wildebeest migration safaris

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

The river crossing spectacle | Go2Africa
  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:

 

Help Me Plan
Best Wildebeest Migration Tours & Safaris

East Africa's Migration, Safari & Highlands

From $13,850 to $14,490 pps
13 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
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. kimondo-walking-safari 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

Good Value Year-Round Migration & Safari

From $12,320 to $16,290 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
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. Gran Melia Arusha. Game drive views in the Crater. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp tent interior. Incredible views over the Serengeti plains. Get close to the wildlife. Predator sighting with Sanctuary Olanana.
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 $9,490 to $12,320 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Exterior of Arusha Coffee Lodge. Gibb's Farm is on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Swimming pool at Gibb's Farm. Views of Lake Manyara. Experience a live migration. Sundowners with a view. Sundowners with the Masaai warriors. Wilderness Migration game drive.
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
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Head out on a walking safari with Bateleur Camp. Enjoy sundowners from your suite at Bateleur Camp. Flamingos at Lake Manyara. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge Bush walks. Treehouse suite exterior at Lake Manyara Lodge. Treehouse suite interior at Lake Manyara Lodge. Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is nestled among lush greenery (rendered image). Exterior at night of the Serengeti Under Canvas camp.
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 $11,030 to $11,140 pps
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
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

Luxury Tanzania Migration Safari

From $15,970 to $20,340 pps
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Migration Camp. legendary_expeditions_feb_19_-_copyright_scott_ramsay-100 Interior of Mila Tented Camp. Cultural interaction. Boma area. Vast migration plains. Dining area with a bar. Wildlife viewing.
Highlights

Witness the Wildebeest Migration year-round. Stay at luxurious tented camps in beautiful settings.

Destinations visited
Arusha Serengeti Tanzania Tarangire
9 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Predator sighting near Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. Arusha Coffee Lodge is Tanzania's largest coffee plantation. Exterior of Arusha Coffee Lodge. Canoe safari. Dining with elephants in sights. Coffee stop with a hippo sighting Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp tent interior. View from the top of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Highlights

Fly into all your destinations for comfort and convenience. Tanzania's classic northern reserves: Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

Destinations visited
Arusha Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania
8 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Exterior of Arusha Coffee Lodge. Primates in close proximity to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Arusha Coffee Lodge is Tanzania's largest coffee plantation. Lemala kids activities. Option to add on a hot air balloon safari. Lemala Mara Tented Camp tent interior. The Wildebeest Migration attracts an array of predators | Lemala Mara Mobile Tented Camp Guided walks with the Masaai.
Highlights

Walk the Ngorongoro Crater. Excellent Wildebeest Migration viewing in season.

Destinations visited
Arusha Lake Manyara Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania

Good Value Migration & Beach

From $7,300 to $7,340 pps
10 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Wilderness Migration game drive. Game viewing in Tarangire | Rivertrees Country Inn Rivertree Country Inn interior. Kitela Lodge terrace with spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sundowners with a view. Sundowners with the Masaai warriors. Ubuntu Migration Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Go2Africa
Highlights

Big 5 game sightings and seasonal Wildebeest Migration viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives against Tanzania's dramatic scenery.

Destinations visited
Arusha Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania Zanzibar

Kenya's Masai Mara Safari & Lamu Beach

From $12,870 to $16,970 pps
11 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Enjoy a bush breakfast in the world-famous Masai Mara. Breath in the fresh air while enjoying sundowners on the deck. Spot the herds of the Great Migration in season. Entrance to Naboisho Camp. naboisho-camp-morning-game-drive Bush Bar setup at Naboisho Camp Utter relaxation at Naboisho Camp, soaking up the sun, poolside. peponi-hotel-lamu-island-kenya-pool1
Highlights

Witness the Great Migration in season. Access to Talek River for the chance to see river crossings in season.

Destinations visited
Kenya Lamu Masai Mara Nairobi
12 days
This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative
Begin your adventure at the beautiful Legendary Lodge. Enjoy a spa treatment. Engage with the local community. Luxury dome-shaped accommodation at the Highlands. Meet the Masai tribe. Exceptional wildlife encounters. Luxury in the wilds of the Serengeti. Witness the Great Migration.
Highlights

Luxury safari & beach combination. Witness the spectacle of the Great Migration.

Destinations visited
Arusha Ngorongoro Crater Serengeti Tanzania Zanzibar