Search for the migration herds
One of Africa's most iconic moments - the migration of two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles around the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Area
Serengeti and northern Tanzania
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
Searching for the herds requires a good dose of luck, patience and staying in the right location. The herds move every month or two, driven by instinct and the search for fresh grazing. Whether you watch as they congregate on the southern Ndutu plains to give birth to their young, or see wildebeest snaking in lines through the grassy savannah as far as the eye can see, it is an impressive sight to behold. River crossings are impossible to predict and it can take days for the first zebra or wildebeest to take the plunge into the fast flowing waters, dodging the jaws of crocodiles and kicking up clouds of dust as they approach the riverbanks. The documentaries make it look easy, but remember they have often spent months on location capturing the moment, so if you time it right to encounter the herds, consider yourself very lucky indeed.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourUltimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationSerian's Serengeti North Camp
Serian's Serengeti North Camp is a seasonal mobile camp operating between July and November in the far north of Tanzania's Serengeti. Set a short distance from the Mara River, Serian is a great camp to catch the dramatic wildebeest river crossings.
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View AccommodationSingita Mara River Tented Camp
Situated in the northern most tip of the Serengeti National Park, Singita Mara River Tented Camp offers guests the chance to spend time in this stunning yet remote area, with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti National Park.
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View AccommodationLamai Serengeti
Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views in a remote corner of the northern Serengeti, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River, usually between late July and October.
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View AccommodationLegendary Lodge
Set in beautiful gardens under the shade of Mount Meru, Legendary Lodge is a luxurious and comfortable lodge in Arusha, perfect for an overnight stop either before or after visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire.
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View AccommodationNamiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains lies in the remote eastern corner of the Serengeti, the ideal place for seeing big cats and enjoying the migration in peace. The camp offers comfort and true exclusivity with excellent guiding, perfect for real safari enthusiasts.
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View AccommodationGibb's Farm
Gibb's Farm is an old 1920s coffee plantation with terraced gardens on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Rift Valley Escarpment. Gibb's Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas.
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View AccommodationKuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire is an eco-friendly dry seasonal camp, set in a grove of acacia trees, in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, within easy reach of the main river and Silale and Gursi Swamps.
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View AccommodationSerengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to view the Serengeti wildebeest migration and the substantial herds of resident game. The camp is “semi nomadic” and shadows the migration, enabling guests to get as close to the migration as possible.
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View AccommodationOlakira Camp
Olakira is a small, seasonal camp, located in the Serengeti National Park. Moving seasonally between the north and south the camp optimises the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration and therefore ensuring fantastic game-viewing at all times.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceGame drive in Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a tiny gem of a national park in Northern Tanzania, famed in particular for its flamingos. Go on game drives here in search of tree-climbing lions, elephants, waterbuck and hippos.
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View ExperienceWalk to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Head off on an adventurous walk to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim guided by a naturalist and rangers from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
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View ExperienceNight Drives in the Tarangire
Night drives are an experience which is not permitted in many of the national parks of Tanzania. In the Tarangire, however, you can head out with your guide, searching the inky dark with a spotlight. This is when the drama ramps up in the African bush.
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View ExperienceFlamingo Watching on Lake Manyara
Harder to predict than the Great Migration, the Flamingo migration is equally incredible to witness as they descend on Lake Manyara in their thousands. An amazing photo opportunity or simply the chance to witness these spectacular birds in their element.
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View ExperienceVisit to the Shanga workshop
Pay a visit to the Shanga workshop in Arusha, a local, socially-conscious, company which employs people with disabilities to create stunning hand-made jewellery and glassware. Admire the beautiful creations while contributing to the local community.
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View ExperienceGame drive in the Serengeti
Explore the vast grasslands of the Serengeti with your safari guide on game drives in the early morning and late afternoon. This is one of the most famous national parks in Africa, and it's easy to see why.
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View ExperienceWildlife in the Tarangire
Tarangire is second only to the Serengeti for the concentration of game. It's an area of big breeding herds of elephant and buffalo. Huge baobabs provide shade for sleeping lion and night drives give the opportunity to see elusive leopard on the prowl.
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View ExperienceNgorongoro Crater game drive
Explore the dormant volcanic caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater in a safari vehicle - this is a unique location for a game drive and the dramatic scenery really adds to the magic.
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View ExperienceWalking safari from Lamai
Lamai is one of very few camps in the Serengeti which is permitted to offer walking safaris. This is a superb way to explore this rugged area, setting off on foot from the camp in the morning light.
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