When Is The Best Time To Go On A Migration Safari?

The Ultimate Great Migration Safari Guide with Luxury Accommodations

Embarking on a Great Migration safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes journeying across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, braving crocodile-infested rivers and navigating predator-filled landscapes. At Moonlight Tours Expedition, we provide bespoke luxury safari experiences, ensuring you are in the right place at the right time with world-class accommodations that enhance your adventure.

Since the migration is a year-round spectacle, the best time to go depends on the specific events you wish to experience. Below is a month-by-month guide with recommended luxury lodges, tented camps, and private tours designed to offer exceptional comfort, exclusivity, and front-row seats to nature’s greatest show.

Annual Migration Cycle: Where to Be & When

Note: Climate change has made rainfall patterns less predictable, which affects the exact timing of the migration. This is why longer safaris increase your chances of witnessing key moments. Nature does not follow a strict schedule, and patience is key when hoping to see a dramatic river crossing or a predator in action.

Month-by-Month Guide to the Luxury Great Migration Safari

January – March: Calving Season (Ndutu & Southern Serengeti)

What to Expect

During these months, the Ndutu Plains in the Southern Serengeti become a vast nursery as nearly 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day. This attracts an abundance of predators—lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards—making this a prime location for witnessing thrilling predator-prey interactions.

Luxury Accommodations

• Mwiba Lodge – A private, ultra-luxurious retreat with exclusive game viewing.
• Sanctuary Kusini Camp – The only permanent camp in this region, ideal for uninterrupted game viewing.
• Lake Masek Tented Lodge – Overlooking Lake Masek, offering an immersive bush experience.
• Safari Haven Migration Camp – A high-end mobile camp that follows the herds.
• Olakira Migration Camp – A luxury tented camp that moves with the migration.
• Ndutu Under Canvas – A stylish, intimate tented camp perfect for photographers.

Signature Experiences

• Private game drives with expert guides
• Hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti
• Predator tracking excursions with professional naturalists

April – June: Breeding Season & Grumeti River Crossings (Western & Central Serengeti)

What to Expect

As the herds migrate northwest, dominant males compete for mates in dramatic battles. By May and June, the Grumeti River crossings begin, where crocodiles lie in wait for their unsuspecting prey. This period offers fewer crowds and excellent wildlife encounters.

Luxury Accommodations

• Singita Sasakwa Lodge – A hilltop retreat with breathtaking views.
• Serena Kirawira Camp – A lavish Edwardian-style camp.
• Singita Faru Faru Lodge – A stylish lodge with infinity pools overlooking the river.
• Soroi Serengeti Lodge – Elevated with stunning sunset views.
• Mbalageti Lodge – A secluded, high-end lodge with spa services.
• &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge – A premier riverfront retreat.

Signature Experiences

• Exclusive game drives in Grumeti Reserve
• Private guided walking safaris
• Night drives to spot nocturnal predators

July – September: Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara)

What to Expect

This is the most sought-after time to witness the migration, as thousands of wildebeest take a leap of faith across the Mara River, braving strong currents and crocodile attacks. The sheer scale of predator-prey drama makes this the highlight of the migration.

Luxury Accommodations (Northern Serengeti)

• Mara Mara Lodge – Overlooking the Mara River with prime migration views.
• Kuria Hills Lodge – A sophisticated lodge nestled in scenic hills.
• Singita Mara River Tented Camp – An ultra-luxurious, eco-friendly retreat.
• Mara River One Nature – A premier tented camp for exclusive access.
• Sayari Camp – A top-tier luxury camp for front-row seats to crossings.
• Mara Under Canvas – A mobile luxury camp set for optimal migration viewing.

Luxury Accommodations (Masai Mara, Kenya)

• Naboisho Camp – An intimate camp in the private Naboisho Conservancy.
• Mahali Mzuri – A new ultra-luxury property offering tailored safaris.
• Saruni Mara – A boutique lodge nestled in pristine wilderness.
• Elewana Sand River Camp – A high-end retreat along the Sand River.

Signature Experiences

• Witnessing dramatic river crossings in private safari vehicles
• Fly-in safaris from Arusha or Nairobi for seamless travel
• Horseback safaris in Masai Mara conservancies

October – December: The Return to Serengeti

What to Expect

As the herds leave Kenya, they return south through the Eastern and Central Serengeti, filling the golden grasslands once again. This is a fantastic time for quieter safaris with lush landscapes and exceptional wildlife encounters.

Luxury Accommodations

• Serengeti Melia Lodge – A five-star lodge in the heart of the Serengeti.
• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Offering an infinity pool overlooking a busy waterhole.
• Namiri Plains Camp – A camp focused on big cat conservation.
• Lemala Nanyuki – A luxury camp offering exclusive game drives.
• Serengeti Under Canvas by &Beyond – A mobile camp moving with the herds.

Signature Experiences

• Private game drives with expert trackers
• Maasai cultural experiences
• Luxury safari & beach escapes in Zanzibar or Seychelles

Plan Your Ultimate Luxury Migration Safari with Moonlight Tours Expedition

At Moonlight Tours Expedition, we tailor each safari to provide unparalleled exclusivity, luxury, and adventure. Whether you seek the dramatic Mara River crossings, the raw intensity of the calving season, or a private off-the-grid safari, our expert team ensures an extraordinary experience.

Key Takeaways for Planning Your Migration Safari

✅ The migration is a continuous event, offering breathtaking moments year-round.

✅ River crossings (June – August) are unpredictable—patience is key.
✅ Staying in a mobile camp increases your chances of prime sightings.
✅ Expert guides make all the difference in tracking the herds effectively.
✅ Photographers should prepare for midday lighting challenges during river crossings.

Ready to experience the ultimate Great Migration safari? Contact Moonlight Tours Expedition today to begin planning your dream luxury adventure!