La Pisada Africa Safaris designs tailor-made safari adventures across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Mozambique. From Masai Mara game drives to gorilla trekking and beach getaways, our expert local guides craft personalised, unforgettable journeys for every traveller.
Africa’s Race for Life, or The Great Wildebeest Migration, is a spectacle of nature. About 2 million wildebeests migrate from Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti in search of food and better settlements from June to Kenya’s Maasai Mara in October and return to the south of Tanzania in March.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to closely witness one of the last mass terrestrial movements on this planet.
Best Tour Operators in Six Top African Safari Destinations
Tailor-Made Safari Packages for Every Traveller
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a yearly journey of over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Triggered by the changing seasons and the search for fresh grazing, the migration follows a circular route. This ancient natural phenomenon has always been a spectacle and an example of how migration has been both an act of survival and a form of resistance.
The largest mammal migration on Earth spans 800km. The timing of the migration coincides with the greening of nutritious grasses and through transformation of different seasons. The annual migration happens as follows:
April – May (Central/Western Serengeti):
The herds start moving north through the Serengeti, often crossing the Grumeti River.
June-July (Northern Serengeti):
The migration moves towards the famous Mara River.
July-October (Maasai Mara, Kenya):
The dramatic crocodile-infested river crossings happen during this period.
November-December (Southern Serengeti):
The herds move towards the south for the new rain cycle.
December – March (Southern Serengeti/Ndutu):
The herds are in the Southern Serengeti, where over 8,000 calves are born, and the predators are highly active during this season.
The best time to go on a migration safari is during the Dry Season, from July to October. During this time, vast herds of wildebeest cross the Mara River in Maasai Mara National Reserve, where lurking crocodiles lie in wait for hours, anticipating the dramatic feast. These dramatic predator-prey interactions add to the thrill, offering opportunities for photography and wildlife documentaries that capture the essence of nature.
For a quieter, less crowded experience, June is also a great time to witness the herds as they arrive in the Mara. During that time, you can witness the running across the vast savannah of the Serengeti, from both drives and aerial views.
If you’re interested in seeing the calving season, January to March in the southern Serengeti is ideal, as millions of wildebeests give birth in the lush grasslands. One may spot newborn calves thriving alongside their mothers, survive deadly predators and prove that nature is full of miracles.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:
The central and southern Serengeti is where the herds start their journey and give birth from January to March.
Grumeti River, Tanzania:
Witness dramatic crossings as the herds move westward, typically in May and June.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya:
The Maasai Mara offers the most thrilling river crossings, usually from July to October.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania:
Although it lies outside the main migration route, the crater offers great wildlife viewing during the dry season.
Timing is Key:
The Great Migration usually occurs between July and October in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Choose the Right Location:
Focus on prime spots, such as the Mara River, for dramatic river crossings.
Book a Guided Safari:
Experienced guides help spot wildlife and provide insightful commentary.
Stay Close to the Action:
Choose camps near migration routes to increase your chances of witnessing the event.
Bring Proper Gear:
Binoculars, a zoom lens camera, and comfortable clothing are essential for a successful safari.
The migration is a year-round cycle rather than a fixed-duration event. However, specific highlights, like river crossings or calving, occur over a few weeks within this continuous movement.
You can experience the Great Wildebeest Migration through guided game drives, hot air balloon safaris, mobile camps, and fly-in safaris across Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, depending on the season.
During game drives, sightings can be very close, often within a few meters, while still maintaining safe and regulated distances. Visibility can also extend to vast herds that stretch for kilometres across the landscape.
Yes. The migration attracts predators and co-migrators. You can expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, zebras, and various antelope species alongside the wildebeest.
Both offer distinct experiences: Serengeti National Park is ideal for calving and vast landscapes, while Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for dramatic river crossings.
Nairobi National Park Tour - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more
Archie O
Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more
Tris S
Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.
First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more
Maruska_77
Thank you La Pisada - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more
Martin O
Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip! - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more
Terence M
An awesome safari tour with La Pisada ! - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more
Dina O
Copyright 2026 La pisada Africa Safaris design by Markethix. All Rights Reserved.
