The Great Migration in Tanzania
The Great Migration in Tanzania
Around two million wildebeest, with zebra and gazelle beside them, circle the Serengeti all year in search of fresh grass. See where the herds are each month, where we stay, and the private safaris we build around them.
Where and when to see the Great Migration
The herds follow rain and fresh grass, so exact positions change every year. Tap a season to see where they are, then let us match your dates to the right part of the park.
Calving season on the southern plains
The herds spread across the short-grass plains in the south and the calves arrive, usually peaking in February. Predators follow, so this is some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing of the year. Our partner camps are in the central, western and northern Serengeti, so for calving season we plan a central Seronera base with a southern-plains day, or place you near Ndutu. We will tell you honestly which fits your dates.
Long rains and the herds on the move
The rains turn the park green and the herds drift north-west through the centre. Fewer vehicles, lower rates and dramatic skies make this a lovely, quiet time. Some tracks are slow after heavy rain and a few camps close, so a flexible mindset helps.
Western corridor and the Grumeti River
Large columns move through the western corridor towards the Grumeti River, where crocodiles wait at the crossings. Ikoma, on the park edge, is a strong base at this time, with herds sometimes seen close to camp. Crossing timing changes every year, so we never promise a specific crossing.
Northern Serengeti and the Mara River
The dry season pulls the herds north to the Mara River, famous for dramatic crossings. It is also the busiest and priciest time. Book six to twelve months ahead and consider a few nights in the north. We can add Moyo Migration Camp Mara to any longer itinerary on request.
Short rains and the return south
Short rains trigger the move back south. The herds are spread out, so sightings are less certain than in peak months, but the landscape is lush, the park is quiet and lions, cheetahs and leopards are plentiful. A good value time to travel.
Wildlife is wild. We never guarantee a river crossing, but we plan your route and camps to give you the best chance.
What you can expect to see
The herd is only the start. Wherever it goes, predators and other wildlife follow.
From the Serengeti plains to the crater floor
Camps we use for migration safaris
Honest, comfortable camps chosen for location first. Click through to see each camp for yourself.
Moyo Camp Warangi
Central Serengeti, Seronera ValleyA luxury tented camp in the Seronera Valley, known as the big cat capital of the Serengeti. Walking safaris run from camp.
Visit camp website →Moyo Camp Hembe
Central SerengetiAn intimate boutique camp of 12 spacious tents with sunrise and sunset views, about 30 km from Seronera airstrip.
Visit camp website →Moyo Migration Camp Mara
Northern SerengetiA permanent camp in the heart of the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River crossing area. Added to longer trips on request.
Visit camp website →Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
Fort Ikoma, SerengetiFourteen private en suite tents on the Ikoma plains with a fire pit, solar power, night game drives and walking safaris with a park ranger.
Visit camp website →Kuoom Serengeti
Ikoma, 15 minutes from Ikoma GateEco-run bubble domes with solar power and full board. A walking safari afternoon is included in their rates. A memorable bed for couples.
Visit camp website →Eileen’s Trees Inn
KaratuOur usual first or last night near the crater, with full board and a comfortable bed after the drive from Arusha.
Great Migration safaris, built around the herds
Every trip is private, with your own 4x4 and guide. Prices are per person and drop as the group grows. Open any package for its own page with the day-by-day plan, prices for 2 to 12 travellers and a quote button.
3-Day Western Serengeti Migration Safari (Budget)
The shortest way to meet the herds: one night in Karatu, one night on the western plains at Ikoma, and a full day of game viewing in between.
Best Jun to Jul, Nov to Dec
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
6 travellers
4-Day Serengeti Migration and Big Cats Safari (Budget)
Two full Serengeti days with a night in Karatu first. A good value taster when you cannot spare a week.
Best Jun to Oct
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
6 travellers
5-Day Great Migration Safari with Ngorongoro Crater (Budget)
Serengeti first, then the crater floor. The classic northern circuit on a sensible budget.
Best Jun to Jul, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
6 travellers
6-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari (Budget)
An extra Serengeti day gives you real flexibility to chase river crossings and predator action.
Best Jun to Oct
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
6 travellers
7-Day Great Migration Safari Tanzania (Budget)
Our fullest budget migration week: four nights on the Serengeti plains, the crater, and unhurried days.
Best Jun to Oct
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp
6 travellers
4-Day Bubble Dome Serengeti Safari at Kuoom
Sleep in a transparent bubble dome minutes from Ikoma Gate. Same route as our budget safari, with a more memorable bed.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Kuoom Serengeti bubble domes
6 travellers · estimate
5-Day Bubble Dome Serengeti Safari at Kuoom
Sleep in a transparent bubble dome minutes from Ikoma Gate. Same route as our budget safari, with a more memorable bed.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Kuoom Serengeti bubble domes
6 travellers · estimate
4-Day Central Serengeti Big Cats and Migration Safari (Comfort)
Seronera is the big cat heart of the Serengeti. Two nights at Moyo Camp Warangi put you in the middle of it.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi
6 travellers
5-Day Serengeti Migration and Ngorongoro Crater Safari (Comfort)
Comfortable tented camp in the central Serengeti plus a full crater day on the way back.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi
6 travellers
6-Day Great Migration and Seronera Safari (Comfort)
Three Serengeti nights give you time to take in the central plains when the herds pass through.
Best Jan to Jul
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi
6 travellers
7-Day Great Migration Comfort Safari at Moyo Camp
A relaxed week built around the central Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi
6 travellers
10-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari (Comfort)
Tarangire elephants, the Serengeti and the crater, with enough time to see each one properly.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi
6 travellers
3-Day Luxury Serengeti Safari with Balloon
A short, special trip: Hembe camp, big cats at sunrise and a Serengeti hot air balloon flight.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe
6 travellers
4-Day Luxury Serengeti Balloon Safari
Two nights at Hembe plus a sunrise balloon flight and bush breakfast.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe
6 travellers
5-Day Luxury Great Migration and Crater Safari
Serengeti balloon flight, big cat country and a luxurious crater day.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe
6 travellers
7-Day Luxury Great Migration Safari with Balloon
Our fullest luxury migration week with four nights in the Serengeti and a balloon flight.
Best Jun to Oct
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe
6 travellers
10-Day Luxury Tanzania Migration Safari
Tarangire, a long Serengeti stay, balloon flight and the crater, all unhurried.
Best All year
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe
6 travellers
8-Day Serengeti Migration Safari and Zanzibar Beach (Budget)
4-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
10-Day Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar (Budget)
6-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
12-Day Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Holiday (Budget)
8-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Yellow Barbet Tented Camp · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
10-Day Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Beach (Comfort)
6-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
12-Day Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar (Comfort)
8-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Warangi · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
10-Day Luxury Serengeti Balloon Safari and Zanzibar
6-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
12-Day Luxury Great Migration Safari and Zanzibar
8-day safari followed by a flight to Zanzibar and three nights on the beach with activities.
Best Jun to Oct, Jan to Mar
Stay Eileen's Trees Inn · Moyo Camp Hembe · Bahari Villa Lodge
6 travellers
Prices are indicative per person for a private trip. Park fees change each season; your written quote is final. Balloon flights, tips and international flights are not included unless stated.
What our private safaris include
Included as standard
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide (French and Spanish guides on request)
- Park and conservation fees
- Accommodation and meals as listed, plus drinking water
- 24/7 support from our team
Not included
- International flights, unless stated
- Tanzania visa (about $50 per person)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and crew (about $15 to $20 per person per day)
- Alcohol and sodas
- Optional extras such as the hot air balloon
“Lets wander Tanzania takes care of everything!”
Michel Evrard, Belgium · July 2026
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Local, private and honest
Locally owned
Not a broker. A Tanzanian company run from Moshi and Arusha by the founder and his team. TALA licence No. 036127.
Truly private
Your own 4x4 with a pop-up roof and a private guide, so you set the pace.
Clear pricing
Every quote lists what is included and what is not. No hidden fees.
Founder involved
Christian plans your itinerary and replies personally, from first message to farewell.
Great Migration FAQs
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?
The herds are always somewhere in the Serengeti. Calving is usually January to March in the south, the Grumeti crossings are around June to July in the west, and the Mara River crossings are mostly August to October in the north. Herds follow rain, not the calendar, so dates move from year to year.
Can you guarantee a river crossing?
No, and nobody honest can. Crossings depend on the herds and the weather. We choose camps and days to give you the best chance and we keep your schedule flexible so we can follow the action.
How many days do I need for a Great Migration safari?
Three days is a taster. Five to seven days is the sweet spot, because it gives time for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater without rushing. Seven days or more is best if you want to chase crossings.
Are your safaris private?
Yes. You travel in your own 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a private driver-guide, so you set the pace. Group-joining options exist on selected dates for a lower price.
How far ahead should I book for July to October?
Six to twelve months ahead for the best camps. Quieter months need less notice, but we are happy to try last-minute dates too.
What is included in the prices?
Prices are per person for a private trip and depend on group size. Each quote lists exactly what is included, such as park fees, accommodation, meals, vehicle and driver-guide, and what is not, such as international flights, tips and optional extras like the balloon flight. We reply within 24 hours.
Which camps do you use?
We work with Moyo Tented Camp in the central and northern Serengeti, Yellow Barbet Tented Camp and Kuoom Serengeti at Ikoma, and comfortable lodges in Karatu. Final camp choices depend on your dates and the herds.
Can I combine the safari with Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro?
Yes. We add Zanzibar beach days with our partner Zanzibreeze Tours & Travel, and we can add a Kilimanjaro day tour or a full climb.
More planning help: best time to visit Tanzania · Serengeti guide · Ngorongoro Crater guide · how many days do you need
Ready to follow the herds?
Tell us your dates, group size and wish list. We reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made plan and clear pricing.