Safari Overview
Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra move in a continuous loop between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. The most dramatic moment of this journey is the Mara River crossing — when the herds plunge into crocodile-filled water and scramble up the opposite bank in enormous, chaotic waves. This 4 days Great Migration safari is built specifically around that moment.
Three nights in the Maasai Mara — all at the same mid-range tented camp — means no packing and unpacking between parks. You spend two full days with your guide working the Mara River and the surrounding plains, learning the herds' patterns, waiting at the crossing points and exploring the wider reserve for predators and other wildlife. The wildebeest bring everything with them — lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena all follow the migration.
This is a seasonal safari, designed for July through October when the migration is in the Mara. Outside of this window, the Mara still offers outstanding game viewing but the river crossings are unlikely.
When to Book This Safari
July to October is the only window for this safari. The wildebeest typically arrive in the Mara from late June or early July and begin returning south through October. Late July to September is generally the peak period for river crossings, though exact timing varies each year with the rains.
Crossings can happen multiple times a day or not at all for several days — that is the nature of the migration. Three nights in the Mara gives you the best possible chance. Your guide will know the current herd locations and crossing points from day one.
Book early. Mid-range camps in the Mara fill up quickly during peak migration season. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance.
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
Migration Species
- ✓ Wildebeest (1.5M+)
- ✓ Plains zebra
- ✓ Thomson's gazelle
- ✓ Nile crocodile
- ✓ Hippo
Big Cats & Predators
- ✓ Lion
- ✓ Leopard
- ✓ Cheetah
- ✓ Spotted hyena
- ✓ African wild dog
Other Mara Wildlife
- ✓ Elephant
- ✓ Buffalo
- ✓ Giraffe
- ✓ Topi & eland
- ✓ 470+ bird species
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Maasai Mara — Afternoon Game Drive
Early morning pickup from Nairobi and drive west to the Maasai Mara, stopping at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint along the way. Arrive at your tented camp around midday, check in and have lunch. The afternoon game drive is your first taste of the migration — the sheer number of wildebeest and zebra spread across the plains is striking even before you see anything dramatic. Your guide will begin reading the herd movements and positioning for the days ahead.
Full Day — Mara River Crossings & Plains Game Drive
Out before sunrise. This is your first full day on the river and your guide's priority is to be at the right crossing point before the herds start moving. Crossings can happen at any time — sometimes the wildebeest gather on the bank for hours before committing, sometimes they pour in suddenly with no warning. Either way, being there early and staying patient is what gives you the best chance.
A picnic lunch is served in the bush so you don't have to leave the crossing area at midday. The afternoon drive continues along the river and out onto the open plains — lion, cheetah and elephant are all commonly seen on big game days. Return to camp as the light fades for dinner around the fire.
What Actually Happens at a River Crossing
The herd builds on the bank — sometimes hundreds, sometimes tens of thousands. They test the water, pull back, surge forward. When the lead animal commits, the rest follow in a thundering rush. Nile crocodiles wait just below the surface. The ones that make it scramble up the far bank and scatter across the plains. The whole thing can last two minutes or two hours. Your guide radios ahead to stay ahead of the herds.
Full Day — Migration Plains, Predators & River
A second full day in the Mara. If you have added the optional balloon safari, today is the morning for it — you depart the camp before dawn and float over the plains as the sun rises, looking down on the wildebeest herds spread across the grassland below. After landing, champagne breakfast is served in the bush before rejoining the game drive.
Whether or not you take the balloon, the day follows the same pattern as Day 2 — your guide reads the herd movements, checks the radio network for crossing activity and makes decisions in the field. On Day 3 you may also explore different sections of the reserve away from the river — the Mara Triangle is particularly good for lion and cheetah, and elephant and buffalo are commonly found in the woodland areas near the Mara River banks.
Morning Game Drive — Maasai Mara to Nairobi
One final early morning game drive before checkout (optional) — the last chance at a crossing or a predator sighting before the drive back. Return to the camp for breakfast, then begin the 5 to 6 hour drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Optional Nairobi Experiences Before Your Flight
If your flight is later in the evening, we can arrange one or more optional Nairobi activities before taking you to the airport. Choose from the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum or lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. The exact activities depend on your flight time and the day's traffic.
- ✓ City Tour — explore Nairobi's highlights
- ✓ Giraffe Centre — see and feed Rothschild's giraffes
- ✓ Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — visit the elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre
- ✓ Karen Blixen Museum — visit the former home of the author of Out of Africa
- ✓ Carnivore Restaurant — enjoy lunch before heading to the airport
After your chosen Nairobi activity or lunch, continue to the airport for your departure flight. We recommend allowing enough time for traffic and airport check-in, especially for international flights.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Nairobi pickup and final drop-off
- 3 nights mid-range tented camp — full board
- All meals throughout the safari
- All scheduled game drives
- Maasai Mara National Reserve park fees
- Picnic lunches on full-day game drives
- All transport by 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Bottled water throughout
- 24/7 support from Wild Safaris & Travel
Not Included
- International flights
- Kenya eTA / visa fees
- Travel & medical insurance
- Optional hot air balloon safari
- Alcoholic & premium beverages
- Gratuities for guide & camp staff
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
The wildebeest are typically in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings most likely from late July through September. Exact timing varies each year with rainfall patterns. Three nights in the Mara during this window gives you the best possible chance.
No — crossings cannot be guaranteed. They depend entirely on the herds' movements on the day. However, three full days on the river during peak season gives you a significantly better chance than a shorter trip. And even without a crossing, the sheer scale of the wildebeest herds and the predator activity during migration season makes for outstanding game viewing.
The safari uses a comfortable mid-range tented camp in or near the Maasai Mara. You get the full bush experience — canvas walls, natural sounds at night — with proper beds, en-suite facilities and good food. A solid middle ground between basic camping and high-end luxury.
Yes. A Maasai Mara balloon safari can be added as an optional extra on Day 3, departing before dawn. Flying over the migration herds at sunrise is one of the most remarkable experiences in Kenya. It is not included in the standard price — let us know when you enquire and we will add it to your package.
Migration season brings peak predator activity to the Mara. Lion, leopard and cheetah all follow the herds, making July to October one of the best periods for big cat sightings anywhere in Africa. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and crocodile are all present year-round, and the Mara has over 470 recorded bird species.
Most nationalities need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) applied for online before travel. We guide all clients through the process after booking.