Great Migration Group Safaris 2026/2027 — Exceptional Travel Expert
Tanzania · July – October 2026

Witness the Greatest
Wildlife Spectacle on Earth

Small group safaris to the Serengeti for the Great Wildebeest Migration — Mara River crossings, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.

View Departure Dates
5.0★
TripAdvisor
Rating
150+
Travellers
Hosted
8
Max Group
Size
20%
Deposit
to Book
MNRT
Licensed
Operator
Great Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing Tanzania
1.5 Million+ wildebeest cross the Mara River annually — one of nature's last truly great spectacles
The Natural Wonder

What Is the Great
Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest movement of land animals on the planet. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest — joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles — travel in a giant clockwise circuit across the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania.

The most dramatic moment is the Mara River crossing — when enormous herds leap into crocodile-infested waters in a desperate dash for fresh grazing grounds. This spectacle unfolds between July and October in the Northern Serengeti — entirely within Tanzania.

Witnessing it is a life-changing experience that no documentary can replicate. It must be seen in person.

1.5M+
Wildebeest in the migration
800km
Annual migration circuit
Jul–Oct
Peak river crossing season
100%
Tanzania — no Kenya needed
Plan Your Visit

When to Witness the Migration

Our group departures run July through October — the peak season for Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti. Here is what to expect each month.

July
Crossings Begin

Herds arrive at the Mara River. First dramatic crossings of the season. Excellent predator activity. Dry conditions create ideal game viewing.

August
Peak Season

The absolute peak. Multiple crossings possible each day. The entire Northern Serengeti is alive with wildebeest and predators. Book early — spots go fast.

September
Peak Season

Crossings continue in full force. Fewer visitors than August — equally spectacular. One of the finest months for photography and game drives.

October
Last Crossings

Herds begin moving south. Later crossings still occur. Excellent value with fewer tourists and fresh green landscapes arriving from short rains.

Want to plan smarter? Read our expert guides before you book.
Our Group Safari Packages

Choose Your Migration Experience

Two carefully crafted itineraries — both designed for small groups of maximum 8 travellers. Both include the Mara River crossing experience.

Classic Great Migration Safari Tanzania

Classic Migration Safari

7 Days · Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti

Our most popular Migration package — covering Tanzania's greatest parks from the elephant herds of Tarangire to the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, culminating in the dramatic Mara River crossings of the Northern Serengeti.

  • Tarangire National Park — largest elephant herds in Tanzania
  • Ngorongoro Crater — Big Five in Africa's greatest caldera
  • Central Serengeti — year-round resident wildlife & predators
  • Northern Serengeti — Mara River crossing experience
  • Mid-range tented camp accommodation throughout
  • Maximum 8 guests — intimate small group experience
From
$1,890
per person · varies by group size & month
View Full Itinerary →
Ultimate Great Migration Safari Tanzania

Ultimate Migration Safari

8 Days · 2 Nights Northern Serengeti · Most Popular

The definitive Migration experience. An extra night in the Northern Serengeti gives you two full days at the Mara River — maximising your chances of witnessing a crossing. More time, more sightings, more memories.

  • All Classic package parks included
  • 2 full nights in Northern Serengeti — maximum crossing chances
  • 2 full game drive days at the Mara River
  • Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (supplement applies)
  • Mid-range tented camp accommodation throughout
  • Maximum 8 guests — exclusive small group experience
From
$2,450
per person · varies by group size & month
View Full Itinerary →
Fixed Group Departures

2026 Departure Schedule

All departures depart from Arusha, Tanzania. Groups are capped at 8 travellers. Only a 20% deposit is required to secure your place — balance due on arrival.

DepartureDatesParksPrice ppAvailability
Classic July1 – 8 July 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti$1,8908 spots available
Classic August1 – 8 August 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti$2,0506 spots remaining
Classic September2 – 9 September 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti$2,0508 spots available
Classic October1 – 8 October 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti$1,8908 spots available
DepartureDatesParksPrice ppAvailability
Ultimate July15 – 23 July 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North)$2,4508 spots available
Ultimate August I12 – 20 August 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North)$2,7505 spots remaining
Ultimate August II22 – 30 August 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North)$2,7506 spots remaining
Ultimate September14 – 22 September 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North)$2,7508 spots available
Ultimate October12 – 20 October 2026Tarangire · Ngorongoro · Serengeti (2N North)$2,4508 spots available

* Prices per person based on shared accommodation. Single supplement available on request. All prices in USD. 20% deposit secures your place — balance due on arrival in Tanzania.

The Safari Circuit

Parks You Will Visit

Both packages cover four of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife destinations — each extraordinary in its own right.

Serengeti National Park
Day 4–7 (Ultimate: 4–8)
Serengeti National Park

Home of the Migration and Africa's most iconic savannah. Central and Northern zones included.

Mara River Crossing
Peak Jul–Oct
Mara River Crossings

Witnessed entirely from the Tanzania side of the Serengeti — no Kenya needed.

Ngorongoro Crater
Day 2
Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest intact caldera. Home to the Big Five including the rare black rhino.

Tarangire National Park
Day 1
Tarangire National Park

Tanzania's elephant capital. Ancient baobab trees and year-round resident wildlife.

What Is Covered

Inclusions & Exclusions

What Is Included
  • +All accommodation in mid-range tented camps throughout
  • +All meals from Day 1 dinner to final day breakfast
  • +All game drives in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • +Experienced English-speaking professional safari guide
  • +Airport transfers from and to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport
  • +All national park and conservation area entry fees
  • +Ngorongoro Crater descent and game drive fees
  • +Drinking water throughout the safari
  • +MNRT licensed and fully insured operation
What Is Not Included
  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Tanzania visa fees — currently $50 USD for most nationalities
  • Personal travel and medical insurance — strongly recommended
  • Hot air balloon safari — available as an optional add-on
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal soft drinks
  • Tips for your guide and camp staff — recommended
  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Items of a personal nature
Why Choose Us

Why Book With Exceptional Travel Expert

5.0★
Perfect TripAdvisor Rating

Every review reflects our commitment to outstanding service, knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics.

8
Maximum Group Size

Small groups mean more personal attention, a private atmosphere and far better positioning at the river.

MNRT
Fully Licensed Operator

Officially registered and licensed by Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

20%
Low Deposit to Book

Only a 20% deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania.

Arusha
Local Tanzania Team

Based in Arusha — at the gateway of Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Our guides live and breathe this ecosystem.

24h
Personal Response

Every enquiry answered personally by our team — not a chatbot. We respond within 24 hours.

150+
Happy Travellers

Over 150 travellers have explored Tanzania with us. Their referrals are the foundation of our business.

100%
Tanzania-Side Crossings

We witness the Mara River crossings entirely from the Tanzania side — no need to cross into Kenya.

Where You Will Stay

Your Accommodation

Carefully selected mid-range tented camps — comfortable, authentic and perfectly located for wildlife viewing.

Moyo Migration Mara Camp Northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti · Mara River Zone
Moyo Migration Mara Camp

Perfectly positioned near the Mara River for maximum crossing access. En-suite tented accommodation with warm bush atmosphere and campfire evenings under the Serengeti stars.

View Camp Website
Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

A classic Serengeti experience in the heart of the central plains. Spacious en-suite tents, excellent food and outstanding resident wildlife right outside your tent.

View Camp Website
Mara Under Canvas Northern Serengeti
Northern Serengeti · Premium Option
Mara Under Canvas

Immersive tented camp directly in the migration zone. Wake to the sounds of the wild — wildebeest and predators move through camp during migration season.

View Camp Website
Guest Reviews
"

We did a combo trip, safari first with Shafi then straight into the Kili climb with Minja. Both were incredible in their own way. The coordination between everything by Exceptional Travel Expert was seamless. Jackline sorted all our booking questions before we flew out — super helpful.

Katrina

Travelled with friends · March 2026 · Verified TripAdvisor Review

"

The Mara River crossing was everything I dreamed it would be and more. Our guide knew exactly where to position us — we watched three crossings in a single morning. An experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

James & Sarah

Honeymoon trip · August 2025 · Verified TripAdvisor Review

"

From the moment we landed in Kilimanjaro to the final transfer back to the airport, everything was perfectly managed. The small group format makes such a difference — it feels like a private safari at a group price.

David M.

Solo traveller · September 2025 · Verified TripAdvisor Review

Read All Our Reviews on TripAdvisor  ↗
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Migration guaranteed?
No wildlife experience can be 100% guaranteed — nature does not follow a fixed schedule. However, July through October is historically the most reliable window for the Mara River crossings. Our guides know exactly where to position you for the best possible chance of a sighting.
Do I need to go to Kenya?
Absolutely not. The Mara River crossings happen entirely on the Tanzania side of the border in the Northern Serengeti. You get the full crossing experience without the added cost and logistics of crossing into Kenya.
What is the maximum group size?
All our Migration safaris are capped at 8 travellers maximum. This ensures everyone has excellent viewing positions in the vehicle and allows our guide to provide personal attention throughout.
How do I get to Arusha?
You fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi. Airport transfers to your first night's accommodation are included. Major airlines fly to Kilimanjaro via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, Dubai and Amsterdam.
What is the best month to visit?
August and September are the peak months for Mara River crossings. July and October offer excellent value with fewer visitors. For maximum crossing chances, choose the Ultimate package for two full nights at the Mara River.
Can I combine this with Zanzibar?
Absolutely — and we highly recommend it. A Tanzania safari combined with a Zanzibar beach extension is one of the world's great travel combinations. We can arrange flights, accommodation and transfers as a seamless complete package.
What visa do I need for Tanzania?
Most nationalities obtain a Tanzania tourist visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport for $50 USD, or in advance via the e-visa portal. We recommend applying in advance. Full pre-departure documentation is provided with your booking confirmation.
How do I secure my place?
A 20% deposit confirms your place. The remaining balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania. Once received you will get a full booking confirmation, detailed itinerary, pre-departure guide and packing list.

The Migration Waits
for No One

2026 departures are open now. Spots are limited to 8 per group and fill fast — especially August and September.

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