Great Migration 2025 Guide: Best Time & Viewing Spots
10 min readPeak Season

Great Migration 2025 Guide: Best Time & Viewing Spots

The World’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacle

Over 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles making a perilous journey across the Mara River. It is the rawest, most powerful display of nature on earth.

But seeing it requires timing and planning. This guide covers everything you need to know for the 2025 Great Migration Season.

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River
Wildebeest crossing the Mara River

Migration Calendar: When to Go

MonthActivityLocation
JulyThe ArrivalHerds enter Mara from Serengeti
AugustRiver Crossings (Peak)Mara River (Main Crossing Points)
SeptemberRiver Crossings (Peak)Mara River & Talek River
OctoberGrazing & DepartureMara Plains, starting to head south
Warning: August is the busiest month. River crossing points can get extremely crowded with vehicles. We recommend booking a private guide who knows "secret" crossing points away from the main tourist hubs.

Private Villa vs. Migration Camps

Most tourists stay in "Migration Camps" right on the river. Sounds great, right? In reality, these camps are packed, noisy, and expensive.

The Smart Choice: Stay at a private villa like Kitumo Mara (just 15 mins away). You get:
- To sleep in silence (away from the river noise/smell)
- Lower rates than riverfront camps
- Exclusive vehicle to drive to the river for the action, then retreat to your private pool for lunch.

Ready to Start Planning?

Book Your Migration Safari

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