Combining Kenya and Tanzania to see the Great Migration: Complete Guide

A combined Kenya and Tanzania journey to witness the Great Migration is one of the ultimate wildlife spectacles. This is a seasonal migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from Serengeti crosses the Mara River to enter the savannahs of Masai Mara in Kenya and vice versa.

The plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania from January to March hosts the calving season, from April to May, the herd moves northward, and from June to July, you can watch early river crossings.

Dramatic movement into the vast savannahs of Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, starts from July to October, the brave herds crosses the Mara River filled with crocodiles. A bewildered scene to see.

Visitors choosing for combined Kenya Tanzania Great Migration safaris are able to learn about the migration stages, explore both the ecosystems, its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife sightings and in-depth understanding of nature’s most spectacular events.

Highlights of Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari

Each safari destination is unique in their own way, here is a list of the important highlights that visitors can expect in their combined Kenya Tanzania Great Migration safari.

1. Witness the Great Migration

No where else on Earth can you witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya, crossing the Mara River.

This seasonal migration depends on the timing:

• Mara River crossing in Kenya and the Grumeti River crossing in Tanzania are the dramatic high points.
• While crossing these rivers, the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles face predators like crocodiles and lions who take advantage of their migration, creating a bewildering scene, no where else on Earth could you get such intense wildlife interactions.

2. Explore the Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

• World famous for its thriving wildlife and vast plains of the savannahs with scattered acacia trees.
• Thrilling game drives, close encounters with the wild, watch the lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, a few steps away.
• Have an immersive cultural tour, visit Maasai tribe local villages, learn about their traditional customs.
• Hot air balloon safaris over the vast plains of the savannahs in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

3. Discover the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

• Known for its vast open plains and abundant wildlife all throughout the year.
• Embark on exhilarating game drives that lets you see the Big Five up close, lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.
• Capture the breathtaking scenes of Serengeti, from above in a Hot air balloon safari.

4. Ngorongoro Crater Experience (Tanzania)

• This is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Seems like a natural amphitheater, teeming with wild species.
• One of the hotspots with the maximum population of lions, elephants, and hippos.
• The crater floor is the treasure hub of wildlife exploration and photography.

5. Diverse Landscapes

• Both Kenya and Tanzania boast savannahs, riverine forests, volcanic craters, and grasslands.
• Each park is known for its unique ecosystem.

6. Photographic Opportunities

• Must visit destinations for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
• For capturing dramatic scenes, the sunrise and sunset game drives are the best time.

7. Luxury and Comfort

• There are safari lodges and tented camps along the routes and near the national parks. Comfort + Wilderness + Wildlife encounters
• Combined Kenya Tanzania Great Migration safari itineraries include guided game drives, cultural experiences, luxury stay to budget friendly options, hot air balloon safari, and other activities.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a seasonal migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from Serengeti cross the Mara River to enter the savannahs of Masai Mara in Kenya and vice versa.

• This is the only place on Earth where you can spectate bewildering wildlife events, taking place across Kenya and Tanzania.
• Every year more than 1.5 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras, and gazelles, repeat this cycle in search of fresh grass and water.
• The plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania from January to March hosts the calving season, from April to May, the herd moves northward, when the dry season approaches, and from June to July, you can watch early river crossings.
• Dramatic movement into the vast savannahs of Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, starts from July to October, the brave herds crosses the Mara River filled with dangerous crocodiles. An enthralling scene for the visitors to see.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration is based on the rainfall patterns and is one of the greatest examples of nature’s most remarkable survival phenomena.

What is the Great Migration Kenya

The Great Migration in Kenya refers to the migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, from Serengeti in Tanzania, crossing the Mara River and entering into the vast plains of  Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

It takes place from July to October, entering Maasai Mara plains, in search of fresh grass and water. The brave herds cross the Mara River known for its strong currents and dangerous crocodiles, and predators like lions in the land.

This is the peak safari season in Kenya, thousands of visitors from around the globe visit for the best wildlife views, predator-prey interactions, and herds spreading across the savannahs once they reach the side of Maasai Mara.

What is the 12 hour rule for Masai Mara

The 12-hour rule for Maasai Mara National Reserve is the 12 hour park entry policy (or how long you can stay in the park) after paying entrance fees.

This entry policy is set by the forest department of Kenya, meaning the park entry ticket is valid for 12 hours, counted from the time you enter the park. For example, if a visitor enters the park at 6:00 AM, the access expires at 6:00 PM, on the same day, you must leave the park before the time expires.

Why it matters:

• Helps to plan your game drives within the designated time interval
• Avoids unnecessary crowd inside the park
• Maintain the entry/exit timing to avoid paying extra fees

Which month is the Great Migration in Kenya

If foreign travelers want to visit Kenya for the Great Migration, then they have to visit between July and October.

• July to August: The first batch of herds from Tanzania starts the dramatic river crossing, they cross the Mara River and enter Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
• August to September: It is the peak season, you can see huge herds crossing the Mara River.
• October: Animals start moving back south as rains begin. As rainfall starts, the herds start moving back to Tanzania.

Which month is great to watch the Great Migration in Kenya

The best month to watch the Great Migration in Kenya is between August to September, this is because during these months:

• Huge herds cross the Mara River.
• You can see large herds spread across the plains of Maasai Mara.
• Frequent dramatic crossing of the herds can be seen.
• Witness high drama predator activities, lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs waiting to take advantage of the herds crossing the river.

What is the Great Migration Tanzania

The Great Migration in Tanzania refers to the seasonal migration of 1.5 millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, from Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to Serengeti in Tanzania, in search of fresh grass and water.

The plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania from January to March hosts the calving season, where thousands of births are given each day, from April to May, the herd moves northward, when the dry season approaches, and from June to July, you can watch early river crossings.

Which month is the Great Migration in Tanzania

If foreign travelers want to visit Tanzania to be a part of the Great Migration in Tanzania, then they will have to know which months are known for what kind of activity by the animals.

• January to March: Hosts the calving season in southern Serengeti, where thousands of births are given each day
• April to May: Herd moves northward, known for its lush scenery
• June to July: You can watch early river crossings (Grumeti River crossings start in western/northern Serengeti)
• November to December: With the arrival of the rains, the herd starts to return south.

So the best month to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania is from:

• January to March: To witness the calving season
• June to July: To witness early river crossings

How to Combine Kenya and Tanzania to witness the Great Migration?

If you want to witness the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, then you should plan the Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari as mentioned below:

Plan timing carefully

• January to March (Tanzania): Visitors can start their Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania to witness the calving season.
• June to July (Tanzania): Watch the early river crossings
• July to October (Kenya): Watch millions of herds cross the Mara River and enter the plains of Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Suggested route

• From your home country, take a flight to northern Tanzania (Arusha), watch the migration in Tanzania, then take a flight to Kenya or opt for road transfer.

Choose the right camps

• For a comfortable and immersive wildlife experience, choose to stay in mobile or seasonal camps.

Allow enough time

• Have your itinerary planned for 7 to 10, across both countries, so that you have a thrilling wildlife encounter across both the countries.

How to reach Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration

Here is how foreign travelers can reach Kenya and Tanzania to experience Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari.

From your home country fly to Tanzania

• Arrive in Tanzania's International Airport: From your home country you can fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) in Tanzania.
• Domestic Flight to Serengeti: Once you reach Tanzania's International Airport, take a domestic flight to Serengeti airstrips (which will take around one hour to reach) such as Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti, depending on where you want to watch the migration.

Serengeti Safari

• Watch the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
• Based on the month you are visiting, you will be able to witness different highlights of the wildlife.
• Game drives in Serengeti, lets you have a close encounter with the wildebeest, zebras, and predators in the main migration regions.

Fly or Overland Transfer to Kenya

Road Route: International travelers can choose to drive to Kenya from Serengeti via Namanga (northern route) or Isebania (southern route).

Visa: To enter Kenya to witness the Great Migration in Kenya, the travelers will have to have the approved Kenya eTA or East Africa Tourist Visa for both countries.

OR

Fly to Kenya

• Domestic Flight from Serengeti to Masai Mara: Those who want to fly, take a charter flight from Serengeti to Masai Mara airstrips (Keekorok, Mara Serena).
• Alternative: Or otherwise International travelers will have to take a flight from Tanzania's international airport to Kenya's international airport in Nairobi. Once you reach Nairobi, you can take a flight to Masai Mara airstrips (Keekorok, Mara Serena).

Masai Mara Safari

• Watch the Great Migration in Kenya.
• Enjoy game drives, having a close encounter with the wild.
• The best time to watch the Great Migration in Kenya is between July to October.

Do you need a visa to visit Kenya and Tanzania for safari

Yes, foreign travelers will have to obtain visas for both Kenya and Tanzania, if they want to experience the Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari, however the exact requirements will depend on the country you belong to.

Kenya: Citizens from e-visa online or Kenya eta eligible countries can apply for the Kenya eTA. They have to obtain the Single entry Kenya eTA for tourism if they want to enter Kenya for only once.

Tanzania: Citizens from e-visa online or Tanzania eVisa eligible countries can apply for the Tanzania e visa, however check the requirements.

Can I re-entry Kenya from Tanzania with a single entry visa

Travelers cannot enter Kenya from Tanzania on a single-entry visa, as it allows them to enter Kenya only once, if you leave the country, you will have to:

• Apply for a new Kenya eTA.
• Otherwise if you have the Multiple Entry Kenya eTA, you can enter Kenya again and again till the validity period of this visa.

People might also want to Know

Can you do Kenya and Tanzania together

Yes, visitors can do Kenya Tanzania combined safaris, this will let them have a glimpse of the Great Migration in both the countries.

How it works:

Start your Great Migration Safari in Tanzania: Visitors can start their Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania to witness the calving season (January to March).

Move to Kenya: Head to Kenya to continue your Combined Kenya and Tanzania Great Migration Safaris, Watch millions of herds cross the Mara River and enter the plains of Maasai Mara in Kenya (July to October).

Travel options: Travelers can either choose to fly or take the road crossing borders to visit Kenya and Tanzania.

Is Kenya or Tanzania better for migration

The Great Migration in both the countries, i.e. Kenya and Tanzania are great, as it depends on what part of the migration you want to watch, highlighting different stages of the journey.

• To witness dramatic river crossings: Kenya is better.
• To witness calving: Tanzania is better.
• To witness both: Choose Kenya Tanzania Great Migration safaris

Is it worth going to both Masai Mara and Serengeti

Yes it is worth visiting both Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park to witness the Great Migration, as it depends on what part of the migration you want to watch, highlighting different stages of the wildebeests journey, including lush scenery, Big Five, etc.

Which is cheaper, Serengeti or Masai Mara

In some cases, Serengeti National Park is considered to be much more reasonable than Masai Mara National Reserve, however, which one is cheaper definitely depends on your budget and spending plans, how you plan your trip, itinerary, accommodation and the season.

---

If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.