You’re in Kenya’s Masai Mara on an early morning game drive. Across the Mara River in the Serengeti thousands of wildebeest and zebra mill around, waiting for the right moment to cross the river into the Masai Mara… but, when will they cross?
It’s the Great Migration, a constant circular journey through Tanzania’s southern Serengeti into Kenya’s Masai Mara, and back again. In February and March the herds gather in Ndutu, in the southern Serengeti, accompanied by the arrival of their young. Crossing the plains they search for fresh, sweet grass, reaching the western and northern Serengeti by June and July. This marks the start of the dramatic river-crossings as they cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara – a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
As the herd surges towards the river, the first one makes a crossing, then another, then the entire herd plunges into the crocodile-infested Mara River with a mix of running, jumping, and tumbling, some victim to the crocs in the river or to the waiting hungry predators. This incredible spectacle of nature is an experience not to be missed.
We’re often asked: “Where can I see the migration?” The catch is there’s no fixed calendar.
The herds move according to rainfall, following the path of new, sweet grass. With our experience and the help of local experts, we’ll help you plan the time and place to see this natural phenomenon, nature permitting, whether it’s the arrival of the young calves in the Serengeti or the awe-inspiring river crossings into the Masai Mara.
