The Great Migration Experience

The Great Migration is a year-round event, characterized by different phases depending on the time of year.

  • Calving Season (January to March): Witness the dramatic births of thousands of wildebeest calves in the southern Serengeti. This is a period of high activity and predator-prey interactions.
  • Migration North (April to June): Follow the herds as they move northward, crossing the Serengeti’s vast plains and preparing to face challenging river crossings.
  • River Crossings (July to October): Experience the dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where the herds face treacherous waters and hungry crocodiles. This is one of the most thrilling times to observe the migration.
  • Return South (November to December): See the herds begin their journey back south, completing the migration cycle as they return to the calving grounds.

Prime Locations for Viewing

Tanzania’s key safari destinations for witnessing the migration include:

  • Serengeti National Park: The heart of the migration, with vast plains and abundant wildlife. Key areas include the Central Serengeti, known for its concentrations of game, and the Western Corridor, where river crossings occur.
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area: While not directly on the migration route, the Crater offers opportunities to see migratory species as they traverse nearby areas.

Game Drives and Safari Activities

  • Guided Game Drives: Explore the migration with expert guides who can track the herds and provide insights into their behavior and the ecosystem.
  • Walking Safaris: For a different perspective, experience the African bush on foot, guided by experts who share knowledge about the environment and wildlife.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Gain a unique vantage point over the migration with a sunrise balloon ride, followed by a celebratory champagne breakfast.

Accommodations

  • Mobile Camps: Set up seasonally in prime locations to follow the herds and provide proximity to key migration events.
  • Luxury Lodges: Enjoy upscale lodgings with modern amenities, panoramic views, and easy access to migration routes.

Expert Guides and Personal Service

  • Knowledgeable Guides: Experienced guides are essential for tracking the migration and interpreting the wildlife and landscape. They enhance the safari experience with their expertise.
  • Custom Itineraries: Tailor your safari to focus on specific migration events, such as river crossings or calving season, to maximize your experience.

Travel Logistics

  • Charter Flights: Convenient charter flights between key safari areas reduce travel time and ensure you spend more time experiencing the migration.
  • Private Transfers: Enjoy private transfers and seamless travel arrangements to enhance your comfort and convenience.

A Tanzania migration safari offers a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on the planet, combining thrilling encounters with the Great Migration and luxurious safari experiences to create unforgettable memories.

The Great Migration is an annual movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. It involves calving, river crossings, and migration across vast plains, driven by seasonal rains and the search for fresh grazing.

The best time depends on what aspect of the migration you want to witness:

Calving Season (January to March): Ideal for seeing wildebeest calves being born in the southern Serengeti.
River Crossings (July to October): The most dramatic time, with herds crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, often involving thrilling encounters with crocodiles.
Migration North (April to June) and Return South (November to December): Witness the herds moving across different regions, though these periods have less intense river crossing action.

The Serengeti National Park is the central hub for viewing the Great Migration. Key areas include:

- Southern Serengeti: For calving season.
- Western Serengeti (Grumeti River) For river crossings from May to June.
- Northern Serengeti and Mara River: For river crossings from July to October.

The Great Migration is a year-round event, with different phases occurring throughout the year. The migration cycle spans roughly 12 months, with animals continuously moving in response to seasonal rainfall and grazing conditions.