Bucket list experience:
Masai Mara National Park, Kenya
The herds congregate at the edge of the deadly Mara River. The river bisects the Masai Mara and Serengeti reservaes
This remarkable natural phenomenon sees an annual circular trek of around two million creatures – wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra – from the southern Serengeti to the wooded grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara, and back again.
The numbers are terrific, as are the snorting and ‘gnu’ sounds that permeate the air, and the predators that follow this moving feast – from lion and great crocodiles, to scavenging vultures. Possibly the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth.
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Destination Guide >The migration can change direction or pace – so there is no guarantee they will be in the same place one year as they were in previous years. Generally, the herds are in the Southern Serengeti from March, Grumeti Private Reserves in June and July, Masai Mara in September and October, and eastern Serengeti and conservation areas to the park’s east in November and December (although it rains at this time). The best way to see the creatures is either from a permanent camp right on the route, or in a mobile camp that moves with them.
Hot air balloons are expensive (about $500 per person per hour, booked through most camps), but it’s the most glorious – and peaceful – place to appreciate the animals’ impressive numbers. Horseback safaris get up close, as the herds are not scared of other four-legged grazers. Experience is required though; lions like horsemeat as much as wildebeest and zebra!
Mobile camps offer the best experience but can be daunting for first-timers. Night-time, when lions and other predators can wander through camp, will thrill or terrify.
July and August are the peak tourist season, best avoided if you can. April and May is rainy season (as is November) – so if you go then, be prepared to get wet. However, sightings can be excellent during this time.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania[30 miles]
This stylish, understated camp enjoys a striking position overlooking the northern Serengeti, surrounded by big game.
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Masai Mara National Park, Kenya[30.8 miles]
An elegant, tented camp offering great-value, traditional safaris in the game-rich Maasai Mara conservancy – but without the heavy crowds.
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Grumeti Private Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania[93.3 miles]
The grandest lodge in Tanzania, with breathtaking views over hundreds of miles of Serengeti plains.
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Grumeti Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania[121.3 miles]
The most glamorous, contemporary tented safari camp in Tanzania, great for simple sophistication and tented romance. Children over 10 are welcome.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Kenya
Kenya’s finest reserve, packed with Big Five, and the staging point for the remarkable wildebeest migration.
Mara Region, Tanzania
A vast reserve of game-filled savannah, home to the Big Five and the famous Great Wildebeest Migration.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
Former travel editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine James Fair round-ups the earth’s greatest natural wonders, which will literally take your breath away.
