With them travel carnivores. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs stalk the herds, lying in wait among the tall grass.

River crossings pose the greatest hazards to the migrating herds. Danger comes in many forms: swift-moving and treacherous water, submerged crocodiles, and big cats hiding in the tree line. Of the three million animals that begin the trek, many will falter along the way, providing sustenance for predators and scavengers.

The Serengeti, which means "Endless Plains" in the native Maasai language, crosses the border between Kenya and Tanzania. In September, when the Mara's grasslands are exhausted, the roaming herds turn south, returning across hundreds of miles to where their journey began, the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro plains. Between these two nations, the plains animals travel an endless seasonal loop towards richer pasture.

First Cabin offers luxury mobile safari adventures, using our years of experience to position you in exclusive campsites along the migration path, and yet well away from throngs of tourists. Our safari accommodations are so well-appointed; some guests have actually touched the canvas, not believing such comfort was possible from a tent.