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We are ready for 2024 Great Migration Season! Check out our popular tours below. Book them as it is or use them to inspire your safari planning. We also customize tours from scratch. We specialize in tailor-made great wildebeest migration safaris where millions of wildebeests move from one place to another in search of greener pastures.

In Tanzania, the Great Migration has 2 main events, namely the Calving and River Crossing Safari.

Between January and March, Calving Safari gives you a chance to enjoy the fascinating predator action fueled by vulnerable prey. At least 8000 calves are born during each season. On the other hand, the River Crossing Migration provides spectacular views of wildebeests crossing the Grumeti River and the Mara River during July and August.

Migration Calving season from January to April

5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari- From USD 2,348 pp.

7 Days The Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari- From USD 2,863 pp.

Migration Crossing from July to October

5 Days Serengeti Great Migration Safari- From USD 2,875 pp.

7 Days The Great Serengeti Migration Safari- From USD 3,275 pp.

Request a Custom Safari

   

About Migration Calving Season

The Migration Calving Season in the Serengeti is a captivating natural phenomenon that unfolds from January to March. During this period, the Great Migration reaches its zenith as vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores gather to give birth to their young amidst the fertile plains. Witnessing this spectacle is like stepping into an untouched realm where life's cycles play out in their most primal form. The landscape comes alive with the sight of newborn wildebeest calves taking their tentative first steps, while predators lurk nearby, drawn by the abundance of vulnerable prey. The Migration Calving Season encapsulates both the vulnerability and resilience of life in the wild, offering a front-row seat to a profound natural drama that's as captivating as it is humbling.

 

About Migration Crossing Season

The Migration Crossing Season in the Serengeti is a dramatic and intense spectacle that occurs when millions of wildebeest and zebras brave treacherous waters in search of better grazing lands. This awe-inspiring event takes place primarily between June and July, as the herds confront the formidable Mara River, teeming with crocodiles and strong currents. As the herds gather at the riverbanks, anticipation hangs in the air, and then, with a surge of instinctual courage, they plunge into the water, creating a frenzied crossing marked by adrenaline-charged chaos. It's a visual masterpiece of survival, where the strong currents, crocodile threats, and the unyielding force of nature's challenges come together to test the herds' determination and resilience. The Migration Crossing Season is a captivating showcase of nature's raw power and the ceaseless quest for survival in the heart of the wild.

Great Migration
Package

Click the safari name to view the day by day details then fill out the inquiry form specific to that tour. We will respond to you as soon as possible

11 Days Explore Kenya Safari

No wildlife event on the planet rivals that of Kenya, an exotic haven which holds abundant wildlife with splendid sceneries. Twice each year, the enor...

10 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

Serengeti Wildebeests Migration is a display of natural wonders with over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope traveling over 450 miles acros...

8 Days Serena Safari Package with Cultural Hike

Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa to witness the wildebeest migration. This tour combines Serengeti wildebeest migration with a cultural...

8 Days Wildebeest Migration River Crossing

The wildebeest migration river crossing beginning July, moves north and passes through the Lobo and the Wagakuria area en-route to Kenya's Masai M...

8 Days The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari with Cultural Hike

The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari has been designed specifically to focus on following the Great Serengeti Wildebeest migration during cal...

5 Days Masai Mara Migration Safari

Have you ever watched the movie, Lion King? Well, imagine that coming to life and being a part of it. This 5 Days Masai Mara Migration Safari is ...

7 Day Tanzania Wilderness Safari

This amazing safari will take you to the top safari destinations in Tanzania to witness the high concentration of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, ...

6 Days The Best of Tanzania Safari

This safari is offered year round and features the most famous parks in Tanzania. From December to April you can enjoy the calving season, wherein the...

4 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season

This Ndutu Migration Safari During Calving tour has been designed specifically to focus on and to increase your chance to see the great Serengeti wild...

5 Days Serengeti Great Migration Safari

Serengeti Great Migration has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Not only does it offer incredible views of the plains dott...

7 Days The Great Serengeti Migration Safari

Visit our Great Migration page to see other tours, read FAQ, and more. This 7-Day The Great Serengeti Migration Safari package has been designed sp...

9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari During Calving Season

This safari has been designed specifically to focus on and to increase your chance to see the great Serengeti wildebeest migration. The Southern ...

5 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season

Ndutu migration safari during calving tours holidays and travel package have been designed specifically to focus on and to increase your chance to see...

10 Days Tanzania Luxury Sky Safari

This safari is ideal for families seeking for an ultimately relaxing holiday as well as for couples on a honeymoon who want to experience all of Tanza...

6 Days Tanzania Expedition Safari

A classic safari Tanzania for everyone that can be experienced all-year-round. You will visit top safari parks and see wildlife up close from Lions, t...

7 Days The Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari

The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari has been designed specifically to focus on following the Great Serengeti Wildebeest migration during cal...

5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari

The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari has been designed specifically to focus on following the Great Serengeti Wildebeest migration during cal...

9 Days Soul of Tanzania Safari Fly In Safari

Soul of Tanzania Safari Holidays and Travel Package is specifically designed to focus on and to increase your chance to see the great Serengeti wildeb...

10 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Fly In Drive Out

Serengeti wildebeests migration is a display of natural wonders with over two million wildebeests, zebras, and antelope traveling over 450 miles acros...

5 Day

Serengeti Great Migration has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Not only does it offer incredible views of the plains...

Frequently Asked
Questions

A definition of the Wildebeest Great Migration

It's an annual migration of more than two million wildebeest and twenty thousand other game animals from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania towards the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The wildebeests embark on the great migration voyage, searching for better grazing pastures and sufficient drinking water. The migration patterns depend on the different seasons experienced throughout the year. The historical event begins in the north and terminates in the south—an incredible stretch of more than 3000 kilometers. The wildebeest migration is a spectacular natural phenomenon and a must-see safari for adventure enthusiasts.

The great wildebeest migration is distinct because, unlike many people's belief, the migration happens all year round in a clockwise route, with each time of the year offering breathtaking wildlife experiences. During the migration, wildebeest and zebra cohabit together because they feed on the same species of vegetation. At the same time, approximately 3000 lions from the Serengeti ecosystem follow the migratory herds as they make their way around the country. The most scenic view of the great migration is probably watching the Mara River crossing, characterized by strong currents, giant crocodiles, and hippos waiting for the animals to jump into the brown waters and prey on them. It's usually a battle for survival, and only the strong ones see the promised land in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

You can expect to see wildebeest migration movement in different phases depending on the times of the year. They calve on the southern part of the Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You will enjoy the mesmerizing views of wildebeest calves taking baby steps and curbs learning how to kill their prey during the calving season. You'll also experience incredible predatory encounters, particularly by lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, before witnessing the crocodile-filled Mara River's adrenaline-moving crossing. Lastly, you'll enjoy a great adventure as you witness the self-sustaining ecosystem of the Serengeti-Mara region. You can expect to see impalas, zebras, gazelles, elands, and antelopes participating in the clockwise movement.

Each month of the year marks a different occurrence.

January: The migration cycle is in the short grasslands in the plains south of Serengeti in Tanzania. The calving season begins thanks to the excellent climate. Predators are numerous due to the large number of weak calves. It's always a thrilling scene as Wildebeests protect their calves.

February: The calving season continues, and you will witness mature wildebeests forming barricades around the calves to protect them from the lethal predators. Thanks to the intense action, drama, and wonders, this season is one you can't afford to miss.

March: The last batch of calves is born this month. The animals feed on leftover grasses. They also gather as the long journey heading northwards is about to start.

April: As April kicks in, the migration begins as the animals seek fresh water and good pasture in the north. They are scattered between the central and western areas of the Serengeti.

May: During May, the animals are around Moru Kopjes and are seen in large herds. They are joined by plenty of gazelles and zebras.

June: The herds arrive on the southern side of the Grumeti River in June. They pile up in large groups to cross. The river isn't continuous, and thus, the crossing is less bloody.

July: It is the month for the "World Cup of Wildlife" – Mara River crossing. The dramatic event happens towards the end of the month, and only the strong and lucky animals survive the crocodile and hippo-infested waters.

August: The crossing proceeds in August as the animals enter the neighboring Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Thousands of animals die while the survivors celebrate as they feast on the fresh grasses in Masai Mara.

September: Large herds of wildebeests, antelopes, kudus, gazelles, and zebras continue herding in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

October: Animals start moving back from Kenya into Tanzania. They head to the Lombo valley and Grumeti Reserve.

November: The rains begin in November, triggering the animals to move southwards towards western Loliondo (fertile plains of Serengeti).

December: During this last, the herds cluster in south Serengeti and then disperse into the plains to feed on the fresh pastures as the calving season starts. The cycle begins again.

Calving versus River Crossing Migration

Calving Safari gives you a chance to enjoy the fascinating predator action fueled by vulnerable prey. This mostly happens between January and March if the rains follow the typical pattern. The wildebeests are usually clustered in the lush green plains in the Ndutu region of southern Serengeti. At least 8000 calves are born during each season.

On the other hand, the River Crossing Migration provides spectacular views of wildebeests crossing the Grumeti River and the Mara River during July through October. The Mara River crossing is the most dramatic and chaotic. You'll enjoy every second of the class action as the wildebeests pile across the banks of the river before jumping in a flurry of panic. Crocodiles and hippos await in the river as lions and leopards prey on the unsuspecting victims along the river banks.

It all depends on preference. 

July through October is the peak crossing period at the Mara River. When wildebeest reach the edge of the Mara River, the predators feast with joy. Crocodiles patiently wait under the water for mealtime while lions and other predators take their stance on the riverbanks to weed out weak members of the herd. While predator-prey action is not guaranteed at every river crossing, it’s very likely to happen. This is very popular among wildlife enthusiasts so that also means that you can expect a crowd. When you see it for yourself, you'll understand why!

The calving season for wildebeests roughly occurs around the birthing season for elephants, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, leopards, zebras, baboons and more. Imagine little ones scampering all over the Serengeti. Around 500,000 are usually born across the entirety of that time. With so many stumbling babies come plenty of predator-prey drama. Mother wildebeests are fiercely protective of their young and will go to great lengths to stop predators. Unlike river crossings, which aren’t guaranteed, you are guaranteed to see wildebeest calves on a safari in the southern Serengeti.

Our advice: See them both!

When to Travel

The months to enjoy the great wildebeest migration entirely depend on personal preferences. If you prefer visiting a less crowded place, the March – June season characterized by heavy rains is ideal since the Serengeti is less crowded. You'll enjoy spectacular views of animals grazing and crossing through the plains. You also get to witness predators struggling to kill their prey, nurse wounds, or protect their cubs. On the other hand, the July – October season is the best to visit if you want to witness the Mara Crossing. However, it is not a guarantee due to the unpredictable nature of the herds. They behave differently in similar seasons each year.

You are guaranteed to see the great migration, but the key events vary depending on the season—for instance, the calving season at the beginning of the year and the mid-year iconic river crossing. Most clients would like to see the River Crossing Migration. Timing for this can be tricky because there’s no guarantee that a herd will decide to cross at a particular time. Coming during the peak crossing time, having a knowledgeable guide, and staying longer (so we can try on different days) will give you a better chance of seeing the river crossing when you are there as well. A lot of luck will help too!

Here's a guideline with approximate dates of events:
 

You can still visit during other months since the great migration is a continuous cycle. Even though you might miss out on the key events, you will still enjoy the fantastic views of the herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles. Also, you'll witness their predators, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and lions, as they chase down their prey and mark their territories.

A COMPARISON OF PRICES

 

Safari Name No of Days Places to visit Accommodation Price for 2 Price for 4 Price for 6

5 Days Serengeti Great Migration Safari

5

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park (North Mara) 

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Acacia Central Camps

$2,875 $2,405 $2,250

7 Days The Great Serengeti Migration Safari

7

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)
 

Kibo Palace Hotel
Karatu Acacia Farm Lodge
Serengeti Acacia Camp

$3,275 $2,740 $2,560

10 Days Exclusive Serengeti Safari (Journey For Migration River Crossing)

10

Tarangire  National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Serengeti National Park (Mara)
Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

Legendary Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Four Season Safari Lodge
Singita Mara River Tented Camp

$16,125 $15,420 $15,190

5 Days Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari

5

Serengeti National Park (Ndutu)

Acacia Migration Camp $2,348 $1,958 $1,827

7 Days The Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Safari

7

Tarangire National Park
Serengeti National Park (Ndutu)
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Palace Hotel
Endoro Lodge
Acacia Migration Camp
Acacia Central Camp
Acacia Farm Lodge

$2,863 $2,362 $2,195

8 Days The Great Wildebeest Calving Migration Safari with Cultural Hike

8

Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park (Ndutu)
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Mto Wa Mbu

Kibo Palace Hotel
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
Acacia Farm Lodge
Acacia Migration Camp
Acacia Seronera Luxury Camp
Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge

$3,365 $2,865 $2,700

9 Days Serengeti Migration Safari During Calving Season

9

Lake Manyara National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park (Seronera)
Serengeti National Park (Ndutu)

Mount Meru Hotel/The African Tulip
Kitela Lodge
Serengeti Acacia Camps
Lake Masek Tented Camp

$4,094 $3,539 $3,354

Activities You
Can Add-on

Balloon Safari

We can incorporate balloon safari in any of the tours in Serengeti National Park. Balloon Safari is an exhilarating experience that would you give a breath-taking view of the landscape of the park where you hover above large herds of animals. Serengeti is one of the destinations where such activity takes place, and mornings are the perfect time for the activity to witness a colorful view of the heavens. The height of the elevation allows a 360-view of the safari, where you can witness migrating wildebeests and zebras as well as residing gazelle and antelopes. The balloons can carry up to 16 people, and with the influx of tourists, experiencing this activity is a golden opportunity.

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