The World's Greatest Wildlife Spectacle
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the natural world's most extraordinary events, and experiencing the river crossings at the Mara River in Kenya is bucket-list territory for every wildlife lover on the planet.
Each year between July and October, over 1.5 million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle migrate north from Tanzania's Serengeti into Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. When the herds approach the Mara River, the chaos of a crossing begins: thousands of animals leaping into crocodile-infested water, surging across in a thundering mass, with lions waiting on the opposite banks. It is wildlife photography at its most dramatic.
🗓️ The 2026 river crossing season has wrapped. We're now taking interest for the 2027 Aug to Oct migration season, with your departure built around the river crossing window. This tour operates with strictly limited group sizes (max 4 guests per vehicle) to ensure maximum proximity to crossing points, and migration season camps book out months ahead. Register your interest now to be first in line for 2027 dates.
The River Crossing Experience
The river crossing is the Migration's signature moment, and it is completely unpredictable. Wildebeest may pace the banks for hours before suddenly committing to the water. The tension builds until a single animal leads the charge and thousands follow in an explosive, thundering surge.
From our strategically positioned safari vehicles, parked at known crossing points used year after year, you'll watch this drama unfold from just metres away. Nile crocodiles up to 5 metres long launch from the depths. Lions stalk the far bank. Vultures circle above. And you're right there.
📷 Photography Tip: Use a fast shutter speed (1/2000s or faster) to freeze the chaos of a crossing. The spray, the motion blur of thousands of hooves, the crocodile strike, all require quick reflexes and the right settings. Your guide will brief you beforehand on exactly how to capture the moment.
When Does the Migration Happen?
July
Herds begin entering Mara. Early crossings start. Excellent game viewing.
August
Peak crossing month. Highest density of wildebeest. Most dramatic action.
September
Crossings continue. Big cat action intensifies as predators follow the herds.
October
Herds begin returning south. Final crossings still possible. Lower crowds.
7-Day Itinerary
Arrive Nairobi and transfer to your city hotel. Your guide meets you at the airport, assists with luggage and transfer. Relax and recover from your international flight. Evening briefing on the Migration, what to expect over the coming days, and photography strategy for river crossings.
Morning charter flight from Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara (approx. 45 min). Check in to camp and head straight out on an afternoon game drive. The plains are already alive with wildebeest herds stretching to the horizon. In the late afternoon, visit a traditional Masai village for a cultural experience with the local community.
Full days positioned at prime crossing points on the Mara River. Your guide uses intelligence from camp contacts and ranger networks to position the group where crossings are most imminent. While waiting, the surrounding plains are alive with lion hunts, cheetah chases, and elephant families. Every moment is extraordinary.
Exploring the vast Mara plains in search of the Big Cats - lion prides, leopards in fig trees, and cheetahs with cubs. Afternoons return to the river where wildebeest continue to mass and attempt crossings. Nile crocodiles are active and visible throughout. Camp fire stories and photo reviews each evening.
One last morning sunrise drive before your charter flight back to Nairobi for your international departure. You will leave with photographs and memories that few people on Earth have experienced.
Where You'll Stay
Specific properties confirmed on booking based on travel dates and availability.
| Property | Room Type | Nights | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Inn by Radisson Nairobi |
City View | 1 | B&B |
| Zebra Plains Masai Mara Masai Mara |
Hillside Tent | 5 | Full Board |
What's Included
Included
- 6 nights twin-sharing accommodation
- B&B in Nairobi, full board on safari
- Charter flights Wilson Airport to Mara and return
- Private Land Cruiser, max 4 guests
- Park and conservancy fees, Masai Mara
- Masai village cultural experience (Day 2)
- Airport meet and greet
- Driver-guide accommodation, meals, and allowances
Not Included
- International flights
- Kenya ETA visa (apply at etakenya.go.ke)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities (AUD 15/day suggested)
- Balloon safari (approx. AUD 700)
- Personal expenses, laundry, spa, premium beverages
- Food and beverages not specified in inclusions
Optional Add-ons
- Hot air balloon safari and bush breakfast (approx. AUD 700)
- Night game drives and guided bush walks
- Premium room upgrades
Cancellation Policy
- 📅 90 or more days before departure: Deposit refundable, less any non-recoverable third-party costs (bank, airline, accommodation, permits)
- 📅 89 to 61 days before departure: 70% refund of the total tour price, excluding non-recoverable costs
- 📅 60 to 45 days before departure: 50% refund of the total tour price, excluding non-recoverable costs
- 📅 Fewer than 45 days before departure: No refund
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 90 days before departure. Additional park fees may apply and are subject to change by the Kenyan authorities.
About Junglee Wildlife Tours
Every Junglee Wildlife Tours itinerary is personally curated by Krishna and led by experienced guides and naturalists at the destination. Krishna's deep understanding of wildlife behaviour and photography shapes every itinerary to position your group for the optimal sighting and the perfect photograph.
⭐ 5.0-star rated - Junglee Wildlife Tours holds a perfect rating from all past guests. Small groups, expert local knowledge, and a genuine passion for wildlife conservation make every tour a trip to remember.
Wildlife Beyond the Migration
The Migration draws the predators, and Masai Mara already has the world's highest density of big cats. Migration season transforms the Mara into East Africa's most electrifying wildlife destination:
- Nile Crocodile, up to 5m long; multiple individuals per crossing
- Lion, prides of 20+ animals following the herds; kills occur daily
- Cheetah, open plains provide exceptional hunting displays
- Leopard, riverine woodland holds resident leopards
- Spotted Hyena, large clans follow the Migration columns
- Elephant, Giraffe, Topi, Gazelle, the permanent Mara residents
- Vultures, up to 6 species attend every crossing site