The Great Migration is one of the most wonderful wildlife spectacles in the world, attracting thousands of travelers each year to Kenya and Tanzania. This remarkable journey sees over 1.5 million wildebeests, alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, making a perilous trek across the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing land.
The migration is fraught with danger, from dramatic river crossings to relentless predators that lie in wait. For safari enthusiasts, witnessing the Great Migration is an unforgettable experience and a bucket-list adventure.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about the Great Migration, including when to go, where to stay, and how to experience this natural wonder in the best way possible.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is an annual movement of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles across the vast Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya. This circular migration is driven by rainfall patterns, as animals move in search of food and water. The cycle repeats every year, creating one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on the planet.
Key Stages of the Migration
- Calving Season (December – March): The migration begins in the southern Serengeti, where wildebeests give birth to thousands of calves daily. Predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs take advantage of this abundance of prey.
- Movement North (April – June): As the dry season begins, the herds move northward toward the central and western Serengeti.
- Grumeti River Crossing (June – July): One of the first major challenges the herds face is crossing the Grumeti River, where crocodiles lurk beneath the water.
- Mara River Crossing (July – October): The most famous and dramatic part of the migration occurs when the herds cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This crossing is filled with chaos as crocodiles attack, and predators wait on the other side.
- Return Journey (October – November): As the short rains begin, the herds start their journey back south to the Serengeti to begin the cycle anew.
Where to See the Great Migration
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti is the starting point of the migration and is ideal for calving season (December to March). This vast landscape provides ample opportunities to see predator-prey interactions, as lions and cheetahs hunt young calves. The Grumeti River crossings in June are also a thrilling spectacle.
Best Lodges & Camps in Serengeti
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Luxury stay with incredible views.
- Serengeti Migration Camp – Located near key migration paths.
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge – A mid-range lodge offering excellent game-viewing experiences.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is famous for the Mara River crossings (July – October), the most dramatic phase of the migration. This is where wildebeests face the biggest challenge of their journey, as strong currents and massive crocodiles make the crossing extremely dangerous.
Best Lodges & Camps in Maasai Mara
- Angama Mara – Offers stunning views of the plains and close proximity to migration hotspots.
- Governors’ Camp – A historic tented camp offering top-notch safari experiences.
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge – Set in a prime location for migration sightings.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
The timing of your safari is crucial to experiencing different phases of the migration.
- December – March: Best for calving season in Southern Serengeti.
- June – July: Best for Grumeti River crossings in Western Serengeti.
- July – October: Best for Mara River crossings in Maasai Mara.
- October – November: Best for return journey to Serengeti.
To increase your chances of witnessing the migration, it’s recommended to book your safari 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak season (July – October).
Ways to Experience the Great Migration
1. Game Drives
Game drives are the best way to get up-close to the migration. Expert guides track the movement of the herds, ensuring you’re at the right place at the right time.
You can check out our 4 days Maasai Mara Safari for the best game drives in Maasai Mara.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a bird’s-eye view of the vast plains and moving herds, a hot air balloon safari is an incredible experience. Floating above the Serengeti or Maasai Mara at sunrise provides stunning photographic opportunities.
3. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris, available in select areas, offer a more immersive experience, allowing you to explore the bush with expert Maasai guides.
4. Private Conservancies
For a more exclusive experience, private conservancies adjacent to the Maasai Mara offer luxury safari lodges and fewer crowds. These include Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, and Mara North Conservancy.
Why the Great Migration is the Best Safari in Africa
1. Unmatched Wildlife Encounters
The migration offers one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles.
2. Breathtaking Landscapes
From the endless Serengeti plains to the rolling hills of Maasai Mara, the scenery is spectacular and ever-changing. A Maasai Mara safari is a lifetime opportunity.
3. Luxury Safari Experiences
Top-rated lodges and camps provide 5-star luxury, gourmet dining, and exclusive game-viewing experiences.
4. Unforgettable Photography Opportunities
The migration provides some of the best wildlife photography opportunities in the world, from dramatic river crossings to predator-prey interactions.
5. Cultural Interactions
Visiting a Maasai village adds a unique cultural dimension to your safari, allowing you to learn about the Maasai people’s traditions and lifestyle.
Conclusion
The Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you choose to witness the calving season in the Serengeti, the thrilling river crossings in Maasai Mara, or the dramatic predator encounters along the way, this safari promises unparalleled wildlife encounters.
To ensure the best experience, book your safari well in advance and choose a reputable safari operator. Whether by game drive, hot air balloon, or luxury lodge stay, experiencing the Great Migration is truly nature’s greatest spectacle and the best safari in Africa.
Start planning your Great Migration safari today and witness the magic of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife event!
