Writing about safari travel in Kenya and Tanzania — the migration, the seasons, and how to choose between the reserves.
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Coming soon
East Africa articles are in progress. The Africa journal carries the safari planning pieces in the meantime.
- See the Africa journal
- Migration timing
- Kenya vs Tanzania
The Great Migration is a year-round circuit, not a single event. Where the herds are depends on the month, and that should drive both the country and the reserve you choose.
What this journal covers
The Great Migration is a year-round circuit, not an event. Where the herds are depends on the month, and that should decide both the country and the reserve rather than the other way round.
Timing the migration
Calving in the southern Serengeti around February. River crossings in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara roughly July to October. Neither can be guaranteed to the week.
Kenya or Tanzania
Kenya's Mara conservancies limit vehicle numbers and allow night drives. Tanzania's Serengeti is vastly larger and pairs with Ngorongoro. Both are excellent; they are not the same trip.
Conservancies versus reserves
Private conservancies cost more and deliver far fewer vehicles at a sighting. For photographers in particular this is the decision that matters.
Beach at the end
Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast after a week of early starts is the natural finish, and the flights are short.
Where we are going next
Both countries require visas for Australians, applied for online in advance, and yellow fever certificates when arriving from certain countries.
Where this leads
Blog attracts, things to do informs, tours convert — in that order.