The Great Migration in June and July: A Spectacular African Safari Experience

April 28, 2025
Monumental Expeditions & Safaris
Africa, kenya, kenya national parks, Nature, wildlife

The Great Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife events on the planet, and witnessing it during June and July offers an unparalleled safari experience. During this time, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra begin their arduous journey across the African plains. Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the migration offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness nature’s most dramatic scenes. Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect during the Great Migration in June and July, and how to plan your safari to witness this natural spectacle.

The Great Migration: June and July – A Journey of Survival

The migration begins in earnest in June, as the dry season starts to take hold across East Africa. Large groups of wildebeest, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, can be seen in the Western Serengeti and the southern banks of the Grumeti River. However, the challenge isn’t just the distance – it’s the treacherous river crossings, especially at the Grumeti River, which is infested with crocodiles.

As the migration continues into July, the wildebeest and zebra move further north along the western edge of the Serengeti. Their path leads them toward the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, where the danger intensifies. Crossing this river is one of the most thrilling and dangerous parts of the Great Migration. The sheer number of animals attempting to cross, combined with the presence of predators such as crocodiles and lions, creates an extraordinary and often heart-pounding spectacle.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is not just a simple seasonal movement. It is a unique phenomenon that involves over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras migrating each year across East Africa. The animals travel from the southern Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania to the southern Masai Mara in Kenya and back again. This journey spans approximately 3000 kilometers and involves a clockwise migration, where the animals are in constant search of fresh grazing grounds and water sources, driven by seasonal changes.

The migration is deeply tied to the dry season, which forces the wildebeest and zebras to move to areas with better access to food and water. It’s an exhausting and dangerous journey that sees many animals perish due to exhaustion or predation by carnivores like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. Despite the hardships, the migration is vital for the survival of the species, and it plays a key role in the ecological balance of the region.

Witnessing the Great Migration: Best Times to Visit

The best time to witness the Great Migration is during the dry season, which typically runs from July to early October. During this period, the vegetation in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater dries up, and water sources become scarce. This pushes the herds northward, with the Mara River being a significant barrier for the animals to cross.

While August and September are considered the peak months for observing the migration, July is a great time to start your safari. It marks the beginning of the river crossings, when the wildebeest and zebras must cross the Mara River to reach the northern plains of the Masai Mara. October marks the end of the migration season, as rains start to fall in Tanzania, prompting the herds to begin their return journey to the southern Serengeti.

Pocket-Friendly Safaris to Witness the Great Migration

For those interested in experiencing the Great Migration without breaking the bank, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers a range of budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris to both Tanzania and Kenya. Our itineraries include customized options to suit your specific needs and budget. Some of our most popular safaris to witness the migration include:

These safaris offer a great way to explore the wildlife and beauty of East Africa while witnessing the incredible migration firsthand. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or opting for a more luxurious experience, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris has something for everyone.

How to Book Your Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari in Kenya

Booking a Masai Mara wildebeest migration safari is easy with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. Once you have confirmed your travel dates, simply reach out to us via email, and we will check the availability of services for your chosen dates. After confirming availability, we will send you a draft itinerary to help you plan your trip. Once you approve the itinerary, we will send an invoice for your deposit, and upon receiving payment, we will secure all the necessary arrangements for your safari.

It’s recommended to book your safari at least 2-3 months in advance, particularly if you plan to travel during the peak season of June to October, when demand is high.

Why Book the Wildebeest Migration Safari with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a leading safari company known for organizing extraordinary safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. We specialize in creating eco-friendly, unforgettable safari experiences that preserve biodiversity and support local communities. Our safari offerings include Big 5 safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, mountain hiking, and cultural encounters, all designed to provide an authentic and enriching African experience.

We are highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a memorable and impactful safari experience. Whether you’re interested in game viewing, river crossings, or exploring iconic safari destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia, we are here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.