The Great Migration
The Great Migration is considered one of the most thrilling spectacles in the animal kingdom, often referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth.’
This annual natural phenomenon, where a massive group of animals makes their way to greener pastures, is nothing short of breathtaking. Following the rains – wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel in a clockwise direction from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park through Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve on an annual basis.
Peak season in the Masai Mara is from July to September. Eventually, the animals have to cross the Mara River. It’s not an easy crossing to make, as hungry crocodiles wait beneath the surface. The migration offers easy access to food for predators – many waiting on the other side.
Spend your entire safari in 3 different areas of the Maasai Mara to witness the migration and all the action that surrounds it. This area is also prime territory for spotting the Big Five, so you have the opportunity to see lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, and rhinos alongside wildebeest – wildlife in abundance. One of your stops is a remote mobile camp right in the middle of the action. These camps take advantage of the best migration sites and are in prime position for tracking the herds.
The annual movement of wildebeest and other herbivores across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is considered one of the most exhilarating spectacles in the animal kingdom, often referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth.’
The Great Migration is a famously treacherous journey. The animals must find food to sustain themselves, be on the lookout for predators, and give birth to the future generations that will keep the annual migration alive.
The migration typically makes its way to southern Serengeti (Tanzania) by December. Generally, it stays in the south until February or March, when the herds begin making the journey north.
From December to March, the herds are calving on the short grassy plains in the southern Serengeti, which means an abundance of baby animals are roaming around. This area is made up of nutrient-rich soil important for the wildebeest and their calves.
The plains are endless in the south, traveling as far as the eye can see in either direction. Two mobile tented camps bring you close to the action and ensure front-row seats. Imagine falling asleep each night to the sound of animals all around you. After spending time on the plains, this itinerary ends at a luxury lodge and offers a cultural and walking component to balance out the time spent in the vehicle.
Cheetahs, lions, African wild dogs, and hyenas all tend to follow the herds
Can’t choose between Tanzania and Kenya to witness The Great Migration? This itinerary combines the two destinations and gives you the best of both worlds. The wildebeest migration – often referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ moves in a circular motion throughout the year between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Iconic river crossings occur as the migration moves in or out of the Masai Mara. It’s not an easy crossing to make, as hungry crocodiles wait beneath the surface. The migration offers easy access to food for predators – many waiting on the other side. Wildlife in abundance!
From May to June – the herds are moving, in fragmented groups, up through central Serengeti to the Western corridor. They usually congregate here and then move to the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Following the rain, the herds cross over to the Masai Mara and eventually begin returning to the Serengeti in September and October. The time between is when you can see the iconic (and unpredictable) river crossings with over ten main crossing points. Patience is key when it comes to seeking out a crossing. Combining Kenya and Tanzania on your safari during these times of the year gives you a better chance of finding the migration.
On this itinerary, you visit the western and northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara and you’ll feel as if you’re in a wildlife documentary following the herds of animals in these vast open spaces. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
