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The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, as over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, gazelles, and predators, travel across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of greener pastures.
But if you’re planning a safari, where’s the best place to see the Great Migration – Maasai Mara or Serengeti?
| Feature | Maasai Mara (Kenya) | Serengeti (Tanzania) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time for the Migration | July – October | November – July |
| Size | 1,510 km² | 30,000 km² |
| Migration Highlights | River crossings at Mara & Talek Rivers | Grumeti River crossings & calving season |
| Predator Sightings | High density of lions, cheetahs & leopards | Excellent but more spread out |
| Accessibility | Easier to reach (6-hour drive from Nairobi, 45-min flight) | Requires longer drives or flights from Arusha |
| Tourism & Crowds | More tourists (high demand in peak season) | Less crowded, more remote areas |
| Safari Costs | More budget-friendly | Slightly higher cost for park fees & flights |
✔ Largest protected area in Africa – Over 30,000 km² of unspoiled wilderness.
✔ Wildebeest calving season (January – March) – Thousands of births attract predators.
✔ Grumeti River crossings (May – July) – Fewer crowds, dramatic predator action.
✔ Diverse landscapes – Endless plains, kopjes, acacia forests & riverine areas.
✔ Great for long, extended safaris – More exclusive, remote luxury lodges.
✔ Best place to witness the Mara River crossings (July – October).
✔ Shorter travel distances from Nairobi (compared to the Serengeti from Arusha).
✔ High predator density – Lions, cheetahs & leopards are frequently spotted.
✔ More safari options – Budget-friendly, mid-range, and luxury safari choices.
✔ Private conservancies offer exclusive experiences – Fewer crowds, night drives & walking safaris.
Month-by-Month Migration Calendar
| Month | Location | Migration Event |
|---|---|---|
| January – March | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains) | Calving season – 500,000+ wildebeest born |
| April – May | Central Serengeti | Herds move north, predators follow |
| June – July | Western Serengeti & Grumeti River | First major river crossings begin |
| July – October | Maasai Mara, Kenya | Dramatic Mara River crossings |
| November – December | Serengeti (Returning South) | Herds migrate back to Tanzania |
✔ Highest density of lions in Africa – Excellent for lion, leopard & cheetah sightings.
✔ Frequent predator-prey action – River crossings attract crocodiles & big cats.
✔ Conservancies allow night safaris – Spot leopards & nocturnal predators.
✔ Larger area means more spread-out wildlife – You’ll see huge herds.
✔ Famous for unique rock formations (kopjes) – Perfect leopard habitats.
✔ Best for elephant & giraffe sightings compared to Maasai Mara.
Distance & Flight Comparison
| Destination | Nearest Airport | Drive Time from Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | Nairobi (Wilson Airport) | 45-minute flight or 6-hour drive |
| Serengeti | Kilimanjaro / Arusha | 1-hour flight or 7-8 hour drive |
✔ Maasai Mara is more accessible for short safaris.
✔ Serengeti requires more travel time, making it better for longer safaris.
You want to see the Mara River crossings (July – October).
You prefer shorter travel times & more affordable safaris.
You love big cats & predator sightings.
You want to see the full migration cycle, including calving season.
You prefer more remote & extended safaris.
You’re looking for larger herds & unique landscapes.
Maasai Mara is best for dramatic river crossings, while Serengeti offers the full migration cycle.
July – October for the famous Mara River crossings.
✔ January – March (calving season) or June – July (Grumeti River crossings).
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