The Great Migration is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural events, a breathtaking spectacle of life, survival, and endurance. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebra and antelope, traverse a 1,000 km loop through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing. Along the way, they face predators including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, as well as challenges from crocodile-infested rivers, exhaustion, and the elements.
What Makes the Great Migration Unique?
The migration is not a single herd but a dynamic movement of multiple groups, each with its own pace, forming vast columns that stretch across the plains. It’s a year-round phenomenon with specific highlights depending on the season and location:
Calving Season (January–March):
The southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area host the herds for calving. Nearly half a million calves are born in just a few weeks, attracting the highest density of predators in Africa. Witnessing predator-prey interactions here is an unforgettable experience.
Journey North (April–June):
As the southern plains dry out, the herds move northwards through the Serengeti’s central zones and the Western Corridor, often pausing at the Grumeti River. The lush grass following the long rains provides a temporary reprieve.
River Crossings (July–October):
The northern Serengeti and Masai Mara see the dramatic river crossings at the Mara and Talek Rivers. Thousands of animals risk the rushing waters and giant Nile crocodiles, a raw display of survival against the odds.
Return South (November–December):
After grazing in the Mara, the herds begin their return journey to the Serengeti, completing the cycle with their arrival on the southern plains for calving season once more.
Why Visit Tanzania for the Migration?
The Great Migration spends 75% of the year in Tanzania, making it the ideal destination to witness this spectacle. Beyond the migration, the Serengeti offers year-round wildlife viewing, including resident populations of wildebeest, zebra, and the big cats.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Best Times to Visit for Migration Action:
January–March for calving in the southern plains.
June–July for quieter migration movements in the central Serengeti.
July–October for the drama of river crossings.
Accommodation Options:
Stay in mobile camps that follow the herds or combine a mobile camp with a permanent lodge for a varied experience. Consider private conservancies for more exclusivity and insights into conservation efforts – the national parks attract vast numbers of visitors.
Plan Your Migration Safari
Witnessing the Great Migration is a bucket-list experience, whether during the dramatic river crossings or the predator-rich calving season. Our tailored safaris ensure you’re in the right place at the right time, with expert guides and accommodations close to the action.
