If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing millions of wildebeests thunder across golden plains and plunge through crocodile-filled rivers this is your year. The Great Migration 2026 is nature’s most dramatic wildlife show, and the time to plan is now.
From Tanzania’s endless Serengeti to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, the migration follows a year-round rhythm of survival, instinct, and movement. Here’s your essential guide to where and when to witness it and how to secure your front-row seat before it’s gone.
🗓️ Month-by-Month Migration Timeline (2025–2026)
Jan–Mar – Southern Serengeti: Calving season with over 500,000 newborns and intense predator activity.
Apr–Jun – Central/Western Serengeti: Mating season featuring mini-river crossings.
Jul–Oct – Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara: Peak migration drama with dramatic Mara River crossings.
Nov–Dec – Central Serengeti & Ngorongoro: Return journey south during the short rains.
Where to See the Great Migration
- Masai Mara, Kenya: For the legendary river crossings (July–October)
- Serengeti, Tanzania: For calving and predator hunts (Jan–March)
- Grumeti River Zone: Perfect for quieter viewing and photography
Where to Stay During the Great Migration
For a truly unforgettable safari experience, pair the wilderness adventure with luxury stays that offer panoramic views, impeccable service, and exclusive access to migration hotspots. Here are some of the best lodges and camps to consider for 2026:
- Angama Mara, Kenya– Perched high above the Great Rift Valley, this glass-fronted lodge offers cinematic views of the Mara plains and direct access to daily game drives.
- Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania– A sophisticated eco-luxury retreat set right beside the Mara River, where you can watch the crossings unfold from your deck.
- Mahali Mzuri, Kenya– Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning camp located in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, offering unbeatable views and luxury in the wild.
- andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Kenya– A perfect blend of adventure and elegance nestled on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, ideal for witnessing the migration and daily game drives.
Each of these properties provides exclusive access to migration corridors, gourmet dining, and unmatched service, ensuring your Great Migration experience is both adventurous and indulgent.
Here are some itineraries that you can follow for a thrilling migration experience!
The Great Migration Tanzania Safari Itinerary from Dubai:
Here’s a 6-day journey that lets you live and breathe the wild pulse of Tanzania, from Arusha’s warm welcome to the endless plains of Serengeti and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 1: A Night in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a member of our Pride welcomes you to Tanzania. After a scenic drive and short briefing, check in at the Masai Land Hotel in Arusha. Take the evening to unwind and prepare for the safari adventure ahead.
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Wake up to the sounds of Africa and journey to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. The park’s birdlife is remarkable too, perfect for photography. Enjoy a full-day game drive before heading to Farm of Dreams in Karatu for a cozy night’s rest.
Day 3: The Great Serengeti – A Window into Africa’s Soul
Drive through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at the rim to take in the iconic view of the Ngorongoro Crater. Continue to Serengeti National Park, where vast plains and roaming herds welcome you. Overnight at Tukaone Camp, surrounded by the wild symphony of the bush.
Day 4: Show Me More… Serengeti
Spend the day chasing the Great Migration across the plains. Depending on the season, the herds move between the southern and northern Serengeti. Expect heart-stirring encounters with lions, cheetahs, and elephants and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the wild.
Day 5: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Bid farewell to the Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro region, enjoying game drives along the way. If traveling between November and December, you’ll witness the wildebeest calving season, affectionately called “toto time.” Overnight again at Farm of Dreams for a tranquil evening.
Day 6: The Ngorongoro Crater Finale
Descend into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, home to the densest population of wildlife in Africa. Spot the Big Five, picnic near the hippo pool, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Later, return to Arusha for your flight home, leaving with memories that linger long after you’ve left.
Kenya Classic Migration Safari from Dubai:
Day 1: Adventure Awaits – Arrival in Nairobi
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A warm smile and a friendly welcome from our Pride representative await you right at the terminal. You’ll be assisted with your luggage and comfortably transferred to your hotel for check-in.
After a long journey, take the day to relax and unwind. You can enjoy the hotel’s serene ambiance, indulge in a rejuvenating spa session, or savor a delightful dinner at one of Nairobi’s top restaurants. This evening is all about rest and anticipation. Your safari adventure begins tomorrow!
Overnight stay in Nairobi.
Day 2: Discovering the Beauty of the Mara
Rise early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. On arrival, settle into your luxury camp or lodge before embarking on your first game drive across the endless golden plains.
The Mara offers breathtaking landscapes, beautiful savannahs, scattered acacia trees, and a rich tapestry of wildlife. Witness herds of elephants, zebras, and antelopes grazing freely, while predators like lions and cheetahs roam nearby.
For the best wildlife sightings, begin your morning game drive at dawn, when lions are most active. Savor a picnic breakfast in the wild, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Spend the afternoon exploring more of the Mara’s wonders, followed by a mesmerizing sunset drive. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, return to your lodge for dinner and storytelling by the campfire.
Overnight stay in Maasai Mara.
Day 3: Get Ready for a Thrilling Game Time!
Today offers two spectacular ways to experience the Mara.
Option 1: Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional Experience)
Before dawn, you’ll head to the launch site for your hot-air balloon safari. As the sun begins to rise, the balloon ascends gently, offering a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below, elephants moving in herds, giraffes stretching toward treetops, and the golden grasslands glowing in the morning light.
After landing, indulge in a champagne breakfast served right in the middle of the savannah, a truly unforgettable experience.
Option 2: Game Drive Adventure
If you prefer to stay grounded, enjoy an early game drive with your expert guide. You’ll have ample opportunity to photograph Africa’s majestic wildlife and learn about the intricate ecosystem that supports them.
Return to your camp for a relaxed lunch, followed by an evening game drive or downtime to enjoy the lodge amenities. End the day by the campfire, sharing stories under the starlit African sky.
Overnight stay in Maasai Mara.
Day 4: Rhino Tracking at Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, journey north through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos that color the lake’s edge in pink hues (seasonal), and as a sanctuary for both black and white rhinos.
After checking in at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, enjoy lunch with sweeping views of the park. In the afternoon, set off for a game drive to spot rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and waterbucks.
Pause at scenic viewpoints for photographs that perfectly capture the park’s beauty, emerald woodlands, shimmering waters, and vast open skies. As the sun sets over the lake, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.
Overnight stay in Lake Nakuru.
Day 5: Farewell to the Wild – Return to Nairobi
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Kenya’s wild beauty. Enjoy a short game drive as you exit the park, keep your eyes peeled for one last glimpse of rhinos, zebras, or graceful giraffes posing for your camera.
Drive back to Nairobi, where you’ll arrive in time for your international flight. Reflect on the unforgettable memories you’ve made, majestic sunsets, thrilling wildlife encounters, and the magic of Africa’s wild heart.
Your safari adventure may end here, but the stories will last a lifetime.
Photography & Safety Tips
- Use zoom lenses (200mm+) to capture action from a safe distance.
- Follow your guide’s cues during river crossings, safety first.
- Early mornings offer the best light and calm weather.
FAQs:
When is the best time to see the wildebeest crossing the Masai Mara in 2024?
Between July and September is the best time to visit.
What makes the Great Migration worth seeing?
It’s the largest overland animal migration on Earth, a breathtaking display of instinct and survival.
Don’t Just Watch. Experience It.
Witness nature’s greatest story unfold, up close, in comfort, and with expert guides who know every trail.
Book your Great Migration Safari 2026 now before the seats fill up! Contact us to know more about the special packages and experience East Africa like never before!
