Usually July–October
This is the broad period when the herds are normally in the Mara ecosystem, rather than a guarantee for any particular week.
The Great Migration
Kenya Great
Migration safaris.
The Migration can be extraordinary, but no honest specialist can promise the exact position of the herds or a river crossing.
Our take
Plan for the ecosystem,
not one crossing.
The Migration can be extraordinary, but no honest specialist can promise the exact position of the herds or a river crossing.
The herds generally move into the greater Mara ecosystem between July and October, with timing governed by rainfall and grazing. We choose between the reserve, Mara Triangle and neighbouring conservancies according to your dates, priorities and tolerance for busier sightings.
Crossings are unpredictable
A crossing may happen suddenly after hours of waiting—or not at all. Excellent resident wildlife remains the sound basis for the trip.
Location matters
Reserve camps offer the easiest access to principal crossing areas; conservancies provide lower vehicle density and more varied activities.
Routes to consider
Tailor-made journeys to inspire.
These examples show the shape of a trip. We choose accommodation and arrangements around your dates, interests and budget.
8 nights · From £8,000 per person
Two sides of the Mara
A focused Mara safari combining a private conservancy with the National Reserve, designed for travellers who want time rather than a hurried crossing-chase.
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7 nights · From £6,500 per person
Maasai Mara & Laikipia
A beautifully balanced first safari: three nights among Laikipia’s varied landscapes, followed by four nights in a private Mara conservancy.
Explore the itineraryIllustrative starting prices based on two adults sharing, subject to availability. Exact rooms, family arrangements, private services and international flights are quoted for your request. View all Kenya itineraries.
Where to stay
Places to consider for your journey.
These are starting points for comparing settings, rooms and activities. We choose the strongest combination for your travel month and priorities, then confirm the exact accommodation and arrangements.
Maasai Mara
Angama Safari Camp
Angama Safari Camp brings four carefully furnished tents into the Mara Triangle, with a small dedicated team and safari days shaped around your interests. It combines the intimacy of a mobile camp with the comfort and thoughtful service of Angama.
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Maasai Mara
Serian Ngare
Ngare Serian has four tents on the Mara River in Mara North Conservancy, reached by a footbridge. Private guiding, river-facing bathrooms and hosted meals create a secluded safari where the experience is shaped around your own interests and pace.
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Maasai Mara
Mara Plains
Mara Plains is a small tented camp beside the Ntiakitiak River in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Seven canvas suites, photography equipment and access to both conservancy land and the Maasai Mara National Reserve create a safari centred on wildlife and flexible guiding.
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Maasai Mara
Offbeat Mara
Offbeat Mara is a small tented camp beside the Olare Orok stream in Mara North Conservancy. Seven tents, flexible safari days and a convivial mess tent keep the emphasis on wildlife, guiding and a traditional camp atmosphere.
Explore the propertySpecialist planning
Make the right choices for your trip.
Start with location
A reserve stay and a private conservancy offer different access and activities. We choose around your dates and wildlife priorities, then explain the time needed to reach the areas you want to explore.
Compare Maasai Mara safari areasAllow time for the whole safari
The herds follow rainfall and grazing; crossings cannot be scheduled. Several nights in one well-chosen area gives time for resident wildlife as well as the Migration.
Compare Kenya’s safari seasonsOur UK-based safari specialists help compare the details and prepare a tailored proposal. Share your dates, party and approximate budget to start planning.
Your questions
Great Migration Safaris in Kenya: your questions.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya?
July to October is the broad period when the herds are normally in the greater Mara ecosystem. Rainfall and grazing can shift their arrival, departure and location. We choose the camp around your exact dates rather than promising the herds will be in one place.
Can you guarantee a river crossing?
No. Crossings are natural events, and herds can wait, change direction or cross when you are elsewhere. We plan useful access and enough time, while making resident wildlife and the wider safari part of the journey.
Should we stay in the reserve or a conservancy?
Reserve camps can offer more direct access to principal river areas. Private conservancies generally offer fewer vehicles and a broader mix of permitted activities. A split stay can work well when you have enough nights; reserve access arrangements and fees need confirming.
How much should we budget?
Our Two sides of the Mara example starts from £8,000 per person for 8 nights, based on two adults sharing. This is an illustrative starting point, subject to availability. Dates, rooms, flights, family arrangements and private services affect the final quote. International flights are quoted separately.
How many nights should we allow?
The right length depends on your route and priorities. Allow enough nights to settle into each safari area, and avoid adding a stop simply to cover more ground. Our itinerary pages show the total length and nights in each destination; every example can be adapted.
How do we start planning?
Tell us your dates, party, preferred trip length, interests and approximate budget through our enquiry form. We can then arrange a phone or video call, or develop the first ideas by email if you prefer. Your proposal confirms the route, properties and inclusions.
For more planning advice, explore our Kenya safari guides and seasonal guide.
Start planning
Tell us what you have
in mind.
We will help you shape the right route before preparing a detailed proposal.
Start planningor call +44 (0) 1235 635749