Great Migration Safari Guide: Masai Mara vs Serengeti

The Ultimate Guide to the Great Migration: Masai Mara or Serengeti?

Nothing on Earth compares to the Great Wildebeest Migration—the dramatic, wild, breathtaking movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, and countless antelopes across the plains of East Africa.

This natural phenomenon spans two legendary ecosystems:

✔ Masai Mara (Kenya)

✔ Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Both deliver life-changing safari moments, but each tells a very different chapter of the Migration story.

This guide—built from years of on-ground safari experience—breaks down:
✓ Where to go
✓ What to expect
✓ How the Masai Mara differs from the Serengeti
✓ Best seasons
✓ Best lodges
✓ Ideal trip lengths
✓ Costs
✓ Sample itineraries
✓ Insider tips only local guides know

All crafted to help you book the safari that matches your dreams.

The Migration Explained: Two Countries, One Epic Journey

The Great Migration moves in a circular pattern across Tanzania and Kenya, driven by rainfall and fresh grazing.

Key Stages of the Migration

• Calving Season (Serengeti) – Jan to March

• Western Corridor (Serengeti) – May to June

• Grumeti & Mara River Crossings – July to October

• Return South (Serengeti) – Nov to Dec

This means there is no single perfect place—it depends on what you want to see.

Masai Mara vs Serengeti: Head-to-Head Comparison

Below is the most helpful, honest comparison to guide your safari choice.

A. Wildlife Density & Sightings

Masai Mara (Kenya)

• Higher density of big cats

• Easier, closer wildlife sightings

• Iconic big cats: lions, cheetahs, leopards

• Excellent year-round game viewing

• Smaller area, making wildlife easier to locate

Serengeti (Tanzania)

• Vast and wild — feels untouched

• Larger herds of wildebeest

• Massive lion and hyena populations

• Endless plains perfect for dramatic photos

Winner: Tie

Mara wins for density; Serengeti wins for wilderness scale.

Landscapes & Scenery

Masai Mara

• Rolling golden savannahs

• Gentle hills

• Acacia-dotted landscapes

• Riverine forests near the Mara River

Serengeti

• Endless grass plains

• Rocky kopjes (Lion King style)

• Woodlands, rivers, valleys

• Larger variety of ecosystems

Winner: Serengeti

For diversity and scale.

Migration Experience

Masai Mara: Best for River Crossings

The Mara River crossings are the most dramatic Migration scenes—thousands of animals braving crocodile-filled waters.

Serengeti: Best for Calving & Herd Movements

• Calving season: over 500,000 newborns

• Predator action at its peak

• Massive herds covering the plains

Winner: Depends on the Month

• Jan–March → Serengeti

• July–October → Masai Mara

• Nov–Dec → Serengeti

Lodges & Accommodation

Masai Mara

• More mid-range to luxury camps

• Stunning views

• Intimate tented camps

• Many conveniently placed for Migration action

Serengeti

• Larger number of high-end luxury lodges

• Mobile Migration camps

• Deep-wilderness accommodations

• Private concessions with exclusive game drives

Winner: Serengeti for luxury, Mara for variety

Masai Mara

✔ Shorter travel distances
✔ Easy flight access from Nairobi
✔ Great for families and short trips

Serengeti

✔ Longer distances inside the park
✔ Requires more travel time
✔ Perfect for slow, immersive safari journeys

Winner: Masai Mara

Great Migration Calendar (Month-by-Month)

January – March (Calving Season)

 Southern Serengeti

• 500,000 newborns

• High predator activity

April – June (Migration Movement)

 Central → Western Serengeti

• Herds begin moving

• Greener landscapes

July – October (River Crossings)

 Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara

• Dramatic Mara River crossings

• Peak season

November – December (Return South)

 Serengeti

• Herds travel back for calving season

Which Destination Fits Your Travel Style?

✔ Choose Masai Mara if you want:

• Big cats

• Short travel distances

• River crossings

• Excellent family trips

• Fast-paced itineraries

✔ Choose Serengeti if you want:

• Massive landscapes

• Calving season

• Luxury lodges

• Long, immersive safaris

✔ Choose Both if you want:

• The complete Migration experience

• Best wildlife diversity

• The perfect East African adventure

Wildbud Safaris specializes in combined itineraries.

Sample Safari Itineraries (Designed by Wildbud Safaris)

A. 7-Day Migration Highlights (Most Popular)

• 3 nights Serengeti

• 3 nights Masai Mara

B. 10-Day East Africa Grand Journey

• Tarangire

• Ngorongoro

• Serengeti

• Masai Mara

C. 14-Day Luxury Migration Adventure

• Fly-in circuits

• Exclusive camps

• Private conservancies

Best Lodges for Migration Viewing

Masai Mara

• Governors Camp

• Angama Mara

• Mara Explorer

• Mahali Mzuri

Serengeti

• Lemala Ewanjan

• Four Seasons Serengeti

• Kubu Kubu

• Olakira Migration Camp

Final Verdict: Masai Mara vs Serengeti for the Migration

Both offer unforgettable Migration safari experiences.

✔ Masai Mara = River crossings, big cats, accessible

✔ Serengeti = Calving season, endless plains, huge herds

✔ Both combined = The ultimate Migration safari

Let Wildbud Safaris design your perfect journey.

Get a Free Safari Quote

FAQs About the Great Migration

1. Is the Migration guaranteed?

Yes — the herds move year-round, but timings vary slightly.

2. Which country is better for Migration photography?

Both — Serengeti for vast herds, Mara for river crossings and big cats.

3. How many days do you need?

Minimum 5–7 days; ideal 8–10 days.

4. Is a combined Kenya–Tanzania safari worth it?

Absolutely — it’s the top-selling Migration trip.