What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the year-round movement of more than a million wildebeest, with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, in a loop through Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. The herds follow the rain and fresh grass, and predators follow the herds. Most of the year is spent in Tanzania; the Mara is the northern end of the loop. Read the whole story in our Great Migration guide.
When are the herds in the Mara?
The herds usually begin to arrive in the Maasai Mara around July, stay through August and September, and head back south into Tanzania during October and November. Timing changes from year to year with the rains, so plan a few days rather than a single day.
The Mara River crossings
The most famous moments of the migration happen when the herds cross the Mara River — and its tributaries — under the eyes of crocodiles and waiting predators. Crossings can happen at any time of day, at different points along the river, and the herds may gather for hours before they go — or turn back. Patience is part of the experience.
Tips for seeing a crossing
- Stay at least three nights in the Mara between July and October.
- Spend full days out with a packed lunch, so you can wait at the river.
- Trust your guide — they track the herds' movements and talk with other guides.
- Keep your distance and stay quiet; vehicles that crowd the banks can stop a crossing.
Mara or Serengeti?
Both are wonderful. The Mara is compact, with the herds concentrated in a smaller area in the peak months. The Serengeti hosts the migration for most of the year, including the calving season in January–February and the northern river crossings from July to October. Many travellers see both: our 10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration safari visits the Mara and then the northern Serengeti. See Kenya and Tanzania together and our Tanzania season guide.
Plan early
July to October is the busiest time in the Mara. Camps near the river fill many months ahead, and park fees are at their high-season rate. Book early for the best choice.
