Fly-in Migration Safari

The migration is not a single event.

It is a continuous ecological process involving grazing, movement, breeding and survival.

The animals do not follow a fixed calendar.

Rainfall influences the location of suitable grazing.

As a result, the best destination changes throughout the year.

Southern Serengeti Calving Season

During the early months, large herds commonly gather in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region.

February is often associated with peak calving activity.

Central and Western Serengeti

As grazing conditions change, herds generally move towards other parts of the Serengeti.

The timing varies.

Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara

During part of the dry season, substantial numbers may reach the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara.

This is the period most associated with Mara River crossings.

Southward Movement

Later in the year, herds may begin moving south again.

However, the exact timing remains dependent on environmental conditions.

January to March: Calving Season

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu region are particularly important.

Travellers interested in newborn wildebeest and predator behaviour should consider this period.

April to June: Serengeti Herd Movements

The herds may occupy central and western areas of the Serengeti.

Rainfall can affect roads and wildlife distribution.

July to October: Northern Migration

This is a popular period for travellers interested in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.

River crossings may occur, but they are unpredictable.

November to December: Changing Herd Distribution

The migration may begin moving towards southern grazing areas.

The exact location depends on rainfall.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya's principal migration destination.

Its open grasslands support large numbers of resident animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and predators.

During suitable periods, migratory wildebeest and zebras may occupy the ecosystem.

Flying from Nairobi

Most scheduled safari flights depart from Wilson Airport.

The flight to the Masai Mara commonly takes approximately 45–75 minutes, depending on the route and stops.

Travellers should allow time for airport check-in and ground transfers.

Masai Mara Airstrips

The Mara ecosystem is served by several airstrips.

The correct landing point depends on the booked camp.

Guests should not select an airstrip independently without confirming the accommodation arrangements.

Accommodation

The Masai Mara offers a wide range of fly-in camps, including traditional tented properties and exclusive luxury lodges.

The best location depends on wildlife interests and the intended travel dates.

The Serengeti National Park is the larger part of the migration ecosystem.

Its extensive landscape includes several regions with different seasonal wildlife patterns.

Southern Serengeti

The southern plains are particularly relevant during calving season.

Travellers may fly to suitable airstrips serving the Ndutu and southern Serengeti region.

Central Serengeti

The central Serengeti provides excellent resident wildlife viewing and can be rewarding during different migration periods.

Northern Serengeti

The northern Serengeti is particularly attractive during the months when herds occupy the Mara River region.

Travellers should choose accommodation according to current migration patterns.

The answer depends on travel dates.

Choose Kenya for the Masai Mara

Kenya is particularly attractive during the months when migratory herds occupy the Mara.

The Masai Mara also offers excellent resident wildlife throughout the year.

Choose Tanzania for Calving Season

The southern Serengeti is the principal destination for wildebeest calving.

February is commonly associated with peak activity.

Choose Tanzania for Northern Serengeti Crossings

The northern Serengeti provides access to the Mara River system on the Tanzanian side.

Combine Both Countries

A combined Kenya–Tanzania safari can provide a broader experience.

However, flight connections and immigration arrangements require careful planning.

Not every destination pair has a convenient direct flight.

Angama Mara

Angama Mara offers luxury accommodation on the Oloololo Escarpment overlooking the Mara Triangle.

Its location provides access to western Mara wildlife habitats.

Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is an established tented safari property within the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It offers a traditional safari atmosphere and access to important wildlife areas.

Entim Mara Camp

Entim Mara Camp is situated near the Mara River environment.

It is particularly attractive to travellers interested in migration photography.

andBeyond Bateleur Camp

Bateleur Camp offers intimate luxury accommodation in the western Mara ecosystem.

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena provides established lodge accommodation with views across the Mara Triangle.

The best choice depends on current availability, preferred accommodation style and wildlife priorities.

Sayari Camp

Sayari Camp offers luxury accommodation in the northern Serengeti.

It is particularly relevant during the northern migration period.

Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti is situated among rocky hills in the northern Serengeti.

The camp offers an intimate safari atmosphere and access to surrounding wildlife habitats.

Lemala Ndutu

Lemala Ndutu is associated with the southern Serengeti calving season.

Its seasonal location makes it attractive for February safaris.

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp moves seasonally in response to migration patterns.

The exact location must be confirmed for the intended travel dates.

Serengeti Under Canvas

andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas offers a luxury mobile safari experience.

Its seasonal positioning can provide access to different migration regions.

Permanent camps remain in established locations.

They may offer more extensive facilities and consistent infrastructure.

Mobile camps move seasonally.

This can improve access to migration areas during particular periods.

However, a mobile camp's exact location changes.

Travellers should confirm where the camp will operate during their stay.

Neither option is automatically better.

The best choice depends on wildlife priorities and preferred accommodation style.

Day 1: Arusha to Serengeti

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight.

Fly to the designated Serengeti airstrip.

Meet your guide and transfer to camp.

Enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Explore the surrounding wildlife habitats.

Your guide will select routes according to current herd movements.

Observe predators, herbivores and other wildlife.

Day 3: Migration Exploration

Spend the day focusing on areas where migratory herds are concentrated.

During calving season, this may involve the southern plains.

During the northern migration period, it may involve the Mara River region.

Day 4: Additional Wildlife Viewing

Enjoy another full day of game drives.

Photographers may prefer to spend extended periods observing animal behaviour.

Day 5: Return Flight

Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the airstrip.

Fly back to Arusha or continue to another destination.

Amboseli

Amboseli National Park provides opportunities to observe elephants and Mount Kilimanjaro scenery.

Flight connections may require routing through Nairobi.

Samburu

Samburu National Reserve offers distinctive northern Kenya wildlife.

It can provide a rewarding contrast to the Masai Mara.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater can be combined with a Serengeti migration safari.

Road transfers are commonly used between the relevant regions.

Diani Beach

A beach extension provides relaxation after several days of wildlife activities.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a popular addition to Tanzania safaris.

The most suitable flight arrangements depend on the itinerary.