Kenya or Tanzania – Where’s the Best Place to See the Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a spectacular natural phenomenon. Spanning two countries and covering over 1,800 miles of East African savannah. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. For travelers planning a safari, a common question arises: should you visit Kenya or Tanzania to witness this incredible event?

The Masai Mara in Kenya

Kenya’s Masai Mara is renowned for its dramatic river crossings along the Mara River. Between July and October, the herds arrive from the Serengeti, providing a front-row view of wildebeests braving crocodile-infested waters. The Masai Mara offers a mix of luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps, and budget accommodations, catering to a wide range of travelers. Its relatively compact size makes it easy to access multiple viewing points, while private conservancies like Olare Motorogi and Mara North offer fewer crowds and more exclusive wildlife experiences.

The Serengeti in Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park hosts the migration for most of the year, particularly during November to June. When the herds move south in search of fresh grazing. The Serengeti is larger and more diverse in terrain, with rolling plains, kopjes, and river systems. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience the migration alongside calving season or witness predator-prey interactions in a more expansive wilderness. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to mobile camps that follow the herds, giving visitors flexible access to wildlife hotspots.

Choosing Between Kenya and Tanzania

The choice between Kenya and Tanzania largely depends on the timing of your visit and the type of experience you seek:

• For river crossings and dramatic action: Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and October is unmatched.
• For calving season and expansive wilderness: Tanzania’s Serengeti from November to June offers incredible wildlife diversity and quieter safari experiences.

Many travelers choose to experience both countries in one extended safari to see the full migration cycle. This allows you to witness the river crossings in Kenya while exploring the Serengeti’s vast landscapes and predator-rich areas in Tanzania.

Planning Your Migration Safari

Expert guides and safari operators like Chacal Safaris can help you determine the best time and location based on your interests. Ensuring you witness the migration at its most spectacular moments. Whether you choose Kenya, Tanzania, or both, the Great Migration promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Africa’s wild heart.