Best Time to Visit Kenya for the Great Migration

August 10, 2026 ยท Apex Felidae Expeditions

Best Time to Visit Kenya for the Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, and timing your visit correctly can be the difference between witnessing a river crossing and simply missing the herds.

Generally, the wildebeest and zebra arrive in Kenya's Maasai Mara from around July through October, having crossed from Tanzania's Serengeti. The dramatic Mara River crossings tend to peak between August and September, when hundreds of thousands of animals brave crocodile-infested waters in search of fresh grazing.

Outside migration season, the Mara is still an exceptional year-round safari destination โ€” resident lion, leopard, and cheetah populations are present throughout the year, and the shoulder seasons offer quieter parks and better lodge rates.

Our team plans every itinerary around current migration reports from guides on the ground, so you get the best possible chance of witnessing this natural spectacle.