The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya

One of the biggest draws to the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya is the wildebeest and zebra migration. The 1.5 million wildebeests and 200,000 zebra, and their many herbivore and carnivore co-dependents, are constantly roaming this expansive area - The Great Migration isn't a once-off annual event. It's constant movement as the herd goes in search of fresh water and food.

A never-ending cycle.  

The phenomenon is one of the Natural Wonders of the World and often called the 'Greatest Show on Earth.' It's an epic journey (approximately 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebra die every year due to predators, drowning, thirst, hunger, and exhaustion!) that you simply have to witness firsthand... no words could ever do it justice! 

They will feast on the nutritious mineral-rich grass of the Southern Serengeti during birthing time (and with plenty of calves, the big cats, like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators have easy targets.) The herd sustains itself on the long grass of the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara after rutting in Western Serengeti, and they pass through Central and Eastern Serengeti/Loliondo area when heading back south. As their movement continues, you may be lucky enough to witness the iconic Grumeti River crossing in the Western Serengeti and the similarly dramatic Mara River crossing in the Northern Serengeti. That's bonus! 

Southern Serengeti Calving Season

Where the Migration goes: a month-by-month guide

November: On the move  

During this time, the wildebeest and zebra are heading to the south of the Serengeti from the north. They're moving down via the east of the Serengeti and the concessions. If on Safari, it's best to hedge your bets and stay in two regions of the Serengeti to boost your chances of finding the herd on their trek.

December to March: The calving season 

The beginning of the year is the herd's birthing season, where around 8,000 new calves are born every day between late January and early February. The place to be is at a camp in the Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, to private Maswa Game Reserve. This is a good time to enjoy some thrilling predator action as they stalk, hunt, and prey on their easy targets.  

April to May: The rainy season 

The long rainy season sees showers lasting a few hours. It’s also rutting (mating) time again so expect some interesting behaviour. If you don’t mind being adventurous, this is a great opportunity to visit and get some amazing deals on places-we-stay. The Central Serengeti, through to the Western corridor are the best places to be.

June to July: The green season

June is green after the rains, making this one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit - especially if you love wildflowers. The hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra are roaming from Central to Western Serengeti on their way towards the Masai Mara. During this time, the herds may be crossing the Grumeti River to get to the Northern Serengeti or may already be in this area. The Grumeti River is home to large crocodiles who lie in wait for their tasty snack. Areas outside western Serengeti are also prime viewing spots. 

August to October: The Mara River drama  

The herds of wildebeest and zebra enter the long, lush grass of the Masai Mara and the Northern Serengeti come August – which is also when those ultra-dramatic Mara River crossings take place. They stay in this region for a few months enjoying vegetation that the long rains of April May brought about (with the short rains in late October ensuring the grass remains abundant.) The herds are going back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya and increasing the odds of seeing a lovely Mara River crossing. 

The drama of a river crossing - brutal, fascinating and sometimes hard to watch!

Frequently asked questions about the Great Wildebeest Migration

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

The Migration is a year-round event — the herd never stops moving. That said, there are two standout seasons. The Mara River crossings (July to October) in the Northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) are the most dramatic spectacle, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-filled waters. Then there is the calving season (January to March) in the Southern Serengeti. This is equally breathtaking — up to 8,000 calves born every single day, and the predator action that follows is extraordinary. The best time for you depends on what you want to witness most.

Do you need to visit Kenya or Tanzania to see the Migration?

The Migration moves between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara in a continuous annual loop — so the answer is ideally both. Many of our favourite itineraries follow the herd across both countries, combining the vast plains of the Serengeti with the iconic open grasslands of the Mara. If you can only choose one, your timing determines which side of the border to be on — and that's exactly where we come in.

How far in advance should I book a Migration Safari?

For peak river crossing season (July to October), we recommend booking 12 to 18 months ahead. The best-positioned camps and the places we stay are small, intimate and conservation minded. The guides who know how to navigate this ethically, and give you the best chance to see the river crossings without impacting the phenomenom. For calving season, six to twelve months is usually sufficient. If you have a specific travel window in mind, get in touch sooner rather than later and we'll tell you honestly what's still available.

Can you guarantee a river crossing?

No one can — and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you. The Migration follows water and grass, and the crossings happen on the herd's terms. What we can do is position you in the right place at the right time, with guides who know this landscape intimately and will give you the best possible chance of witnessing one. Many of our guests see multiple crossings in a single stay. But also remember, there is SO much more to see when you’re out there, other incredible mammals, birds, insects. Go without expectation and curiosity for your surroundings and mother nature will provide - beyond just ticking off seeing a crossing.

Northern Serengeti

Central Serengeti

The right place at the right time! 

Spotting these incredible African animals on the move is all about being in the right place at the right time. Let me help get you a front-row seat to this wildlife spectacle, where you can admire every detail of the Greatest Show on Earth!  

Let’s chat about your Journey to Africa!

Zanzibar – The soulful spice in your Safari adventure.

Want to end your Safari with a little salt in your hair and a swirl of spice in the air. That’s Zanzibar. 

I always get excited when guests ask, “Should we add Zanzibar to our Safari?” My answer? A resounding YES! If your Safari feeds the wild part of your soul, then Zanzibar is where your heart slows down, your senses wake up, and your connection deepens… not just to the land, but to the people who call it home. 

Upendo Beach - one of the beach resorts we enjoy sending you.

The perfect pairing: Safari + Zanzibar 

After days in the bush tracking lions, sipping sundowners under acacia trees, and waking to the calls of hornbills, there’s something magical about trading your hiking boots for flip-flops. 

You might see Zanzibar as a relaxing post-Safari “add-on,” but the reality is that it’s part of Tanzania’s beating heart. I always recommend visiting after your Safari, so you get to soak in that wild energy first… and then let the island bring you gently back to earth.

Via Sam Vox, a brilliant photographer who captures Zanzibar magically.

Stone Town: Zanzibar’s cultural heartbeat 

Stone Town is where Zanzibar tells its story. It’s not polished. It’s real, layered in history, and oozing character in every crumbling coral wall and carved wooden door. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a kaleidoscope of cultures (African, Arab, Indian, European) all woven together in narrow alleyways and buzzing bazaars. 

You’ll walk past colorful markets where spices fill the air and women wear kangas printed in Swahili proverbs. You’ll hear the call to prayer echo off centuries-old minarets as kids dart through the streets kicking homemade soccer balls. The scent of cardamom and grilled octopus floats through the evening air, and if you pause to look up, you’ll see balconies crafted hundreds of years ago, each one telling its own small tale of this island’s layered past. 

My kids in 2015. Watching in awe the kids jumping in Forodhani, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Evening meal preparation in bustling Forodhani, Stone Town, Zanzibar

Anglican Church - a place of history

House of Wonders - place fit for a king.

Coffee break after exploring the sensory overload meat market.

Zanzibar’s history as a trading hub means you’ll taste Indian and Persian influences in the food (don’t skip a bowl of spicy biryani or Zanzibari mix). If adventurous, enjoy the Forodhani food scene in the evening. You may have passed the local market on your Stone Town tour.

You’ll see majestic Omani architecture near centuries-old churches. You’ll learn about the dark legacy of the slave trade, and witness how modern Zanzibaris carry their past with strength and grace. 

People here are proud of their heritage – and wonderfully open to sharing it with curious travelers. A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to explore the labyrinthine alleyways on your first day. After that, take it slow, get deliciously lost, and let the street rhythms lead you. 

Local etiquette note:
Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so dressing modestly in town is appreciated (think shoulders and knees covered). 

Humpback whales? Just another bonus! 

Want one more wild, heart-stirring reason to go? 

Between July and August, Zanzibar sits along the migration route of Humpback Whales traveling with their calves from the chilly waters of South Africa toward the warmer currents of Somalia. Seeing a mother and baby breach against a Zanzibari sunset? It’s the kind of moment that lives with you forever. 

This is the magic of combining Safari and sea. You go from spotting lion cubs on dust-colored savannas to watching whale tails slice through sapphire surf. 

Zanzibar is a vibe-shift… in the best possible way. 
It’s the celebration after the Safari. The soul after the thrill. 

If you’re dreaming of an adventure that’s wild, warm, and wonderfully human, Zanzibar is calling. And I’d love to help you answer. 

Best time to visit Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the two peak seasons are June to October (dry, sunny, ideal for beaches and water activities) and December to February (warm and mostly dry, perfect for combining with a Tanzania Safari over the holidays). The long rains run April to May and are worth avoiding if possible. If humpback whales are on your wish list, plan for July to August.

Frequently asked questions about Zanzibar

How do you get to Zanzibar from the Serengeti?

Most guests fly from the Serengeti or Arusha into Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport — it's a straightforward connection, usually via Dar es Salaam or direct on a charter. We handle all the logistics so you don't have to think about it.

How many nights do you need in Zanzibar?

We recommend a minimum of three nights to do it justice — one to explore Stone Town, two to properly unwind on the beach. Four or five nights is the sweet spot if you want to add a spice tour, snorkelling, or a day trip to Prison Island.

Which part of Zanzibar is best for beaches?

The north and northeast coasts — Nungwi and Kendwa — offer the calmest, clearest water year-round. The east coast (Paje, Jambiani) is stunning but can have seaweed seasonally. We'll recommend the right area based on when you're travelling.