Serengeti Great Migration Safari Packages

A Great Migration safari in Serengeti National Park typically costs between $350 and $700 per person per day. A 6-day Serengeti migration safari averages $2,100 to $4,200 per person including park fees, accommodation, meals, professional guide, and private 4x4 vehicle.

The dramatic Mara River crossings occur from July through October in the Northern Serengeti. This is when over 1.5 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebra cross crocodile-infested waters. The Grumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor occur May-July. Calving season on the Southern Serengeti plains is January-March, when half a million calves are born.

During the Great Migration, you'll see over 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebra, and 300,000 gazelles. Predators follow the herds — lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles at river crossing points. The Serengeti is also home to elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and over 500 bird species.

The best place to stay depends on the season. December-March, stay in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) for calving season. June-July, the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River. July-October, the Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai) for Mara River crossings. Mobile camps that follow the herds offer the closest wildlife encounters.

Plan for at least 4-6 days for a dedicated Great Migration safari. This allows time to track the herds across different Serengeti regions. For a complete experience combining the migration with Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, plan for 7-8 days. Add Zanzibar for a 10-day ultimate bush-to-beach adventure.

Mobile camps move seasonally to follow the wildebeest migration, placing you closest to the action — sometimes within walking distance of river crossing points. Permanent lodges offer more consistent amenities and luxury but are fixed in one location. Many travelers combine both for the best experience.

The wildebeest herds move through different areas of the Serengeti throughout the year — from the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu during calving season to the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti during the later stages of the migration. See the month-by-month Great Migration guide.

Lamai Serengeti, Singita Mara River Tented Camp, and Sayari Camp are among the luxury options closest to prime crossing viewpoints. Mid-range options include Kiota Camp, Chaka Camp, and Olakira Migration Camp. See our guide to the best safari camps for river crossings.