Straight answers
The migration, answered plainly
Including the answers that send people to a cheaper month.
Timing
When, and how certain
Can you tell me the exact dates of the crossings?
No, and neither can anyone else. The herds move on rainfall, which shifts by weeks each year. Late July to September is the window with the best odds; that is as precise as honesty allows.
Is the migration in Kenya or Tanzania?
Both — it is one ecosystem across a border. Most of the annual loop is in Tanzania’s Serengeti. The Masai Mara is the northern extreme, and holds the herds for roughly a quarter of the year, generally July to October.
What happens in a year when the rains are late?
The herds arrive later and leave later. In practice a late year shifts the window by two or three weeks. It is one reason we suggest four nights rather than two — it absorbs a shift.
Is September really better than August?
Usually, marginally. The herds are still present, vehicle numbers ease slightly and the light is often better. August has the highest concentration and the highest prices.
Planning
Money, nights and expectations
How much more does migration season cost?
Substantially. The same tent in the same camp can cost roughly twice as much in August as in April. Park and conservancy fees also sit at their peak-season level. Flights into the Mara fill up and get more expensive.
Should I come outside the season instead?
If a crossing is not the point of the trip, seriously consider it. January, February and November give you excellent predator viewing, a fraction of the vehicles and a much lower bill. We suggest it often, and it costs us commission every time.
How far ahead should I book?
For July to October — the migration months in the Masai Mara — six to twelve months is normal, and the best small camps sell out first. Christmas and New Year book up just as early.
For the shoulder months, three to four months is usually comfortable. Inside eight weeks we can still put a very good trip together, but you are choosing from what is left rather than from everything.
What is actually included in a safari price?
A Kenya safari is usually quoted fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, park and conservancy fees, your guide and vehicle, and transport between parks. Most camps include soft drinks, house wine, beer and laundry.
Not included: international flights, visas or travel authorisation, travel insurance, tips, premium drinks, and extras like balloon flights and spa treatments.
Who actually arranges my safari?
This site is a planning guide. When you send an enquiry it goes to Nomad Africa, our partner travel agency in Kenya, who prepare your itinerary and quote and handle the booking, the payments and you on the ground.
You deal with one team from the first email to the airport transfer home.
More from our Kenya guides
Specialist guides across our Kenya network
Each of these is a focused guide we publish. Same Kenya specialist behind every enquiry.
Still weighing up your dates?
Send the window you can travel in. We will tell you what it usually holds and whether shifting it would give you a better trip for the same money.