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9-Day Kenya & Tanzania Great Wildebeest Migration Cycle Safari

💰 From $4,589 ⏱ 9 Days / 8 Nights 📍 Serengeti, Maasai Mara 🏕 Private Safari

Witness over a million wildebeest crossing the Serengeti plains.

Safari Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 9-Day safari following the annual wildebeest migration cycle from Kenya into Tanzania, tracing the herds across some of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes. Beginning in the Maasai Mara, the journey continues south into the Northern, Central and Southern Serengeti, offering opportunities to witness massive herds, predator action, dramatic river crossings, calving-season activity and the ever-changing rhythm of the migration. The safari concludes with a scenic road transfer to Arusha via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making this an immersive journey through the heart of the Great Migration ecosystem. Migration note: The periods below are indicative rather than fixed, as wildebeest movements depend on rainfall, grazing and water availability.

Safari Highlights

✓ Maasai Culture
✓ The Great Wildebeests Migration
✓ Predator encounters
✓ Southern Serengeti calving
✓ Big cats and abundant wildlife
✓ Scenic Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Detailed Itinerary

(Migration Period: July–October | Peak: August–September) Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi, travelling through the scenic Great Rift Valley and the lush highlands of Kenya before descending towards the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside, with opportunities for a brief stop along the way. Proceed to the Maasai Mara, arriving around midday for check-in and lunch at your camp. After a short rest, head out for your first afternoon game drive across the reserve. During the peak migration months of July to October, the Mara becomes the temporary home of enormous wildebeest and zebra herds arriving from Tanzania. August and September offer some of the strongest opportunities to witness large concentrations of animals and, depending on herd location, the spectacular Mara River crossings. Outside the migration months, the Mara remains excellent for resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and numerous antelope species. Return to camp before sunset for dinner and relaxation around the camp. Accommodation: PrideInn Mara Camp Meals: Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: July–October | Peak: August–September) Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a full-day game drive. The early morning provides excellent wildlife-viewing conditions as predators become active and large herbivores begin grazing across the plains. During August and September, the day's exploration can focus on areas where migrating wildebeest and zebra are concentrated. If the herds are positioned near the Mara River, your guide will monitor their movements and may take you towards potential crossing points. River crossings are entirely natural events and can occur without warning, making patience an important part of the experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location within the reserve before continuing with afternoon game viewing. Beyond the migration, look for the Mara's resident wildlife, including prides of lions, cheetahs scanning the open plains, elusive leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes and large herds of buffalo. Return to the camp in the evening for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: PrideInn Mara Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: April–August| Peak: July - August) After an early breakfast, check out and begin your journey towards the Kenya–Tanzania border at Isebania. The drive takes you through rural landscapes and communities before reaching the border. Complete immigration and customs formalities with assistance before crossing into Tanzania. Continue towards the Northern Serengeti, gradually entering the vast wilderness of the Serengeti ecosystem. The Northern Serengeti is especially significant from July to August, when migrating wildebeest and zebra occupy the northern grazing grounds. During August, the Mara River region becomes one of the most dramatic stages of the migration. Arrive at Lobo Wildlife Lodge, check in and relax after the day's journey. Depending on arrival time and road conditions, an optional short game drive may be possible. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge. Accommodation: Lobo Wildlife Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: April–August| Peak: July - August) Enjoy an early breakfast before heading into the Northern Serengeti for a full day of exploration. This is one of the most strategically important stages of the migration journey. During August, huge herds may gather around the Mara River before making their way between Kenya and Tanzania. Your experienced guide will monitor fresh tracks, herd concentrations and wildlife activity to determine the most rewarding areas to explore. If conditions are favourable, spend time around the river system observing wildebeest gathering along the banks. A river crossing, however, cannot be guaranteed because the herds determine when and where they cross. The northern Serengeti also offers outstanding opportunities for predator encounters. Lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas follow the concentrations of prey, while elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other resident species provide additional wildlife encounters. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing with afternoon game drives. Return to Lobo Wildlife Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Lobo Wildlife Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: October–December | Peak Transition: November–December) After breakfast, check out and begin the journey southwards towards Central Serengeti. Enjoy game viewing along the route, taking advantage of the opportunity to explore areas that may be occupied by migrating herds. From October, the wildebeest gradually begin their southward movement from the northern Serengeti. By November and December, the herds are generally progressing towards the central and southern plains in search of fresh grazing following the rains. The journey therefore becomes part of the migration experience itself, allowing you to observe changing landscapes and wildlife concentrations along the way. Arrive at Embalakai Camp, check in and enjoy lunch or a late lunch depending on the day's road conditions. Spend the afternoon relaxing at camp or, time permitting, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Return to camp for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Embalakai Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: October–December | Peak Transition: November–December) After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day exploration of Central Serengeti. Central Serengeti is an important transition zone in the annual migration cycle. From November and December, the returning herds increasingly move through this region towards the southern plains. From January onwards, the migration continues south and eventually concentrates around the calving grounds. The region is also renowned for excellent year-round resident wildlife. Spend the morning searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas and numerous antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing with an afternoon game drive. Your guide will tailor the route according to wildlife sightings and, where applicable, the current location of migrating herds. Return to Embalakai Camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation. Accommodation: Embalakai Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: December–April | Peak: January–March) After breakfast, depart Central Serengeti and travel south towards the Southern Serengeti. This leg follows the general direction of the migration as the herds move towards the nutrient-rich short-grass plains. The journey offers excellent opportunities for en-route wildlife viewing, with the possibility of encountering wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and predators along the way. As you approach the Southern Serengeti, the scenery changes to expansive open grasslands that form the traditional calving grounds. From December to April, large concentrations of wildebeest may gather here, with January to March representing the prime calving period. Arrive at Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp or similar, check in and have lunch or a late lunch. Relax at camp before an optional afternoon game drive, depending on arrival time. Dinner and overnight at the camp. Accommodation: Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Migration Period: December–April | Peak: January–March) Today is dedicated to one of the most remarkable stages of the wildebeest migration—the calving season. After an early breakfast, head into the Southern Serengeti for a full-day game drive across the short-grass plains. During January and February, the plains can become exceptionally busy as large numbers of wildebeest gather to give birth. The abundance of newborn calves attracts predators, creating excellent opportunities to observe lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and other opportunistic predators. The area also supports large numbers of zebra, gazelles and other herbivores. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness and continue exploring throughout the afternoon. Your guide will select areas based on current herd concentrations and wildlife activity. As the day draws to a close, enjoy the golden light across the Serengeti plains before returning to camp. Dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Kon Tiki Serengeti Camp or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

(Best Period: Year-round) After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic road transfer from the Southern Serengeti towards Arusha. The journey passes through the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area, providing a dramatic transition from the open Serengeti plains to the volcanic highlands of northern Tanzania. Depending on the route, timing and road conditions, enjoy a scenic stop overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater before continuing towards Arusha. The journey provides a final opportunity to appreciate Tanzania's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife ecosystems. Continue to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon or evening for drop-off at your hotel, airport or preferred location. This marks the end of your All-Year Wildebeest Migration Cycle Safari, having followed the migration from the Mara through the Serengeti's northern and central zones to its southern calving grounds. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

✅ What's Included

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Accommodation as specified
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Game drives as outlined
• Kenya & Tanzania park/conservation fees
• Cross-border assistance at Isebania
• Bottled drinking water during safari
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area transit fees where applicable

❌ Not Included

• International flights
• Kenya/Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Tips and personal expenses
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Optional activities
• Laundry services
• Anything not specifically listed under inclusions