The Great Migration
The great Migration of the Serengeti is considered one of 'The Ten Wonders of The Natural World’, and one of the best events in Tanzania to witness. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle of life in an expansive ecosystem ruled by rainfall and the urge for survival amongst the herbivores of the Serengeti plains.
Amazing journey
3 million
1,7 million wildebeest, 470 000 gazelles and 250 000 zebras.
250 000 dead
About 250,000 wildebeest including full grown die during the journey.
July - November
Between this period the animals moves north and south.
August - September
This is the best time to spot animals and see during the migration.
December - April The southern Serengeti is the place to be during these four months when the wildebeest are mostly staying put. Depending on rainfall, herds can be seen between the Ndutu area and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is just southeast of Serengeti National Park. Around February, wildebeest mothers give birth to more than 500,000 calves in a two- to three-week period, so if seeing baby wildebeest or predatory action is a priority, this could be the best time for you to go.
May - June Once the rainy season is over, the south and east plains of the Serengeti dry out, prompting the beginning of the migration. This usually starts in April or May, and herds begin to move north and west, although not all as one group. Some will head to the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River (where you might spot a crocodile) before proceeding north, and some may also go up through the Loliondo area or through the Seronera area and into Lobo.
July - November. This is traditionally thought of as the best season to view the migration. Between July and August, the wildebeest move into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in large numbers. These river crossings are among the most sought-after moments of the migration. If seeing a river crossing is at the top of your bucket list, this when you should plan your trip to catch a herd tromping through the water.
October - November. It’s not over yet! The migration starts to work its way south into Tanzania, so there will be plenty to see in the southern Maasai Mara in Kenya and in Northern Tanzania.
What month is the great migration in Tanzania?
July – October: This is when the wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti plains, and you have a chance of seeing up to thousands crossing the great Mara River. As the sight of the wildebeest crossing the so dramatic, it is considered by many the most desirable time to see the migration.
When can you see the great migration in Tanzania?
August and September are the best times to see the great migration — and your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. Come early October, the rainy season in Tanzania will commence, and the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Where is the best place to see the Great Migration?
Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp, Serengeti National Park.
Mbono Tented Camp, Maswa Wildlife Reserve.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Grumeti Reserve.
Bateleur Camp, Masai Mara National Park.
