At Mbutu Tours and Safaris we follow the migration throughout the year from our base in Nairobi. That gives international travellers direct local expertise, competitive pricing and transfers from the airport to the savannah without the cost of an intermediary overseas.
How the Great Migration works
The migration is a continuous circular journey through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem of northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, driven by rainfall and fresh grazing. Along the way the herds face crocodiles in the rivers, lions on the open plains, cheetahs chasing the newborn calves and hyenas trailing behind.
Month by month
July to October: Kenya’s river crossing season
The herds reach the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River crossings are impossible to predict to the hour, which is why time in the reserve matters. These are also strong months for the Big Five, lion prides and sunrise balloon flights.
As a Nairobi-based company, we specialise in Masai Mara migration tours and place our guests where the action is. Many choose to finish on the Kenyan coast.
November to December: following the herds into Tanzania
With the short rains the herds move south into the northern and then the central Serengeti. There are fewer visitors at this time of year.
For holidays in the wild, ask our Nairobi office about Christmas and New Year safaris.
January to March: calving season in the southern Serengeti
More than half a million calves are born within a few weeks on the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains, and predator activity is at its peak.
Our 21-day road safari from Kenya to Tanzania follows the migration across the border from Nairobi to the southern Serengeti.
April to June: the journey begins again
The herds trek north-west through the central and western Serengeti. Expect green landscapes, fewer vehicles and good value.
Beyond Kenya: cross-border migration safaris
Our safari specialists design journeys that follow the migration across both Kenya and Tanzania. We take care of:
- Cross-border road and vehicle transfers
- Park entry fees and conservation levies
- Accommodation and bush camp reservations
- Domestic flights and regional transits
- Professional, multilingual safari guides
From bush to beach
Many of our guests combine the migration with a beach stay. Our longer itineraries connect Kenya’s parks, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the beaches of Zanzibar.