to the 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. Unwind next to the lodge's swimming pool. Pathway to Gibb's Farm dining room. Gibb's Farm is on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater overlooking the Great Rift Valley.
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. Head out on a walking safari with Bateleur Camp. Boma area at Bateleur Camp. Enjoy sundowners from your suite at Bateleur Camp. Flamingos at Lake Manyara. Game drive in  Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania. A tree climbing lion in East AfrIca. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge evening game drive.
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 near Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp tent exterior. Coffee stop with a hippo sighting Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. View from the top of the Ngorongoro Crater. 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