How Far in Advance Should I Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari? When to book a wildebeest migration Safari?   

What is the Great wildebeest migration? The Great Wildebeest Migration is a spectacular wildlife event where over 1.5 million wildebeest and their entourage (zebras & gazelles) move across the Tanzania – Kenya Border (Serengeti-Mara ecosystem) in search of fresh pastures and water. The Great wildebeest migration follows an old-age clockwise route – about 1,200 miles (1,900km) across Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the neighboring Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya. Wildebeest migration is one of the most sought-after wildlife Safari experiences and from all over the world, thousands of visitors each year visit Tanzania and Kenya to witness the migration unfold. Because of its popularity and the seasonal nature, we recommend booking a wildebeest migration safari in advance so as to secure the best camps, and lodges. The question therefore is How Far in Advance Should I Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari?

Our experts have been organizing wildebeest Migration safari in both Kenya and Tanzania for over 2 decades, based on their experience and knowledge, they recommend booking your wildlife safari well in advance. How Far in Advance Should I Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari? You can book a wildebeest migration safari from 30 days – 18 months ahead with Acacia Safaris Limited. We have developed this guide to help you understand the different Wildebeest Migration Safari Timelines, answering questions like; How Far in Advance Should I Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari? When should I book a wildebeest migration safari? and What is the best time to go for Wildebeest Migration safaris? Enjoy reading this guide and acquaint yourself with the necessary information before booking your Wildebeest Migration Safari to Kenya or Tanzania.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Wildebeest Migration Safari? Different Booking Timelines for Wildebeest Migration safaris for both Kenya & Tanzania

12–18 Months in Advance (Best for Peak Season, River Crossings & Luxury Camps)

The largest percentage of wildlife enthusiasts who book wildebeest migration safari to both Kenya and Tanzania are interested in witnessing the spectacular River Crossing. While on their long round trek, the wildebeest and their entourage encounter several life-challenging obstacles and one of them is crossing the crocodile-infested rivers. There are two major River crossing points; the Grumeti River in Serengeti and the Mara River between Serengeti and Masai Mara. How far in advance should I book a wildebeest migration safari in peak season? Book your safari 12 – 18 Months in Advance. The limited high-end accommodations sell out quickly during the peak season.

If you are planning to travel between June and July, the best place to witness this dramatic river crossing of the wildebeest migration is the Grumeti River in Serengeti. The crossing at the Grumeti River is however less dramatic than those in the Mara River. If you want to witness the dramatic river crossings at the Mara River (July–October). We recommend booking at least a year in advance, especially for traveler who are looking forward to blending their wildlife Safari with luxury stays in top lodges and mobile camps.

Note: June – October is considered the peak season for Wildebeest migration safaris and African safaris in General. Getting availability in different accommodation facilities is difficult and pricy since large numbers of travelers prefer visiting in this period. We there for recommend booking your safari 12 – 18 months in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak/high season.

Booking a wildebeest Safari 6–12 Months in Advance (Good for Mid-Range & Some Luxury Options)

For travelers who are flexible with their accommodations and can compromise on top-tier lodges, booking 6–12 months ahead can be enough time to secure mid-range camps and lodges in prime wildebeest viewing locations. Between 6-12 months is also a perfect timeline for booking a wildebeest migration safari during the off-season/off-peak/low season.

Traveling during the low season or off-peak season does not mean that you won’t witness the wildebeest migration, however, you might miss out on the most dramatic phase of this natural phenomenon (River crossing). There are however different opportunities to witness other phases of the wildebeest migration like the calving season – an opportunity to witness the birth of many calves (500,000+) in a single day.

Booking wildebeest Migration safaris in 30 days –6 Months in Advance (Last-Minute Deals) 

Between 30 days – and 6 months, it is difficult to get availability in top-tier accommodations in prime wildlife viewing areas in the peak season. However, with over 2 decades of experience in organizing Wildlife safari in Kenya and Tanzania, Acacia Safaris Limited has grown a network of trusted partners in the hotel business in both Kenya and Tanzania, guaranteeing you availability at different top safari lodges and camps. For those looking for last-minute deals, do not hesitate to contact our travel experts to get your journey customized.

If you are planning to travel during the low season, between 30 days to 6 months is enough time to secure availability in top facilities. The low season will allow you to witness the spectacular calving – over 500,000 births.

Best Time to Visit (Migration Phases & Locations)

Although wildebeest migration is a year-round event, the best time to visit both Kenya and Tanzania for wildebeest migration safaris is between June to October. These months of the year fall within the long dry season, known for the ideal wildlife safari conditions and spectacular River crossings. The weather during this time is favorable and the trails in the parks are generally accessible. If you’re looking forward to visiting during this time of the year, recommend booking 12 – 18 months in advance.

Book a wildebeest migration safari with us and explore Kenya and Tanzania. Browse some of our awe-inspiring wildebeest migrations safaris here and get inspired.