The Great Migration

The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing grounds and water across the Serengeti and the Mara, creating a never-ending river of animals. Here's a guide to help you plan the best time and place to witness this incredible event.

Best Time to See the Great Migration:

The Great Migration takes place in Tanzania annually, usually starting in late November or early December and continuing until June. The exact timing of the migration depends on the rainfall patterns in the region, so it's essential to check the latest updates before planning your trip. However, the peak of the migration typically occurs in July and August when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grass in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Best Places to See the Great Migration:

1. Serengeti National Park: This park is the starting point of the migration, and it's possible to see the herds throughout the year. During the calving season from January to March, you'll have a chance to witness the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves.
2. Ndutu and Lamai Wedge: These areas in the southern Serengeti are known for their large herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. The Ndutu area is particularly popular for its stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
3. Mara River: This is the most famous crossing point of the migration, where the herds brave the swift currents and crocodiles to reach fresh grazing grounds in Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.
4. Maasai Mara National Reserve: Once the herds have crossed the Mara River, they spend several months in the Maasai Mara, where you can see the animals in large numbers.

No matter where you go, the Great Migration is an unforgettable experience. By choosing the right time and place, you'll get the chance to witness one of the world's most spectacular natural events on earth.

Each year, over 1.5 million Wildebeest travel 1,000km in a huge loop across Tanzania in search of water and vegetation. This Great Migration follows these Wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and antelopes, around the Serengeti and into the Masai Mara ecosystem. The animals pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve, the Grumeti Game Reserve, Ikorongo Game Reserve during their trek through the Serengeti National Park. During this journey, the grazing prey can fall victim to predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dogs, and crocodiles, as well as succumbing to injury or sickness. By following weather patterns and the movement of the rains, the Wildebeest are able to find plentiful grass and water to keep their herd thriving. While it is unknown by scientists how the animals know exactly where to go, it has been suggested that the animals follow the growth of vegetation and can sense rain more than 50km away. This evolutionary advancement helps the Wildebeest to continue this age-old migration and ensure the survival of not only their herd, but the entire ecosystem that depends on this phenomenon. The Great Migration is considered the largest herd movement of animals on Earth. Researchers have recorded up to 1,000 animals per km², and the circular migration can even be seen from space!

Though the migration is ever-moving, we can begin to understand its circular motion through the early months of the year (January-March) when female Wildebeests give birth to around 400,000 calves over the course of only two or three weeks. After reaching the eastern edge of the Serengeti and entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (though not the crater), the fertile lands offer suitable conditions for raising Wildebeest calves. During this period, the abundance of Wildebeest, especially newborn calves, provide predators like lion and cheetah who reside in the Southern and Central Serengeti with easy prey.

Following this birthing period, the herd moves northwest towards the Maswa Game Reserve and Central Serengeti, attracting some new friends - zebras and many species of antelope.