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Gapi Africa Safaris

Great Migration — wildebeest herd, Serengeti
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Great Migration · Serengeti · GAPI Africa Safaris

1.9 Million.
Moving.

The greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth. GAPI positions you at the right place, at the right time, sole-use.

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1.9M
Wildebeest
300+
Crossings by Mazinga
Jul–Sep
Peak Season
18mo
Waiting List
The River Crossings

The Mara River.
The main event.

The Mara River crossing is the single most dramatic wildlife event on Earth. Thousands of wildebeest mass on the bank, hesitate, and then plunge into crocodile-filled water in a chaotic, thundering rush.

Richard Mbuya, GAPI's migration specialist, has witnessed over 300 crossings. He reads the herd behaviour, wind direction, and crocodile positions to determine which crossing point will activate — and positions your vehicle there first.

"Two hours at that river, alone with our guide. Nothing was shared. Nothing was crowded."

Mr H.W. · Amsterdam · August 2024
Mara River Crossing
Calving Season Ndutu
The Calving Season

500,000 Calves.
Three weeks.

January to March. The short-grass plains of Ndutu host the calving season — 500,000 wildebeest calves born in a three-week window. The predator density during calving is the highest of any period in the entire Northern Circuit.

Lions hunting in coordinated groups. Cheetah with cubs. The hyena clan at maximum activity. GAPI's most consistently recommended month for first-time visitors.

Predators of the migration
The Predators Follow

Where the herd goes,death follows.

The migration is not just wildebeest. Lion prides, cheetah, hyena clans numbering in hundreds, and Nile crocodiles at every crossing point.

Lion Prides
3,000+ Serengeti
Cheetah
Short Grass Plains
Migration Calendar

Where the herds are, month by month.

Jan – Mar · Calving

Ndutu · Southern Serengeti

500,000 calves born. Peak predator density. GAPI's top recommendation for first-time visitors.

Apr – May · Green Season

Central Serengeti · Moving North

Herds begin northward march. Dramatic skies. Fewer visitors. Extraordinary photography.

Jun – Jul · Northern Push

Grumeti · Western Corridor

Herds reach Grumeti River. First crossings begin. Tarangire simultaneously at peak.

Aug – Sep · Mara Crossings

Mara River · Northern Serengeti

The main event. John Mazinga positions your vehicle first. 18-month waiting list.

Oct – Nov · Return South

Central Serengeti · Seronera

Herds return south. Short rains begin. Tarangire at late peak.

Dec · Pre-Calving

Ndutu Approach · Southern Plains

Herds arrive at Ndutu. Christmas departures positioned for January calving.

Serengeti dusk — Great Migration
Sole-Use Vehicle

Your vehicle.Your migration.

Every GAPI migration expedition is sole-use. Your party, your guide, your vehicle. No shared game drives.

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What to Expect

Crafted
for you.

Every GAPI migration itinerary is designed from scratch for your specific group, dates, and preferences. We handle all logistics, permits, accommodations, and transfers.

GAPI's Lamai Wedge camp in the northern Serengeti is positioned directly on the Mara River throughout July and August. The sole-use vehicle access to crossing sites before other operators is the single most significant advantage GAPI offers.

Zebras crossing river
Featured Migration Safaris

Handpicked Great Migration Itineraries

Witness nature’s grandest spectacle in real time. Tracked dynamically to position your private vehicle front-row at the Mara River crossings and the Southern Serengeti calving grounds.

10-Day Great Migration Safari
10 Days · 9 Nights Peak Migration
Serengeti • Ngorongoro Crater

10-Day Great Migration: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Expedition

Follow the thundering herds across the Serengeti. Stay in front-row mobile migration camps positioned directly alongside the migration paths and descent into Ngorongoro.

  • Great Migration herds & river crossing focus
  • Front-row luxury mobile migration camps
  • Sole-use custom 4x4 Land Cruiser & guide
FROM $8,179 USD / person
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5-Day Mara River Crossing Safari
5 Days · 4 Nights River Crossings
Northern Serengeti • Mara River

5-Day Mara River Crossing: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Classic

Focus directly on the drama. Stationed in the northern wilderness where thousands of wildebeest plunge across crocodile waters, paired with Ngorongoro Big Five game drives.

  • Mara River crossing tracking & positioning
  • Big Five game drive inside Ngorongoro caldera
  • All park fees, concession fees & transport
FROM $3,850 USD / person
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6-Day Ndutu Calving Season Safari
6 Days · 5 Nights Calving Season
Ndutu Plains • Southern Serengeti

6-Day Serengeti Ndutu Calving Season & Big Cats Safari

Nature’s greatest nursery. 500,000 wildebeest calves born across the Ndutu plains with peak predator action from lion prides, cheetah coalitions, and hyenas.

  • Off-road tracking permitted in Ndutu area
  • Highest big cat & predator density window
  • Luxury tented accommodation & meals included
FROM $4,399 USD / person
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Witness the Migration.

The Migration is seasonal. Let us position you at the perfect location at the perfect time.

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