How to plan a private Great Migration safari
A private migration safari starts with one decision: calving or crossings. The rest follows from where the herds are likely to be that month.
1. Choose the month
- January to March for calving in the south.
- June for the Western Corridor.
- July to October for Mara River crossings in the north.
2. Choose the area
Match the base to the month. On longer trips, split between two areas: for example Ndutu and central Serengeti in February, or central and northern Serengeti in August.
3. Choose the camps
Seasonal mobile camps move with the herds and put you closest. Permanent lodges are more comfortable but further away at some times of year.
4. Decide on the number of nights
Three nights in migration areas is the minimum. Five or more gives the herds time to do what they do.
5. Decide how to travel
Drive in via Tarangire and Ngorongoro to see more on the way. Fly between Serengeti areas, or out at the end, to save time.
6. Book early
The most popular camps for February and August fill a year or more ahead.
At a glance
- Minimum migration nights
- 3
- Ideal
- 5 or more
- Book
- 9 to 12 months ahead
- Best vehicle
- private, with your own guide
Why private matters here
Migration days depend on waiting. A private vehicle means you choose when to leave a crossing point or a hunt. You can take breakfast in the field, stay out all day, and change the plan when the herds move.
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