serengeti tanzania great migration wildebeest family safari

Great migration safaris

Blockbuster wildlife experiences in the midst of the great migration

Great migration safari
Follow the hoofbeats of the herd to witness one of nature's most enthralling events
Best time to visit Tanzania serengeti great migration wildebeest family safari

The Great Migration truly is among the most sensational wildlife spectacles imaginable, occurring nowhere else on the planet other than Kenya and Tanzania, both of which are amongst the best family safari destinations.

More than two million grazing animals migrate across the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in an annual cycle that began with the eruption of Ngorongoro nearly 3 million years ago.

Great migration safari
Follow the hoofbeats of the herd to witness one of nature's most enthralling events
Tanzania great migration close up action serengeti family safari
Best time to visit Kenya - zebra drinking
Great migration safari wildlife

The Great Migration is the world’s biggest congregation of large mammals, and the number of wildebeest and zebra is utterly mind-boggling.

It’s a moving feast for predators who tail the herds, and whether you meet them in the Serengeti or Masai Mara, the sheer density and variety of other wildlife in the vicinity is tough to beat anywhere in Africa.

Tanzania great migration landscape serengeti family safari
Best time to view the great migration

The migration follows a predictable route governed by rainfall that brings the greenest grazing; that said, their exact location will vary with the vagaries of the season.

The Great Migration is a year-round event, but the herds spend most of it in the Serengeti in Tanzania, crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and October. This is the period for the fabled river crossings, when the herds explode back and forth over the Mara River and the migration is at its most dramatically spectacular.

Tanzania wildebeest running serengeti
Born to run

Come November, the herds move down through Eastern Serengeti.

Between December and March, they congregate on the Southern Serengeti plains for calving season where shaky new-borns begin life, and predators swiftly curtail it.

The herds hit the trail again in April, making their way through the Western Corridor in May and June, crossing the Grumeti River as they go.

Tanzania andbeyond serengeti under canvas
Where to stay to view the great migration?

Over the last twenty years the safari industry has developed to give visitors the best possible chance of viewing this unique spectacle.

Whilst the exact location of the herds can never be guaranteed, many luxury safari operators have created mobile camps that change location throughout the year based on the annual patterns.

Many of our favourite partners operate such camps across the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Tanzania wildebeest great migration river crossing serengeti family safari
A true one-of-a-kind experience

It’s hard to do justice to the Great Migration; it simply has to be seen to be believed, and for those of us lucky to have witnessed its majesty, the memories remain forever.

Trust us, it’s a transformative experience on a luxury family safari, and we can help you do it just right.

Start planning
Mike-and-Tess-portrait-cropped.jpg?w=188&h=200&scale
Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Mike-and-Tess-portrait-cropped.jpg?w=188&h=200&scale
Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Suggested itineraries
Our favourite itineraries for a Great Migration safari
  • Tanzania family safari holiday

    This classic Northern Tanzania safari circuit takes in some of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles and landscapes imaginable.

    Guide Price From £3,785 | $5,150 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 8 Nights
    Best Months July - October
    Region Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands, Serengeti National Park,
    More Info
  • Bucket list family safari Tanzania

    Our ultimate Tanzania bucket list family safari takes in all this incredible country has to offer.

    Guide Price From £6,165 | $8,385 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 14 Nights
    Best Months July - October
    Region Arusha, Ngorongoro Highlands, Serengeti National Park, Ruaha National Park, Zanzibar Islands,
    More Info
  • Kenya wildlife and conservation safari holiday

    Combine the world-famous Masai Mara with beautiful scenery and incredible conservation successes in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

    Guide Price From £4,350 | $5,900 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 8 nights
    Best Months July - March
    Region Nairobi, Lewa and Laikipia, Masai Mara,
    More Info
  • Kenya safari and beach holiday

    Combine the world-famous Masai Mara with some time on Kenya’s gorgeous coastline with our signature Kenya family safari and beach holiday.

    Guide Price From £3,680 | $5,000 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 10 nights
    Best Months July - October
    Region Nairobi, Masai Mara, Kenya Coast,
    More Info
  • Kenya safari and sandcastles holiday

    20% OFF SPECIAL OFFER – This exceptional, great-value itinerary combines a stay at the sumptuous Angama Mara, with the beautiful Alfajiri villas.

    Guide Price From £3,845 | $5,335 per person (based on 2 adults & 2 under 12's)
    Duration 7 nights
    Best Months January - May; November - December
    Region Kenya Coast,
    More Info
Places to stay
Recommendation accommodation for a Great Migration safari
Inspiration
Experiences

Browse more of our favourite Great Migration safari experiences

Inspiration
Experiences

Browse more of our favourite Great Migration safari experiences

Why travel with Coral Tree?

We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays

We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.

Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed

We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.

Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind

No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.

Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects

You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.

Zanzibar beach mike and tess African safari specialists
Tess & Mike, Coral Tree founders
Meet our founders
We believe in expert advice and exceptional service

No half measures allowed.

Over the last twenty years, we have lived and worked in the luxury African tourism sector developing partnerships across the continent.

We know what makes a memorable family experience, and as parents, we understand what’s important to you.

More about us
Get in touch
Talk to Tess & Mike about your next big adventure
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720
Begin your adventure
We are a party of adults and children and are interested in travelling to in
Google Rating
5.0
Based on 51 reviews
js_loader