What is the Great Migration in East Africa?
Every year, a spectacular wildlife event takes place on the East Africa plains. Over two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti in Tanzania, heading north to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of better grazing lands.
The migration begins in the Tanzania on the Ndutu Plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
During the early months of the year, just after the short rains, it is calving season for the wildebeest. It is estimated that 500,000 calves are born during these six weeks.
As the plains start to dry up, the wildebeest and other grazing mammals head north from Ngorongoro towards the Serengeti, moving clockwise as they work their way up towards the Maasai Mara.
The Great Migration, a perilous journey.
Experience the Great Migration on these trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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Danielle & Joseph spotting a lion in the Serengeti
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Julia & Ross, stopping for lunch in the Serengeti
Ella with her family on safari in Tanzania
Jake & Rose, honeymooning in the Serengeti
Joseph and a curious wildebeest, Serengeti National Park
Jake & Rose, cocktails at Tulia Zanzibar
Guide to the Great Migration
A perilous journey
The perilous 2,000-mile journey crescendos in August and September, when the wildebeest have to cross the Mara River.
Here, not only do they have to contend with the ever-present big cats, but also the crocs that lurk beneath the murky waters.
The Mara River crossing is one of the most extraordinary wildlife events to witness first-hand. A humbling reminder of the realities of life in the wild.
The entire Mara-Serengeti ecosystem revolves around this natural phenomenon – the raptors, vultures, lions, and cheetahs depend on this event for survival.
Experiencing the Great Migration
The migration is a months-long event, so witnessing events like the Mara River crossing required a degree of luck. Rainfall patterns, grazing opportunities and water availability all determine when the wildebeest make their moves.
It's difficult to plan with a resolution greater than a few months. Usually, the wildebeest are found around the Ndutu plains from December through May. Following the rains in May, the calving season begins.
From late May to early July, greener pastures along the western corridor attract them northwards in a clockwise direction through the Serengeti.
From July to October, the herds are dispersed across both sides of the Tanzania-Kenya border, where the Mara River presents the biggest obstacle yet. This is your best window of opportunity to see the epic river crossings.
The herds often stay north in the Serengeti and Lobo area until November, before heading back down to the Ndutu plains, completing the migratory cycle.
When planning your trip to Tanzania and/or Kenya around the Great Migration, it's important to remember there are no guarantees.
That said, July to September, when the large herds have scattered either side of the Mara River, is your best chance of witnessing a river crossing.
These months coincide with the peak travel season in Tanzania and Kenya, so accommodation prices can be higher and parks busier.
If you prefer a more secluded experience, and cheaper rates on accommodation, consider visiting during the short rainy season from October to December when the herds are still in the north of the Serengeti.
February, during the calving season when the herds are on the Ndoto Plains near the Ngoronogoro Crater, is another good option.
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Witness the Great Migration on these trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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