The Great Migration is one of the most breathtaking natural events on Earth, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and thousands of gazelles as they move through the vast grasslands of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
If you’re planning a safari, you might be wondering:
👉 Should I go to Serengeti or Masai Mara to see the migration?
👉 Which location offers the best wildlife viewing, river crossings, and safari experience?
This guide will break down the differences and help you decide which destination is better for you.
1. Overview: What’s the Difference Between Masai Mara & Serengeti?
| Feature | Serengeti (Tanzania) | Masai Mara (Kenya) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Size | 30,000 km² (11,500 mi²) | 1,510 km² (583 mi²) |
| Great Migration Duration | Year-round (continuous cycle) | July–October (peak migration) |
| Best Time to Visit | December–July (varies by location) | July–October (river crossings) |
| Main Highlights | Calving season, Grumeti River crossings, vast open plains | Mara River crossings, dense predator activity |
| Wildlife Density | Large herds but spread out over vast areas | Higher concentration of wildlife in a smaller area |
| Safari Costs | More budget options, but park fees can add up | Generally more expensive, but high-end lodges available |
| Accessibility | Needs internal flights or long drives | Easier to reach from Nairobi (by road or flight) |
2. Wildlife & Migration Experience: What You’ll See
🐃 Serengeti Migration: What to Expect?
✔ Best for: Seeing the migration throughout the year
✔ Main highlights: Calving season (Jan–March), Grumeti River crossings (June–July)
✔ Wildlife concentration: More dispersed over a vast area
🔹 Calving Season (Jan–March): Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains) is the best place to see baby wildebeests being born and predators hunting them.
🔹 Grumeti River Crossings (June–July): Western Serengeti offers dramatic, but smaller-scale river crossings compared to the Mara River.
🔹 Year-Round Migration: Unlike the Masai Mara, the Serengeti hosts the migration all year as different herds move through various regions.
Safari Challenge: Since the park is massive, you may need longer game drives to find the migration.
🦓 Masai Mara Migration: What to Expect?
✔ Best for: Watching intense river crossings & predator action
✔ Main highlights: Mara River crossings (July–October), high density of big cats
✔ Wildlife concentration: More animals per square mile than Serengeti
🔹 Mara River Crossings (July–October): This is the most dramatic part of the migration, where thousands of wildebeest risk their lives crossing crocodile-infested waters.
🔹 Higher Predator Density: Masai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards in Africa.
🔹 Easier Game Viewing: Because the park is smaller than the Serengeti, you can spot wildlife more quickly.
Safari Challenge: Since Masai Mara is a top tourist attraction, it can get crowded, especially near the river crossings.
3. Best Time to Visit: When Should You Go?
| Event | Best Time | Best Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calving & Predator Action | Jan–March | Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) |
| Grumeti River Crossings | June–July | Western Serengeti |
| Mara River Crossings | July–October | Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara |
| Less Crowded Safaris | April–June, Nov–Dec | Serengeti & Masai Mara |
📌 Pro Tip: If you want to see the most dramatic river crossings, visit Masai Mara in August–September. If you prefer fewer crowds, opt for Serengeti in early July or November.
4. Accessibility: Which is Easier to Reach?
🚗 Serengeti (Tanzania)
- Nearest Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK)
- How to Get There:
- 7-9 hour drive from Arusha
- 1-hour flight from Arusha to Serengeti airstrips
- Safari Challenge: Long travel time due to Serengeti’s vast size
✈️ Masai Mara (Kenya)
- Nearest Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
- How to Get There:
- 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi
- 45-minute flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Safari Advantage: Easier & faster to access than Serengeti
📌 Verdict: If you prefer a safari that’s easier to reach, Masai Mara wins. But if you enjoy a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Serengeti is a better choice.
5. Safari Costs: Which Is More Affordable?
| Cost Factor | Serengeti (Tanzania) | Masai Mara (Kenya) |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry Fees | $70–$83 per person/day | $80–$100 per person/day |
| Budget Safaris | More budget-friendly options | Generally more expensive |
| Luxury Lodges | High-end lodges available | More exclusive, luxury lodges available |
| Internal Flights | More costly due to Serengeti’s size | Shorter, cheaper flights |
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, Serengeti offers more affordable options. If you’re looking for luxury safaris, Masai Mara has some of the most exclusive lodges.
6. Which is Better for Photography?
📸 Serengeti Photography Highlights
✔ Expansive landscapes—great for wide-angle shots of endless herds
✔ Dramatic predator action during calving season
✔ Less crowding, allowing for cleaner photo compositions
📸 Masai Mara Photography Highlights
✔ Closer wildlife encounters—perfect for detailed shots
✔ Mara River crossings provide breathtaking action shots
✔ Golden savannah backgrounds create stunning images
📌 Verdict: If you want wider landscapes, go for Serengeti. If you want closer wildlife shots, Masai Mara is better.
Final Verdict: Serengeti or Masai Mara?
| Category | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best for year-round migration | Serengeti |
| Best for dramatic river crossings | Masai Mara |
| Best for predator action | Masai Mara |
| Best for fewer crowds | Serengeti |
| Best for accessibility | Masai Mara |
| Best for budget travelers | Serengeti |
| Best for luxury safaris | Masai Mara |
🏆 Best Choice for First-Time Safari?
👉 Masai Mara – Easier to access, high predator density, and thrilling river crossings.
🏆 Best Choice for Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience?
👉 Serengeti – Vast landscapes, year-round migration, and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Both Serengeti and Masai Mara offer unforgettable safari experiences. Your choice depends on:
✔ Do you want year-round migration viewing? → Go to Serengeti
✔ Do you want intense river crossings? → Go to Masai Mara
✔ Do you prefer fewer tourists? → Serengeti is better
✔ Do you want easy access? → Masai Mara wins
🌍 No matter which you choose, the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
🚀 Which destination excites you more? Let us know in the comments!