12-Day Great Migration Kenya–Tanzania Safari | Mara & Serengeti

Experience a 12-day Great Migration Kenya-Tanzania safari across Maasai Mara, Northern and Central Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with river crossings and Big Five viewing.

 

Safari Overview

The 12-Day Great Migration Kenya Tanzania Safari is designed for travelers who want to spend extended time in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, two of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

This cross-border safari combines Maasai Mara, Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, creating a carefully structured journey around the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five wildlife, predator encounters, and exceptional photography opportunities.

Rather than rushing between several parks, the itinerary gives you multiple days in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, increasing your opportunities to observe migrating wildebeest and zebras, predator activity, and seasonal river crossings.

The safari is particularly well suited to wildlife photographers, first-time safari travelers, couples, families, and experienced safari enthusiasts who want to explore Kenya and Tanzania in one comprehensive journey.

Important: The Great Migration is a natural wildlife event. Herd locations change according to rainfall, grazing conditions, and animal movement, so specific sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.

Safari Highlights

  • Great Wildebeest Migration experience
  • Maasai Mara game drives
  • Northern Serengeti migration tracking
  • Possible Mara River crossing sightings
  • Central Serengeti predator viewing
  • Lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas
  • Big Five opportunities
  • Ngorongoro Crater safari
  • Cross-border Kenya-Tanzania adventure
  • Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Experienced professional safari guide

SAFARI ROUTE

Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Isebania Border → Northern Serengeti → Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha

DETAILED 12-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be met by your safari representative and transferred to your Nairobi hotel.Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or add an optional Nairobi experience before your safari begins.Overnight: Nairobi

DAY 2: NAIROBI TO MAASAI MARA

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel through the Great Rift Valley toward the Maasai Mara.The journey provides scenic views of the Kenyan countryside before arriving at the reserve.After lunch, head out for your first Maasai Mara game drive.The Mara is home to abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and numerous antelope species.Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 3: FULL-DAY MAASAI MARA SAFARI

Spend the entire day exploring the Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.During the migration season, your guide will monitor recent herd movements and focus on areas where wildebeest and zebra concentrations are reported.The reserve is also famous for its predators, creating opportunities to observe lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 4: MAASAI MARA MIGRATION EXPLORATION

Enjoy another full day in the Maasai Mara.Additional time in the reserve gives you greater flexibility to explore different habitats and respond to current wildlife activity.During the migration season, you may encounter large concentrations of wildebeest and zebras and, depending on herd location and river conditions, potentially witness a river crossing.River crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.Overnight: Maasai Mara

DAY 5: MAASAI MARA TO ISEBANIA TO NORTHERN SERENGETI

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and travel toward the Isebania border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania.After completing the necessary immigration procedures, continue into Tanzania and proceed toward Northern Serengeti.The route enters an important section of the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.Enjoy game viewing as you approach your accommodation.Overnight: Northern Serengeti

DAY 6: FULL-DAY NORTHERN SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI

Spend the day exploring Northern Serengeti, particularly rewarding during the migration season.The region can provide opportunities to observe:Wildebeest herds Zebras Crocodiles Lions Leopards Cheetahs HyenasThe Mara River is one of the key features of this region during the northern migration period.Your guide will use current wildlife information and local knowledge to determine the best areas to explore.Overnight: Northern Serengeti

DAY 7: NORTHERN SERENGETI TO CENTRAL SERENGETI

Continue south through Serengeti National Park toward the Central Serengeti.The journey doubles as a game drive, with opportunities to stop for wildlife sightings along the way.Central Serengeti is particularly known for its resident wildlife and predator populations.Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 8: FULL-DAY CENTRAL SERENGETI SAFARI

Spend a full day exploring the Central Serengeti.This region offers excellent opportunities for viewing lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife.The area's rocky kopjes and open plains provide excellent vantage points for both wildlife viewing and photography.Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 9: CENTRAL SERENGETI WILDLIFE EXPLORATION

Enjoy another full day in Central Serengeti.Having an additional day allows your guide to follow recent sightings rather than following a fixed route.Morning and afternoon game drives can focus on predator activity, herbivore herds, wildlife behavior and photographic opportunities.Overnight: Central Serengeti

DAY 10: SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO

After breakfast, leave Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.Enjoy wildlife viewing along the route before arriving at your accommodation near the crater rim.The highlands offer a dramatic contrast to the open plains of the Serengeti.Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 11: NGORONGORO CRATER SAFARI

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.The crater's enclosed environment supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for Big Five viewing.Possible sightings include:Black rhino Lions Elephants Buffalo Hippos Hyenas Zebras WildebeestEnjoy a picnic lunch during the safari before continuing your exploration of the crater floor.Overnight: Ngorongoro

DAY 12: NGORONGORO TO ARUSHA AND DEPARTURE

After breakfast, depart the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and drive toward Arusha.Depending on your departure schedule, additional time can be arranged for lunch, shopping or relaxation before your airport transfer.Your 12-day Great Migration Kenya Tanzania safari ends in Arusha.

What’s Included

  • Accommodation throughout the safari
  • Park and conservation area fees
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional safari driver-guide
  • Daily game drives
  • Meals as specified
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Airport transfers
  • Kenya-Tanzania border arrangements

What’s Not Included

  • International flights
  • Kenya visa or entry requirements
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic flights unless included in your quotation
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
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GREAT MIGRATION EXPERIENCE

The Great Migration is not a single event occurring on one fixed date. It is a continuous movement of wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

January to March — Calving Season

The herds are generally concentrated in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where fresh grass supports calving.

This period can provide excellent opportunities to observe newborn wildebeest and intense predator activity.

June to July — Northern Movement

As grazing conditions change, herds begin moving northward toward the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti.

July to October — Mara River Season

This is the period most associated with the dramatic Mara River crossings.

However, crossings depend on herd location, rainfall, river conditions and animal behavior. Even during peak season, a crossing cannot be guaranteed.

October to December — Return South

The herds gradually move south again as rainfall and new grazing areas influence their movements.

BIG FIVE SAFARI OPPORTUNITIES

AnimalKey Destinations
LionMaasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
LeopardMaasai Mara, Central Serengeti
ElephantSerengeti, Ngorongoro
BuffaloMaasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
RhinoNgorongoro Crater

PLAN YOUR GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI

Ready to experience the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania?

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, accommodation level and whether your priority is Mara River crossings, predator photography, calving season or a general migration experience. We can then tailor the itinerary around the seasonal movement of the herds.

Request a personalized Kenya-Tanzania safari itinerary and let our safari team help you plan your Great Migration journey.

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