Where to Go for the Ultimate Migration Experience in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti

August and September mark the migration season in the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti, bringing peak wildlife activity, high visitor numbers, and elevated prices. Choosing the right destination depends on your priorities: are you chasing the iconic migration herds and dramatic river crossings, or seeking a more intimate safari experience?

The Migration: Maasai Mara or Northern Serengeti?

While the Maasai Mara is world-famous for hosting the migration, recent years have seen fewer herds crossing into the reserve. If witnessing the migration in all its glory, including the legendary river crossings, tops your list, the northern Serengeti is your best bet. This region consistently delivers the breathtaking sights of wildebeests and zebras braving predator-laden rivers.

On the other hand, if your focus is exceptional game viewing with fewer crowds, the conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara offer a superior experience.

Why the Conservancies Outshine the National Parks

The private conservancies around the Maasai Mara provide a more exclusive and immersive safari experience. These areas restrict the number of camps and vehicles, ensuring a tranquil and uncrowded adventure. Sightings in the conservancies are limited to 5-6 vehicles, and off-road driving and night game drives are allowed—offering unique opportunities to observe wildlife up close.

However, this exclusivity comes at a price. Camps in the conservancies tend to be more expensive than those in national parks or reserves.

The National Parks: A Different Kind of Adventure

The Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park cater to those who enjoy more traditional safari experiences. Open to all visitors who pay the daily fee, the parks allow unrestricted numbers of vehicles at wildlife sightings. While this openness enables access to spectacular moments like river crossings, it often results in crowded scenes, with over 40 vehicles lining the riverbanks during migration season.

Additionally, vehicles in the national parks must stick to designated trails, limiting the proximity of sightings. Night drives and walking safaris are typically prohibited, making the experience more structured compared to the flexibility of conservancies.

Finding the Perfect Balance: Split Your Time

For those wanting a bit of everything, a combined itinerary is the perfect solution. Spend a few days in a conservancy for a serene and exclusive safari experience, then move to a camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve for a chance to witness the migration.

Fly-In or Overland Safari: Choosing Your Itinerary

Your travel style also matters. Conservancies in Kenya often require fly-in itineraries, offering a seamless and time-efficient experience. Meanwhile, overland safaris are popular in northern Tanzania, allowing for an adventurous journey through diverse landscapes.

Plan Now!!

The best camps for migration season often book up early. If you’re planning a safari, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you prioritize the dramatic migration spectacle or a quieter, more intimate encounter with Africa’s incredible wildlife, understanding the differences between these destinations will help you create the safari of your dreams.