Wishlist
Migration Safari - July to Mid-Oct
In Search of the Great Migration
Born Free Safaris specializes in creating safaris designed to follow the migrating herds and maximize your chances of catching the dramatic river crossings. No one, no company can guarantee that you will see the river crossing. However, with over 50 years of experience, strategic planning can significantly improve viewing opportunities.
The Great Migration is an annual journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystems in search of water and grasses. With them follow migratory predators. Not as well known is that the migratory herds from the Serengeti split, going north into the Mara in Kenya and to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. During the dry season (July–October), thousands of elephants, zebras, and wildebeest from the Maasai Steppe migrate to access the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. This makes it a critical secondary refuge for migratory species in Northern Tanzania.
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Great Migration, we take in consideration the following:
- Seasonal Placement of Accommodations: The itinerary is as shown on the website but base for explorations in the Serengeti is selected on the departures travel dates to give the best access to locating the herds and predators.
- Professional Guiding: You have an expert guide who has years of experience tracking herds.
- Crossing the Main Goal? If seeing this crossing is your ultimate goal, a custom itinerary can be planned to stay a longer time at crossing areas and visiting the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya. There are still no guarantees.
While timings vary based on unpredictable rainfall, the migration broadly follows the timeline below. Exact tracking is quite unpredictable.
- January – March (Calving Season): The herds congregate in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu) and the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- April – May: The season of heaviest rainfalls - travel not recommended except in late May.
- June: As the south dries, herds move northwest through the Western Corridor and Grumeti region, forming long columns of herds up to 25 miles long.
- July: Herds reach the Northern Serengeti and start to cross the rivers into Kenya's Masai Mara. This same movement also includes the large herds moving into Tarangire in Tanzania.
- August – September: The migratory herds have relocated to the Masai Mara in Kenya and Tarangire in Tanzania.
- October: Triggered by rain, the herds head south again from the Mara into Tanzania.
- November: Herds can be scattered but base should be around the central Serengeti.
- December: Herds and predators continue their movement to the south.
Overview of Inclusions:
- Flights: Serengeti to Arusha; Arusha to Nairobi
- All transfers from airports to/from hotels.
- Professional Guides, Deluxe Safari Vehicles
- All game drives and activities as shown in the itinerary.
- Refreshments carried in all Born Free vehicles
- Park and concession fees
- Gratuities to all hotel and restaurant staff while on safari
- Born Free Concierge Service - 24/7 Emergency US & Africa Contacts
- East Africa Medical Evacuation Limited Membership
- Pre-Journey Booklet, Customized Backpack, Luggage tags, Personalized Bound Final Itinerary.
Born Free Exclusive Option: All Safari Guide gratuities can be included.
Full list of inclusions and tariff details will be sent upon inquiry.
Call for 2026 rates.
Rates are in US dollars and include current taxes & park fees - subject to change.
Rates shown are starting price based on Shoulder Season - Value Accommodations.
Rates include flight from Serengeti to Arusha.
Rates do not include international or intercontinental airfares.
Request a single use exclusive use room rate.
Is this your dream trip?
For the wildlife enthusiast, the Migration Safari will be your ideal trip. It is a seasonal safari, meaning that the locations will change from month to month in order to enhance your wildlife experience. The itinerary varies in scenery and experiences. The Migration Safari is a comfortable trip with no long transit times. We have included flights where the distances are long. This safari offers the most variety and impact with the least amount of drive times.
TAILOR MADE: The Migration Safari can be tailored to suit your vision and specifications. Travel in the style that meets your comfort level, to the places that interest you the most, at a pace that you'll enjoy. Your research has led you to Born Free. Now let our Specialists tailor-make your journey the way you want to experience it.
Highlights
- Private Journey in Tanzania
- Your Choice of Accommodations in Kenya and Tanzania
- Seasonally Modified Safari to Maximize Game Viewing
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
- Masai Mara Main Eco-System
- Mara Conservancy features Night Drives & Nature Walks
- Conservancy Off-Roading & Close-up views of Wildlife
- Unlimited Game Drives in Tanzania
- Maasai Interactions, Visit a Coffee Plantation
- Born Free Professional Safari Guides
- Deluxe Safari Vehicles with Unobstructed Views
- Binoculars and Cool Boxes in Vehicles
- Internal Safari Flights Included to/from the Mara
- Giraffe Center & Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Extend your safari into the Serengeti in Tanzania (optional)
