The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth, captivating travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on an epic journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Having been born and raised in Tanzania, Michael has always been close to the Serengeti, while Sandra has called this beautiful land home for the past ten years. Together, we have witnessed the Great Wildebeest Migration countless times, and yet each migration brings new awe and wonder. It’s not just the movement of animals driven by their survival instinct; it’s a testament to nature’s timeless resilience, beauty and sheer power.
If you’re planning a Tanzania safari, witnessing the wildebeest great migration should be at the top of your list. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share everything we know about this incredible event, including when the great migration in Africa occurs, where the great migration in Africa takes place, and how to experience it firsthand. We’ll also touch on some of the challenges tourism poses and how to engage in responsible tourism and how to avoid the overcrowded tourist spots.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Migration is an annual movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti in Tanzania and into the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The animals move in a continuous cycle of about 800 – 1,000 km, following the rains and seeking fresh grazing lands. This journey is perilous, with predators such as lions, leopards and crocodiles lying in wait, making it a high-stakes race for survival.
What fascinates us most is that the migration is not just a spectacle but also a survival strategy. Wildebeest and zebras are constantly on the move, driven by the need to find fresh grazing land and water. A movement with danger: calves are brought down by predators; wildebeest break their legs on the steep river slopes; crocodiles lie in wait to have their share; and the weak and exhausted ones drown. It’s nature’s own way of balancing ecosystems, ensuring that no area is overgrazed, and that predator populations remain healthy.
Our fleet has been thoughtfully designed to offer a seamless blend of functionality and luxury, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience of observing Tanzania’’s magnificent wildlife and landscapes.
Where is the Great Migration in Africa?
The Great Migration takes place primarily in East Africa, across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which spans between Tanzania and Kenya. The great migration Serengeti is perhaps the most iconic part of this event, where the vast plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park host most of the migration.
The journey takes the animals through diverse terrains: from the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, through rivers teeming with crocodiles, and into the lush northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. The Tanzanian Serengeti is considered the heart of the migration, with most of the movement occurring within the park’s boundaries.
When is the Great Migration in Africa?
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “When is the great migration in Africa?” The answer depends on what part of the migration you want to see. The wildebeest great migration is a year-round event, with different stages of the journey unfolding in different months.
Here’s a breakdown of the migration’s phases throughout the year:
- December to March: Calving season on the southern Serengeti plains. During this time, the wildebeest congregate on the short-grass plains of the Serengeti (that also includes the Ndutu Region within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) to give birth. They opt for southern Serengeti because the plains are rich in nutritious grass, providing the herds with the best conditions for raising their newborn calves. February marks the prime time to see newborn wildebeest and predators in action, as lions, cheetahs and hyenas target the young and vulnerable calves.
- April to May: The herds begin their journey northward as the long rainy season is still ongoing. Large groups of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles can be seen moving through the central Serengeti. Mating season begins towards the end of May and males are constantly battling, which makes it a quite noisy encounter!
- June to early July: The herds reach the western Serengeti and the Grumeti River, where the first dramatic river crossings occur. This is one of the most thrilling parts of the migration, as the wildebeest must navigate crocodile-infested waters.
- July to October: During this period, the herds head to Northern Serengeti and reach an even riskier barrier on their way to Kenya’s Maasai Mara: the Mara River. This is another iconic moment, with the animals facing the perilous river crossing while predators such as lions and crocodiles lie in wait. But timing does of course depend on Mother Nature and the rains. In September/October, the main crossing chaos has ended and the herds spread between northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara – smaller groups cross back and forth seeking the best grazing grounds.
- November: The herds begin their return journey south to Tanzania’s Serengeti, as the short rains begin, completing the cycle. They mostly pass through eastern Serengeti, which makes it a bit more difficult to spot them.
You can enjoy the Great Migration year-round and depending on your personal preference of which aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness (calving versus crossing), or the time of year that you would like travel (low or high season); your safari can be fully customised to give you the best chance of coming across the herds.
The Negative Impacts of Tourism on the Migration
While the wildebeest great migration draws thousands of visitors every year, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges tourism poses. One issue we’ve seen firsthand is overcrowding at key viewing points, especially during peak family travel season along the Mara River in Northern Serengeti in late July and early August. Too many vehicles at once can disrupt the movement of the herds and impact the fragile ecosystem.
As much as we love sharing the migration with visitors, we strongly believe in fostering responsible tourism. At Tanzania Safari Bug, we aim to strike a balance — showing our guests this incredible spectacle without contributing to overtourism. This is why we emphasise private safaris and slow travel with overnights of three plus nights instead of rushing this unique wildlife encounter. We also encourage our guides to drive into quieter areas, giving you a more intimate experience while minimising our footprint on the land.
How to Experience the Great Migration with Tanzania Safari Bug
Seeing the Great Migration is something we’re passionate about sharing, and with the right planning, you can witness this natural wonder up close. Michael, our expert guide, has put together the following tips to ensure you make the most out of your trip, avoid the overcrowding and play an active role in responsible tourism.
Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that allow guests to connect with nature while minimising impact on the delicate ecosystems that make this migration possible.
1. Choose the Right Time and Plan Ahead
Timing is everything. If you’re keen on seeing the dramatic river crossings, plan your visit between July and August. For prey-predators interacting during the calving season, visit in February. The good news is that there’s always something happening, no matter when you visit.
If you prefer a certain accommodation type, you should book your trip at least 12 to 15 months in advance to secure your preferred accommodation. And if you can’t move your summer holiday into the less-busier months, then consider staying in the conservancies nearby or opt for a mobile tent experience in the more remote corners of the park.
2. Go with Expert Guides and A Private Vehicle
Having the right guide is key. Carefully selected by Michael, our guides are passionate about this natural wonder and have guided our guests to the best spots countless times – they know the land like the back of their hands! We pride ourselves on training our team in-house, ensuring they understand both the behaviour of the animals and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. They’ll take you to the right places, away from the crowds, and offer insights into the wildlife that make your experience truly special.
We recommend always opting for a private vehicle as you will have total flexibility throughout your safari. On shared group safaris, not everyone will be interested in witnessing the wildebeest migration, and you will have to compromise on what you like to do and see. On a private safari, your guide will fully adjust the day schedule to your travel needs.
And if you are still unsure about how to choose the right safari company for your trip, here is a small checklist:
- Are they a Tanzania Safari Specialist?
- Do they run their own operation within the country?
- Are they a member of an in-country trade association – like TATO for Tanzania?
- Do they support responsible and sustainable tourism?
- What are their reviews like on TripAdvisor?
If you’re planning a Tanzania safari and want to experience the great migration Serengeti, we’d love to guide you through it. With careful planning, intimate group sizes and a deep respect for the environment, we’ll help you witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles while ensuring the ecosystem remains protected for years to come.
Contact us now for a customised proposal.
