Pick the right side
The Mara and the Serengeti each have their months. Your dates should decide the country, not the other way round.
Position yourself near the wildebeest herds in the Masai Mara or the Serengeti, with routes built around where they are likely to be on your dates.
The wildebeest herds move continuously through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, so there is no single date on which the migration begins. What changes month to month is where the herds are likely to be, and therefore which camps and which country make sense for your dates.
River crossings are the images everyone has in mind, and they are genuinely unpredictable. A migration itinerary positions you in a relevant area with the time and flexibility to be out looking. It cannot promise a crossing, and we would not claim otherwise.
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Dorcas MungaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯Posted on Google![]()
Mike BourassaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.Posted on Google![]()
Kate MandereTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!Posted on Google![]()
Emmy ChepkoechTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊Posted on Google![]()
Gloria KiketeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.Posted on Google![]()
Lolo ChgnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique SafariPosted on Google![]()
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Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommendPosted on Google![]()
Cheyenne van den BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.Posted on Google![]()
virginia mumoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
EXCELLENT
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Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Annette MVerified
Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
KSPVerified
Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Alain VVerified
A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
winnie aVerified
Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
maryanne oVerified
Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
M AVerified
Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
gladys nVerified
Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Christine NVerified
Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytimePosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Sabina MVerified
It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.
The three things you can actually control are where you stay, how many days you have and how flexible your guiding is.

The Mara and the Serengeti each have their months. Your dates should decide the country, not the other way round.
Camps inside or adjacent to the herds’ likely range mean less driving before the day even starts.
Crossings happen on the herds’ schedule. More days in one area improves your odds far more than visiting more areas.
Wildlife movements and river crossings are natural events. Any operator promising a crossing on fixed dates is overstating it.
The reserves and parks that make up the migration ecosystem, plus the Rift Valley lakes often added alongside.
Activities suited to migration travel. Availability is confirmed against your chosen camp and itinerary.

Plan a Masai Mara safari around the movement of the Great Migration herds. Time in the reserve allows for extended wildlife observation across…
Explore experience
See the Masai Mara from the air on a hot-air balloon safari. This experience is listed as an optional addition to selected safari…
Explore experience
Explore the Mara Triangle on guided game drives, following the changing activity of wildlife across the landscape. Build time in your safari for…
Explore experience
Make photography part of your time in the Masai Mara. Selected itineraries offer opportunities to photograph wildlife and the surrounding landscape, with time…
Explore experience
Experience the landscape on foot with guided walking safaris along the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment. A walking experience creates space to notice…
Explore experience
Spend time watching birds around the marshes of Amboseli. Bird watching can sit alongside game drives in a safari itinerary, giving you time…
Explore experience
Track lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Each park offers different odds on the five, so the route…
Explore experience
Pause for sundowners overlooking the savanna on selected Masai Mara journeys. The experience offers a quieter moment at the end of a day…
Explore experienceItineraries tagged for the migration, in Kenya, Tanzania and across both.
The short journey focuses on the Masai Mara National Reserve during the Great Migration season. It is designed for.
This short, immersive journey focuses on the legendary plains of the Masai Mara. Designed for travellers with limited time,.
This migration safari balances the high energy of the Masai Mara with the quiet birdlife and rhino sightings of.
The plains of the Masai Mara offer a steady rhythm of wildlife viewing and wide landscapes. This journey traverses.
This safari offers a focused and calm journey into the heart of the Masai Mara. It is designed for.
Masai Mara’s private conservancies offer a quiet and steady rhythm of wildlife viewing. This journey focuses on the Naboisho.
Send your dates and we will tell you honestly which area gives you the best chance.
EnquireMobile and permanent camps in our collection that sit within the migration range.







































































The same herds cross both countries, so the question is which side suits your travel window. Broadly, the Mara and the northern Serengeti matter later in the year, while the southern Serengeti holds the herds earlier.
If your dates sit near a handover, comparing both before committing is worth the effort.
Explore Tanzania safarisTiming decides almost everything on a migration trip.

Our year-round guide explains where the herds tend to be month by month, and is honest about what cannot be predicted.
Explore migration timing
Both sides deliver outstanding migration viewing in the right months. The comparison guide sets out cost, access and timing differences.
Compare the twoTiming, comparisons and costs for migration travel.
Start with the dates; everything else follows from where the herds are likely to be.

Your travel window determines the country and the area. Share it first, along with party size and pace.

We propose camps within the likely range, and build in enough days for the herds to cooperate.

Review the proposal, inclusions, transfers and booking terms, including what is not guaranteed.
It is continuous. The herds move through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem across the year, so the useful question is where they are likely to be on your dates rather than when the migration happens. Our year-round guide sets out the pattern.
Possibly, but it cannot be guaranteed. Crossings depend on herd movement, rainfall and river levels, and they happen on no fixed schedule. A good itinerary positions you well and allows enough days; it does not promise a crossing.
Your dates should decide. Broadly the Mara and northern Serengeti matter in the later part of the year, while the southern Serengeti holds the herds earlier. Tell us your window and we will say which side we would choose.
More days in one area beats more areas. Three or four nights in a single well-positioned camp gives the herds time to move into range and gives you several chances at a crossing.
Flying lets you reposition towards the herds and saves hours on longer routes, which matters when movements are unpredictable. Driving is better value and shows you more of the country between areas.
Yes. Camps in the migration range are limited and peak months fill early, particularly the small mobile camps that follow the herds. Earlier enquiries mean real choice.
Yes. Combined routes link the Mara and the Serengeti, and work especially well when your dates fall near a seasonal handover between the two.
A balloon flight gives a completely different sense of the herds and the landscape. It is an optional addition on selected itineraries and is subject to operating conditions on the day.
Start with each itinerary’s inclusions and exclusions. Park and conservancy fees, flights, camp category and optional activities vary. Your proposal sets out the exact inclusions before you confirm.
Send your dates first, then party size, preferred pace and budget. The dates determine the realistic options. Sending the form does not itself confirm a booking.
Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.