The Ultimate Guide to Masai Mara Migration 2024 & Packages

Masai Mara migration 2024 - safari land cruiser

Welcome to our ultimate guide for the Masai Mara Migration 2024. This extraordinary, natural phenomenon, often referred to as the “World Cup of Wildlife”, is a spectacle that leaves its audience spellbound.

Every year, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes embark on this epic journey across the vast plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to witness and appreciate this marvel of nature.

How to Book Your Masai Mara Migration 2024 Tour

Reach us today at james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com to book the Masai Mara Migration 2024 Tours. We are also available through phone and WhatsApp at +254-748-258-880.

Our 2024 Masai Mara Migration Packages for Residents & Citizens

Masai Mara Lodge/Camp

Price Per Person – Based on 2 People

3-Day Malaika Camp Migration Tour

KES 110,200

3-Day Enkorok Mara Camp Migration Safari

KES 75,400

3-Day Mtito Safari Camp Migration Package

 

3-Day Mara Maisha Camp Migration Deal

 

3-Day Sentrim Masai Mara Migration Offer

 

3-Day Masai Mara Sopa Lodge Migration Tour

 

3-Day Orng’atuny Mara King Camp Migration Safari

 

3-Day Crocodile Camp Migration Offer

 

3-Day Mara Serena Safari Lodge Migration Package 

 

3-Day AA Lodges Masai Mara Migration Tour 

 

Things Included

  • Pickup from Nairobi
  • Exclusive use of a safari van with an openable rooftop
  • Bottled mineral drinking water – 1 liter per day
  • 2-night accommodation at Masai Mara
  • 3-meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Masai Mara National Reserve entry fee
  • Afternoon migration game drive at Masai Mara on day 1
  • Full-day migration game drive at Masai Mara on day 2
  • Picnic lunch inside Masai Mara on day 2
  • Transfer to Nairobi on day 3
The Mara River - Masaimara.co.ke

Tipilikwani Mara Camp Safari.

Land Cruiser
From Kes 129,600

Safari Van
From Kes 102,600

Book your stay at Base Camp Explorer Camp with full board accommodation services.

Base Camp Explorer Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 136,000

Safari Van
From Kes 109,000

2 nights and 3 days at Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 173,600

Safari Van
From Kes 146,600

Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara

Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara

Land Cruiser
From Kes 202,240

Safari Van
From Kes

Mara Bush Camp

Mara Bush Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 168,700

Safari Van
From Kes 141,700

Mara Kimana Camp

Mara Kimana Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 121,600

Safari Van
From Kes 121,600

Mara Maisha Luxury

Mara Maisha Luxury

Land Cruiser
From Kes 153,100

Safari Van
From Kes 126,100

Mara Alopa Tented Camp

Mara Alopa Tented Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600

Safari Van
From Kes 88,600

Mara River Lodge

Mara River Lodge

Land Cruiser
From Kes 108,600

Safari Van
From Kes 81,600

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Land Cruiser
From Kes 139,600

Safari Van
From Kes 112,600

Mutiara Bush Camp

Mutiara Bush Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600

Safari Van
From Kes 88,600

Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 112,800

Safari Van
From Kes 85,800

Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp

Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 122,550

Safari Van
From Kes 88,550

Oseru Enarau Camp

Offbeat Mara Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 147,600

Safari Van
From Kes 120,600

Ol- Moran Tented Camp Masai Mara

Ol- Moran Tented Camp Masai Mara

Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600

Safari Van
From Kes 79,600

Oseki Masai Mara Camp

Oseki Masai Mara Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 95,900

Safari Van
From Kes 68,900

3 Days Masai Mara Angama Mara Safari

3 Days Masai Mara Aa Lodge Safari

Land Cruiser
From Kes 140700

Safari Van
From Kes 113,500

3 Day Masai Mara Angama Mara Safari

3 Day Masai Mara Angama Mara Safari

Land Cruiser
From Kes 398,500

Safari Van
From Kes

3 Day Masai Mara Apasio Safari

3 Day Masai Mara Apasio Safari

Land Cruiser
From Kes 52,500

Safari Van
From Kes 49,300

The great wildebeest migration safari - with a stay at ashnil Mara camp

3 Day Masai Mara Ashnil Mara Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,940

Safari Van
From Kes 104,440

Tipilikwani Mara Camp Safari.

Land Cruiser
From Kes 129,600

Safari Van
From Kes 102,600

Book your stay at Base Camp Explorer Camp with full board acommodation services

Base Camp Explorer Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 136,000

Safari Van
From Kes 109,000

Mara Ngeche Safari Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 173,600

Safari Van
From Kes 146,600

Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara

Keekorok Lodge Masai Mara

Land Cruiser
From Kes 202,240

Safari Van
From Kes 202,240

Mara Bush Camp

Mara Bush Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 168,700

Safari Van
From Kes 141,700

Mara Kimana Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 121,600

Safari Van
From Kes 121,600

Mara Maisha Luxury

Mara Maisha Luxury

Land Cruiser
From Kes 153,100

Safari Van
From Kes 126,100

Mara Alopa Tented Camp

Mara Alopa Tented Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600

Safari Van
From Kes 88,600

Mara River Lodge

Mara River Lodge

Land Cruiser
From Kes 108,600

Safari Van
From Kes 81,600

Great Rift Valley

Masai Mar Sopa Lodge.

Land Cruiser
From Kes 139,600

Safari Van
From Kes 112,600

Mutiara Bush Camp

Mutiara Bush Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 115,600

Safari Van
From Kes 88,600

Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Miti Mingi Eco Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 112,800

Safari Van
From Kes 85,800

Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 122,550

Safari Van
From Kes 88,550

Offbeat Mara Camp

Offbeat Mara Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 147,600

Safari Van
From Kes 120,600

Ol- Moran Tented Camp Masai Mara

Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600

Safari Van
From Kes 79,600

Oseki Masai Mara Camp

Oseki Masai Mara Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 95,900

Safari Van
From Kes 68,900

Oseru Enarau Camp

Oseru Enarau Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 95,600

Safari Van
From Kes 68,600

Mara River Camp

Mara River Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 112,600

Safari Van
From Kes 77,100

Zebra Plain Mara Boutique Luxury Tented Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 119,600

Safari Van
From Kes 92,600

Sekenani Camp

Sekenani Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 117,600

Safari Van
From Kes 90,600

OlMoran Tented Camp/Oseki Camp

OlMoran Tented Camp/Oseki Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600

Safari Van
From Kes 79,600

Talek Olkinyei Camp

Talek Olkinyei Camp

Land Cruiser
From Kes 106,600

Safari Van
From Kes 79,600

Spirit of Mara Lodge

Spirit of Mara Lodge

Land Cruiser
From Kes 141,100

Safari Van
From Kes 114,100

Saruni Mara

Land Cruiser
From Kes 153,000

Safari Van
From Kes 126,000

Olaro Plains

Olaro Plains

Land Cruiser
From Kes 192,950

Safari Van
From Kes 195,950

Pictures from Our 2023 Masai Mara Migration Tours

a photo of wildebeest and a calf
A calf in the Mara after the Migration.

Everything You Would Need to Know About The Migration

The wildebeest migration usually starts around the month of June in the northern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Below we have looked at everything you would need to know about the migration in the Masai Mara and in the Serengeti National Park.

What is Wildebeest Migration?

The Annual Wildebeest Migration, often referred to as the circle of life, is a year-round, endless journey of over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of zebras, gazelles, and other game.

Initiated by the seasonal African rains, the herds’ journey begins in Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, moving towards the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

It’s an astonishing spectacle involving diverse wildlife, with dramatic scenes of survival as predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles capitalize on this movement to hunt.

Witnessing this event is an unprecedented experience, promising both thrill and awe as nature unfolds in its rawest form.

What Starts the Wildebeest Migration?

The annual wildebeest migration is initiated by the seasonal rains in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Herds of wildebeest and other game move towards greener pastures located in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, where they can find better food sources.

What Route Do Animals Use to Migrate?

The wildebeest, zebra, and other game typically follow two main routes: a western corridor across the Grumeti River and a slightly longer route along the Mara River. The herds typically cover around 1,800 kilometers during their annual migration.

What Animals Participate in the Great Migration?

The main participants in the Great Wildebeest Migration are wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and other game. There are also a few predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs that follow the herds on their journey for easy prey.

Predators and Prey

The spectacular wildebeest migration is a battle of life and death between predators and their prey. The main predators in the Masai Mara National Reserve are lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, crocodiles, and African Wild Dogs.

These powerful hunters usually lie in wait for a chance to ambush their prey and feed on the weak and unwary. The sight of a lion stalking its prey can be thrilling, as well as heartbreaking when it succeeds in catching one.

Scavengers

Scavengers such as vultures, jackals, and marabou storks also benefit from the migration. They follow in the wake of the migrating herds to feed on carcasses left behind by predators.

Grazing Animals

The wildebeest migration is not only a battle between predators and prey; it’s also a struggle for food. Grazing animals such as zebras, antelopes, and buffalo move in large groups to make sure they can find enough grass to eat during the dry season.

When Is The Best Time To See The Wildebeest Migration?

The great wildebeest migration typically takes place from November to June in the northern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti, and continues through the Masai Mara Game Reserve in July to October..

The best time to see the herds in full force is usually in August or September when they cross over from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. They must face the murky waters of the Mara River that is home to over 3000 Nile Crocodiles.

Masai Mara Migration - wildebeest and crocodile
Crocodile in Action at Mara River During the Crossings

Masai Mara Migration 2024 - Month by Month Wildebeest Migration

The annual movement of the thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and other game is an all year event in the Mara and Serengeti. Where should you be going each time of the year to catch the migration?

Great Wildebeest Migration in January

In January, the wildebeest herds are typically found in Tanzania’s nutrient-rich southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, taking advantage of the freshly sprouted grasses resulting from the short rains of November and December.

It’s also calving season, and nearly half a million wildebeest calves are born during this time, attracting a large number of predators.

The southern plains are therefore a fantastic spot to witness spectacular predator-prey interactions. While Masai Mara is quieter during this time of year, it still offers great game viewing opportunities with a number of resident wildlife.

Great Wildebeest Migration in February

The calving season is at its peak. It is a time for plenty for hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and lions. The herds are all concentrated in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, so it’s a great time to watch predators hunting their prey.

The Wildebeest Migration in March

The land around Ngorongoro and Southern Serengeti is now denuded and the wildebeests area ready to move to the greener pastures. They gather the new-born calves at the edge of the Southern Serengeti and start the long march toward the Central Serengeti and Seronera Valley.

Serengeti National Park Migration in April

April sees the beginning of the long rain. This time thousands of the herds start to move in earnest to the Central Serengeti. This will continue for the next month until there is no wildebeest left in the southern Serengeti.

The rainy season sees other wildlife in Serengeti give birth, meaning it is time for the predators to feed as the calving season is at its peak.

The Great Migration Safari in May

The long rain season is now fully underway in Serengeti, and the short rains have already started in Masai Mara. The wildebeest herds are now located around Seronera valley and Central Serengeti, ready for the actual drama of the migration which starts in a few weeks time.

Grumeti River Crossings in June

The migration is now kicking off with the first river crossing of the Grumeti River in June. This is a dangerous experience for wildebeest, as crocodiles and other predators are waiting to take them down.

Brace yourself for a memorable time as the Nile Crocodiles take down some of the wildebeest, antelope, and zebra.

The First Mara River Crossings in July

The Mara River Crossings are the highlight of the great migration as herds of wildebeest make their way across it, battling two dozen giant Nile crocodiles waiting to snatch them. It is the highlight of the migration safari in East Africa as the herd enters Masai Mara National Reserve in search of better grazing land.

Mara River Crossings Continue in August

The Mara River Crossing continues in August as herds of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra make their way across the river. The potential danger that awaits them is tremendous but they continue to brave it out.

Some of the herds are already in Kenya’s Masai Mara and facing other predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. The best part is watching the herds jump into the river from the riverbank, which you can do when you book our Masai Mara Migration 2024 packages.

The Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara in September

The large herds are now in Masai Mara, having all successfully completed the Mara River Crossing, and the reward is the lush grass in the Masai Mara. It is the best time to see the animals grazing in peace.

A tour of the Masai Mara National Reserve will introduce you to the thousands of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra spread across the reserve.

The Migration in the Masai Mara in October

The clouds have started to gather, signaling the start of the rainy season in Masai Mara by the end of the month. The herds will start to gather once again, ready to move back to Serengeti National Park.

By the end October, the migrating herds will start to cross over to the Northern Serengeti for their final journey.

Migration in the Northern Serengeti in November

There is little grazing land left in the Mara by the start of November, making it vital for all the herds to be in the Northern Serengeti by the end October. They will camp in the Northern part of Serengeti for the next two months.

Migration Safari in Northern Serengeti in December

The animals are now located in the northern Serengeti and it is also the time that the short rains start. This will be a great opportunity to view predators in action and witness some of nature’s most spectacular scenes unfold.

December marks the end of the long migration back to Southern Serengeti for another year of calving season. It is an awe-inspiring sight and a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Masai Mara migration 2024 - lion in action
Lion at Masai Mara in Action During the Migration

Top 10 Best Camps and Lodges for Masai Mara Migration 2024 Tours

For those who want to experience the best of the Migration, there are a number of excellent camps and lodges available in both Tanzania and Kenya. Here is a list of some of our top recommended camps for your migration safari tour:

1. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya)

This camp is located in an untouched piece of the Masai Mara. It offers spectacular game-viewing opportunities, with great sightings of the Big 5 and other animals during the migration season.

2. Sayari Mara Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya)

Sayari’s luxury tents are situated on a beautiful site in Masai Mara, overlooking a seasonal river and offering an amazing view of the migrating animals. It is located in one of the most diverse wildlife areas in Africa.

3. Seronera Lodge (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania)

The lodge is ideally situated for game-viewing during the migration season. It offers comfortable accommodation surrounded by nature. It also provides excellent views of the migrating wildlife and is a great home base for exploring Serengeti.

4. Bateleur Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya)

This camp offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Masai Mara’s prime game-viewing area. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets over the savannah or watch the wildebeest herds passing by from the comfort of their tent.

5. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Ngorongoro, Tanzania)

This lodge sits on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater and offers great views. Guests can watch the migrating animals as they make their way to Masai Mara. It is also a great location for wildlife safaris in the area.

6. Lamai Serengeti (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania)

This camp is located on the banks of the Mara River and offers fantastic views of migrating animals as they cross the river. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, including guided game drives and hot air balloon rides.

7. Little Governors Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya)

This camp is situated in the heart of the Masai Mara on the banks of the Talek River. It offers some of the finest views of migrating mammals as they cross over to Tanzania from Kenya. The camp also has an excellent restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.

8. Migration Camp (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania)

This camp is located in the Sabora Plains of Serengeti and is ideally situated for game-viewing during the migration season. It offers comfortable accommodation set amongst iconic African savannah landscapes, and guests can watch the migrating wildlife from the comfort of their tent.

9. Rhino River Camp (Masai Mara, Kenya)

This camp offers luxury accommodation on the banks of the Talek River in Masai Mara. It is well-situated for game-viewing during the migration season and provides fantastic views of large herds of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra crossing over to Tanzania.

10. Olare Mara Kempinski (Masai Mara, Kenya)

This luxurious camp is located in the heart of Masai Mara’s lush green wilderness. Guests have the opportunity to watch large herds of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra as they migrate across the Mara River.

The camp also offers a range of exciting activities, such as hot air balloon rides and night game drives.

Masai mara migration - zebra and wildebeest
Zebra and wildebeest - Masai mara migration

Commonly Asked Questions About the Great Wildebeest Migration

We will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the great migration in Masai Mara and Serengeti to enable you to choose the best Masai Mara Migration 2024 tours.

1. What is the Great Migration?

The Migration is an annual phenomenon in which millions of wildebeest, antelope, zebra, and other game migrate across the plains of East Africa. It is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.

2. When is the best time to visit East Africa for Migration tours?

The best time of the year to witness the migration depends on where you would like to see it from; whether in Tanzania or Kenya. In Tanzania, the calving season starts in January and ends in March when the wildebeests move northward to the Central Serengeti.

In Kenya, the Great Migration starts in July and ends in October when the animals migrate southward to Maasai Mara.

3. How can I best experience the Great Migration?

The best way to experience the migration is through a safari tour that takes you across East Africa, from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. This will allow you to witness the migration in full and also have an opportunity to sight animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffalos, zebras, wildebeest, antelope and many more.

4. What time of year is the migration in Masai Mara?

The Great Migration in Masai Mara starts in July and ends in October. This is when the herds of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra make their way across the Mara River. It is a dramatic scene as predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards wait to take them down.

The rains also start in October and the animals will make their way southward towards Serengeti National Park.

5. Has the migration started in Masai Mara?

The migration in Masai Mara usually starts in July every year and ends by October. However, due to the unpredictable weather patterns, it can sometimes start later than expected. It is best to check with the local authorities for accurate information on when the migration will begin.

6. What month is the Great Migration in Kenya?

The Migration in Kenya usually starts in July and ends by October. This is when the herds of wildebeest, antelope, zebra, and other wildlife move from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Masai Mara National Reserve in search of better grazing land.

The journey can be viewed from different parts of the reserve to get a full perspective of the migration.

7. What are some of the predators that witness this event?

The Mara River Crossing is a dramatic scene with predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards all waiting to take down wildebeests, antelopes, and zebras crossing over from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

The crocodiles in the Mara River also pose a great danger for the migrating animals, making it a thrilling sight to witness.

There are also other predators like wild dogs, jackals, and hyenas that can be seen around Masai Mara during the migration period. It is an amazing opportunity to witness nature’s most spectacular event.

8. Is the wildebeest migration happening now?

The migration is an annual event that usually starts in July and ends by October. It is now the period between July and October, so the migration should be happening or will soon start in Maasai Mara. It is best to check with local authorities for more accurate information on when exactly the migration begins.

9. When do wildlife start heading back to the Serengeti?

The animals usually start their journey back to the Serengeti in October, after they have finished grazing on the green pastures of Maasai Mara. The return journey is not as spectacular as the migration itself, but it is still a breathtaking sight to witness.

Animals can be seen moving southward towards Tanzania’s Serengeti, where they will stay until the next migration season. 

OUR MASAI MARA MIGRATION 2024 TOURS FOR THE USA TRAVELERS, THE UK TRAVELERS, & INDIAN TRAVELERS.

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