Every year more than 1.5 million wildebeest and 200 000 zebra and gazelle migrate in a big loop across the plains of the Masai Marai National Park in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This migration is recognised as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Natural World” – an awe-inspiring spectacle of antelope on the move, pursued by predators such as crocodiles and lions. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world and an absolute must if you’re a nature lover.
While most people think of it as an annual event, the Great Migration is in fact a continuous cycle. The animals moving back and forth between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Crossing the Mara River each time in search of better grazing (the saying “the grass is greener on the other side” perfectly sums up their motivation!).
The Great Migration on a budget
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are expensive safari destinations, and prices are highest during the months of the migration. However it is possible to see the Great Migration on a budget.
Your best budget option is an overland tour to either Tanzania or Kenya during the migration period. We offer a selection of budget overland safaris to the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. These tours facilitate camping in the parks and spending your days on game drives, seeing those nature documentary scenes first hand.
Popular budget Masai Mara and Serengeti Safaris:
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Tour Length 12 days Group Size Max 16 Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi Countries Kenya, Tanzania Overview Nothing can compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in the flesh. That’s why we’ve dedicated 12 full days to exploring this iconic safari circuit. Traverse incredible national parks where golden grasslands stretch onto the ends of the earth, watch wildebeest kick up the rich African dust as they migrate in their millions, and venture off track to isolated regions to meet local tribes world apart. The road is as diverse as it is unpredictable, so be prepared for adventure. Price from
R57,827
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Tour Length 10 days Group Size Max 20 Starts & Ends Starts: Dar es Salaam Ends: Nairobi Countries Tanzania, Kenya Overview On this Highlights of Tanzania safari relax on the beaches of Zanzibar and experience wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater. Experience East Africa while on adventure to Africa's beaches and safari parks. Price from
R41,950
Go glamping or include chill time in Zanzibar on these trips to see the migration:
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Tour Length 28 days Group Size Max 16 Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Dar es Salaam Countries Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Overview This 28-day Nairobi to Zanzibar Overland Comfort Tour provides a comprehensive insight into East Africa’s finest attractions and gives you an insight into Southern Africa. From Kenya’s ‘Great Rift Valley’ to ‘Lake Nakuru’, we cross the equator for game viewing at Queen Elizabeth National Park, including chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Gorge. Partake in a few adrenaline-pumping activities at Jinja – the source of the Nile. - Price Beat Guaranteed
- 10% early bird discount (6 months or more)
Price from
R135,900
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Tour Length 13 days Group Size Min 2 Max 7 Starts & Ends Starts: Arusha Ends: Nairobi Countries Kenya, Tanzania Overview Head for the hills, mountains and valleys as you travel through Tanzania and Kenya on the Great East African Lodge Safari. This is a round trip that starts and ends in Arusha. Experience the grassy plains that stretch on into the horizon in the Serengeti and lay your eyes upon the tranquil Lake Victoria. Price from
R122,155
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Tour Length 10 days Group Size Min 2 Max 7 Starts & Ends Starts: Arusha Ends: Nairobi Countries Kenya, Tanzania Overview This 10 day Best of Tanzania and Kenya Safari covers many highlights of northern Tanzania and Kenya. You travel to the Tarangire National Park, Masai Mara Game Reserve and end in Nairobi. You will be staying in Tented Camps. Price from
R105,225
When to see the Great Migration
In June and July, the herds start amassing along the Grumeti River in the Serengeti, preparing to head northwards to the Masai Mara. In August and September, the herds reach the Mara River and start to make the famous crossing, many dying in the process or by crocodiles. These are the quintessential migration scenes you may have seen in nature documentaries – hordes of animals moving at once with single-minded purpose. By October the herds start moving from the Masai Mara southwards back to the Serengeti. Although with changing weather patterns, the migration is not always predictable and the movement patterns can vary. However you can bank on the end of August to the end of September being the best time to see the Great Migration if you want to witness the big river crossing.
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I want to see the great migration the river crossing predator vs prey am tired of watching it on tv I want to be there physically to see it smell it am so excited to see Africa.