The Great Migration In Kenya

About The Great Migration In Kenya

Kenya plays a crucial role in the world-famous Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras embark on an epic 1,800-mile round trip. The migration reaches Kenya around late July or early August when the animals cross from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara National Reserve. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration occurs at the Mara River, where the animals face swift currents and hungry crocodiles waiting in the water, while tourists gather on the riverbanks to witness the breathtaking, often bloody, crossings.

Witnessing the river crossing requires patience, as wildebeest may gather at the riverbank for hours, sometimes even days, before taking the plunge. Once one animal steps forward, the rest follow, and the mass migration crosses in a rush. Those who survive the perilous river crossing are rewarded with the lush grazing grass of the Masai Mara, where predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs lurk nearby. By October, the wildebeest and zebras head back south to the Serengeti, starting the cycle again. If you plan to visit Kenya during this period, be sure to book early, as this is peak season for safari-goers, and expect higher prices.

The Great Migration In Kenya Highlights

Lion
Zebra
Maasai Giraffe
crocodiles of Robondo Island National Park
Elephant
Antelopes of Robondo Island National Park
Elephant
Wildebeest
hippo of Robondo Isaland National Park
Spotted Hyena
Cheetah
bird watching at serengeti

The Great Migration In Kenya Photos

Kenya Safaris

Popular Questions About The Great Migration In Kenya

The Great Migration in July to November

July through November is traditionally considered the best time to view the Great Migration. Between July and August, the wildebeest move en masse into Kenya's Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in staggering numbers.

What is the Great Migration in Kenya 2025 ? The Great Migration in Kenya in 2025 refers to the dramatic annual movement of over two million wildebeest, along with zebras, eland, gazelles, and other herbivores in the Maasai Mara.

Why do the wildebeest migrate? Simply put, the animals are following the rains to find fresh, lush grass. They take advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions in East Africa, spending the wet season on the plains in the southeast and the dry season in the woodlands of the northwest.

Masai Mara
 
This crossing usually occurs at Mara River around late July to August with parts of September and again on their return south, around the last two weeks of October through early November. Hence, the best times to track and see the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.

Mid-June to November: Great Migration River Crossing Season

The herds head towards the north of the Serengeti. The river crossings, considered by some to be the most exciting events of the Great Migration, usually start in July, but timing all depends on the rains.

Northern Serengeti
 
Nyasi Migrational Camp. From approximately June to October each year, Nyasi Migrational Camp becomes the best place to see the wildebeest migration. This elegant camp is based in a picturesque location in Northern Serengeti and offers traditional canvas tents that harken to the days of safari's golden age.

The actual starting date may be anytime between late April and early June. This is the time to you may have the privilege to see one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world: more than a million marching animals in a column up to 40 kilometers long.

Yes, many parks offer night game drives, where you can experience nocturnal wildlife, like hyenas and owls, that are not visible during the day.

Yes, you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara between July and October, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains, attracting predators and offering incredible wildlife viewing.

Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras gather on the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to begin their remarkable pilgrimage towards greener grazing lands. Following the rains, they trek north towards Kenya's Masai Mara before about-turning and heading south again.

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