The Great Migration: Kenya and Tanzania

The trip

Every year the wildebeest and zebra herds circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara following the rains. From July to October they cross the Mara River, often in dramatic numbers, with crocodiles and big cats waiting. Combining the Mara and the northern Serengeti gives you two chances at the crossings, then Ngorongoro adds the densest wildlife in Africa.

The route

Start with a night in Nairobi, then fly into the Masai Mara for four nights. Fly via Kilimanjaro to the northern Serengeti for four nights, then drive south to the Ngorongoro highlands for two, finishing with a night in Arusha before flying home.

Day by day

The migration moves with the rain; your advisor will pick camps closest to the herds for your dates.

1. Day 1

   Nairobi

   Arrive and rest. If time allows, the elephant orphanage or the Giraffe Centre.

   Stay Hotel in Nairobi

   Travel Airport transfer, about 30 minutes

2. Days 2-5

   Masai Mara

   Morning and afternoon game drives, river crossings in season, a hot-air balloon at dawn and a visit to a Maasai community.

   Stay Camp in the Masai Mara

   Travel Light aircraft, about 45 minutes

3. Days 6-9

   Northern Serengeti

   The quieter Tanzanian side of the Mara River, with long days following the herds and the lions that follow them.

   Stay Camp in the northern Serengeti

   Travel Light aircraft via Kilimanjaro, most of a day

4. Days 10-11

   Ngorongoro

   A full morning on the crater floor for black rhino, lion and flamingos, then coffee farms in the highlands.

   Stay Lodge on the crater rim or highlands

   Travel Light aircraft and drive

5. Days 12-13

   Arusha and home

   A night to rest, then fly home from Kilimanjaro.

   Stay Lodge in Arusha

   Travel Drive, about 3 hours

When to go

July to October is the classic time, with river crossings in the Mara and northern Serengeti. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti, with predators at their busiest, and is a different route. April and May bring the long rains, when some camps close.

Where to stay

Most nights are in tented camps with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and all meals and game drives included. Book a year ahead for the peak months. Price bands are a typical night for two sharing; expect more at peak dates.

Featured stay

Mahali Mzuri

Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Maasai Mara, Kenya

££££

Couples and families wanting a stylish, all-inclusive safari in a private Mara conservancy.

Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson's safari camp in Kenya: twelve striking tented suites on the side of a lush valley in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and on the path of the Great Migration. Game drives are in a private conservancy with few vehicles, and everything is included.

Rooms

11 Luxury Tented Suites and 1 Family Tent

Food

All meals, wines and spirits included

Best time to go

July to October for the migration

Read our full review →

What it costs

Allow from about £9,000 per person for 13 days with good camps, light-aircraft flights and park fees, excluding international flights. With the top camps throughout, expect £20,000 or more. Peak migration dates are the most expensive.

Pace and fitness

Game drives are seated but bumpy, with early starts and long days in the vehicle when following the herds. Light aircraft have strict soft-bag luggage limits, usually 15kg.

How to book

Our advisors plan this trip end to end: flights, hotels, guides and the small details that make the days easy. Tell us your dates and the style of stay you like, and we will build it around you. Speak to an advisor.