1. Plan Ahead
Viewing the Great Migration is one of the most sought-after experience requests for East African Safari itineraries. To secure your first choice of accommodation in your preferred location, you may need to book your trip 12-18 months in advance.
2. Budget Appropriately
The migration occurs during peak season — typically the most expensive months to go on safari. Consider a starting price for a basic safari at US$800 per person, per night (accommodation cost only, excludes park fees). An alternative approach is to travel outside of the high season, which has its own advantages. This time of year, will still offer the Great Migration, but costs will lower to around US$600 per person, per night (accommodation cost only, excludes park fees), and the parks will have fewer tourists and vehicles.
3. Avoid The Crowds
The Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park experience high visitor and vehicle numbers during safari’s peak or high season (about June to October). The private conservancies adjoining the Masai Mara offer exclusivity, luxurious accommodation and excellent game viewing in sole-use areas. You’ll also be offered activities not permitted in the main reserve, such as night drives, bush walks and off-road game viewing.
There are camps in the Serengeti that are located a little further away from the Migration hot spots – meaning you can easily get to all the action, but also retreat to tranquility.
4. Augment Your Migration Safari
The Masai Mara and Serengeti combine easily with each other, and each can also form the focal point of a larger safari itinerary. We recommend combining the Masai Mara with Amboseli and Laikipia, or adding the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and the Rift Valley Lakes to the Serengeti. You can even go further afield and easily add top destinations.
