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Migration Safari - Oct to Mid July
In Search of the Great Migration
Born Free Safaris specializes in creating safaris designed to follow the migrating herds and maximizing 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 Serengeti is one of those rare places on earth that generally exceeds our expectations. In a day’s game viewing, one may see a cheetah standing on a rock looking out for the next meal for her cubs, giraffe in their classic pose sipping water from a nearby stream, and a large herd of elephants lumbering to new areas to find their daily meal.
The Great Migration is an annual journey of over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle in search of water and grasses. With them follow migratory predators. Primarily they follow a circular path through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya. Not as well known is that the migratory herds from the Serengeti split between the Mara and Tarangire National Park.
The emphasis of this safari will be the Serengeti in Tanzania. It has always been difficult to predict exactly when and where you will encounter the herds but with over 50 years of planning safaris, we have had a good track record. Sadly, we have seen pattern changes which we feel are due to the climate changes. It will take years to see if the migration has changed its course. Until then, we will plan your safari to have your base in a central location, giving you the most flexibility on game drives. With unlimited game viewing, our guides have the best ability to optimize your safari experience.
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, but exact tracking and crossing are 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:
- Flight: Serengeti to Arusha
- 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.
Full list of inclusions and tariff details will be sent upon inquiry.
Born Free Exclusive Option: All Safari Guide Gratuities can be included.
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 - Silver 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. 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
- Choice of Accommodations
- Exclusive Born Free Safari Guide throughout your trip
- itinerary Optimized for Best Game Viewing Opportunities
- In-Depth Serengeti Safari (Visits Two Distinctive Regions)
- Maximized Unlimited Game Drives
- Unobstructed Views from Special Open Top Vehicles
- Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Night Game Drives and Nature Walks
- Maasai Cultural Interactions
- Internal Safari Flights included
- Nature Walks
- Meet the Maasai
- Ancient Man Site at Olduvai Gorge & Museum
- Deluxe Safari Vehicles equipped with Binoculars & Cool Box
- Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya (optional extension)
