The worst/best Time to See the Great Migration in Africa: Month-by-Month Guide
In this guide, we are going to look at the worst and best time to see the great migration in africa. We shall see the Africa great migration dates for the low season and high season. This will guide you in preparing for your East Africa animal migration safari. There’s nowhere else you can witness animal migration in Africa other than in the Maasai Mara national reserve Kenya and the Serengeti Tanzania.
These untamed beasts move all-round the year always looking for the right conditions. In addition, these include fresh grasslands and reliable water sources to support their temporary settlements. So, this is why they escape from the inconsistent condition in the Southern plains of Serengeti np then they go through the Mara River to the Maasai Mara Reserve. So this whole process of animal migration Kenya Tanzania re-continues with the wildebeests going back to Serengeti Tanzanija for the calving season.
Best Time to See the Great Migration in Africa: Month-by-Month Guide
Below is a month by month guide for the big migration Africa in Serengeti and Masai Mara for the best time to see migration in Africa.
July to September: Peak River Crossings (Serengeti & Masai Mara)
The best time to see migration in Africa in Serengeti or Masai Mara is between July to the late weeks of September.
During these Africa great migration dates, it is easier to track down the migration pathways of the wildebeests and movement of other animals. Also, during this high season, tourists are able to view the game and wildebeest experience in full mode. Since wildebeests can be observed at the Mara River in both the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Viewing the vast numbers of the wildebeests moving crossing the Serengeti and Maasai Mara stirs up emotions of excitement. At the same, the great animal migration in Africa bridges the gap between the human being watching and nature. Therefore, they get more connected to the wildlife during this great migration Africa time of year in Serengeti or Masai Mara.
During this East Africa great migration of wildebeests, other animals usually move with them like the zebras, impalas, gazelles and antelopes. Therefore during these great migration Africa months from July to September, tourists can witness a variety of other wild animals since the wildebeests usually settle at the parts of Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs actively hunt weaker animals like the gazelles, Impalas, creating intense scenes of survival. So, the predators use this once in a while opportunity during the best time to see the great migration in Africa and feast on them.
Kenya and Tanzania safari adventures like sun set and sunrise viewing, are also best during the dry season in the Africa great migration dates between June to September. This is because of the bright skies the sun makes a dramatic scenery. Also, tints itself on the Savannah grasslands of the Serengeti Mara creating a captivating elegance for the watchers.
Worst time to visit Africa for migration
Early March to April is the period of the rainy days in both Serengeti to Maasai Mara. So, the worst time to witness the wildebeest migration in Serengeti or Masai Mara is during those rainy months from March to April. Also, it is said to be the risky and less enjoyable period to witness the great migration Kenya Tanzania.
Most of the Kenya and Tanzania safari experiences in Maasai Mara National reserve and Serengeti np are filled with game drive adventures. So, on a rainy day, at least 3 of the 7 safari vehicles in any of these parks usually get stuck in the waterlogged parts of the parks. So by the time the vehicle is worked upon , tourists might find other safari vehicles in better positions to observe the wildebeest crossings. Hence, your vehicle could be obstructed by others which makes the great animal migration in Africa experience uneventful and unenjoyable.
Animals in Serengeti Mara including wildebeests become less vibrant on rainy days during this worst time to visit Africa for migration. So, the tourists can also hardly witness the actions like predator-prey relations on such days. A few animals normally show up during the rainy period thus visitors would not enjoy game viewing in such a period.
Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park Entrance Fees For 2025-2026
After knowing the Africa great migration dates between July and September and also the worst time to see the great migration in Africa between March to April. Consider knowing the Masai Mara and Serengeti Park Entrance fees. Book your Serengeti Mara trip with Serengeti Masai Mara Safari Company. Below are the entrance fees to these Kenya and Tanzania National parks.
| Park | Category | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) | Foreign Adult | US$70 |
| Foreign Child | US$20 | |
| Children below 5 years | Free | |
| East African Adult Resident | TSH 10,000 | |
| East African Child Resident | TSH 2,000 | |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) | Foreign Adult | US$100 |
| Foreign Child | US$50 | |
| Children below 8 years | Free |
