Tanzania & Kenya: The Great Migration

Few wildlife experiences rival the Great Migration. Each year, over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle move across East Africa’s vast plains in search of greener pastures. It is the largest movement of land mammals on the planet, and witnessing it in person is both humbling and unforgettable.

This 12-day journey has been designed for September and October, when the herds surge across the Mara River and begin their return south into Tanzania. Staying in a handpicked collection of luxury lodges, you will follow their path from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the sweeping plains of the Serengeti and onward to the volcanic landscapes of Ngorongoro and Tarangire.

Days 1 to 4: Maasai Mara, Kenya

Stay: Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Your journey begins in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration reaches its dramatic climax. The open grasslands stretch endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and alive with wildlife. This is one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems, home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and countless antelope.

Stay at Cottar’s 1920s Camp, a classic tented retreat located within a private conservancy bordering the national reserve. The setting offers exclusivity and space away from the crowds, while still placing you at the heart of the action. Days begin before sunrise with game drives led by expert Maasai guides, who know every track and movement of the animals. You may witness the thundering river crossings as herds brave crocodile-infested waters or the tense stand-off between predators and prey on the open plains.

Evenings are timeless and elegant. Lanterns light the camp, gin and tonics are poured, and the sounds of the African night echo through the valley.

Days 4 to 7: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Stay: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

Cross the border into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the vast continuation of the same ecosystem. The Serengeti’s scale is extraordinary, its name derived from the Maasai word meaning “endless plains.”

Your base, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, sits along the Grumeti River in the park’s western corridor. Its location places you on the migration route as herds move south after crossing from Kenya. Daily game drives reveal immense herds of wildebeest and zebra, as well as lion prides, leopards and crocodiles resting along the riverbanks. The area is rich in birdlife and smaller creatures too, from mongoose darting through the grass to lilac-breasted rollers flashing across the sky.

When you are not out exploring, unwind by the pool, enjoy sundowners by the river or simply listen to the distant rumble of hooves drifting across the plains.

Days 7 to 9: Ngorongoro Highlands

Stay: The Manor at Ngorongoro

Continue to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa’s most remarkable landscapes. The Ngorongoro Crater is a vast volcanic caldera that shelters an incredible concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, flamingos and the elusive black rhino.

Stay at The Manor at Ngorongoro, a beautiful colonial-style property surrounded by rolling coffee plantations. From here, you can descend into the crater for a full-day safari, observing the diversity of species that live within its enclosed ecosystem. The terrain changes constantly, from open grassland to forest and wetlands, offering remarkable contrasts within a single day.

Return each evening to warm hospitality, roaring fires and sweeping views across the highlands.

Days 9 to 12: Tarangire National Park

Stay: Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge

End your journey in Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most atmospheric reserves. Fewer visitors reach this park, yet it is alive with wildlife. Massive baobab trees tower over the savannah, and during the dry season elephants gather by the river in extraordinary numbers.

Stay at Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, positioned high on an escarpment with panoramic views across the valley. The lodge combines luxury with a genuine sense of wilderness. Enjoy game drives in search of elephants, lions and leopards, as well as smaller species like mongoose and bat-eared foxes. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it one of the richest ornithological areas in East Africa.

It is a tranquil and fitting finale, offering space to reflect on the journey you have just taken across some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

This itinerary captures the spirit of East Africa’s Great Migration, blending timeless adventure with exceptional comfort. From the drama of the Maasai Mara and the vastness of the Serengeti to the volcanic beauty of Ngorongoro and the peaceful plains of Tarangire, every moment offers connection, wonder and perspective.

This itinerary costs around £17,500 per person, including accommodation on a full board basis, all transfers and private guiding. Activities such as hot air balloon flights, cultural visits and photographic safaris are additional and can be tailored to your preferences. Final pricing will depend on the time of year and the details of your trip.