The Great Migration is not only one of the most amazing safari experiences that Africa has to offer , but it is also one of the world’s most spectalular naturally occuring events.

Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 350,000 gazelles congregate on the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, and follow the rains en mass to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener grazing land, before returning southwards again - a total journey of over 1,800 miles.

It's an incredibly tough journey, and an estimated 250,000 wildebeest don't make it.

This is wildlife at its best, so of course the exact dates and path of this annual migration cannot be predicted at all. However, as a broad rule of thumb, this is a very simplistic outline of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’.

Ask us to help you plan your trip to see the Great Migration.

The start of the migration in Tanzania

The story begins with the wildebeest calving season, which occurs from late January through to mid March on the Seronera Valley plains of the Serengeti - it is estimated that approximately 500,000 calves are born more or less simultaneously over a period of just 2-3 weeks during this period - usually the beginning of February.

Unsurprisingly, this also attracts a lot of predators to the area, who are eager to take advantage of the newly born and wobbly legged calves.

The animals begin their long trek between April and May time, heading in a clockwise direction towards the long grass plains and woodlands of the Seregeti’s Western Corridor, leaving behind plains now depleted of all food.

May is also the time when the wildebeest mate, and competition is fierce between the males as they rut and battle to win females and territories.

By June the migration has reached the infamous Grumeti River. This is the first of 2 river crossings that the animals have to overcome in their long journey, but for many, unfortunately, it is also the last.

If the rains have been good, the river can get extremely deep and fast flowing in places, and many animals, young and old alike, do not have the strength left to swim through the swirling currents and cross to the safety of the opposite bank. Hungry crocodiles amass on the banks, and are quick to take advantage of an easy meal.

Suggested Itineraries

Prices on request7 Nights in Tanzania
7 day itinerary.

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Prices on requestThe Serengeti and Zanzibar
11 day itinerary.

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Prices on requestA Tanzania Holiday
12 day itinerary.

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

River Crossings Into Kenya

After crossing the Grumeti River in Tanzania the survivors head towards the Kenyan border, but before they are rewarded with the lush plains of the Masai Mara, they have to make another river crossing. This time it's the Mara River and that too is filled with hungry crocodiles.

Finally, they reach their destination, and from August through to October, the Masai Mara plains are filled with grazing wildebeest, zebra and gazelles - although danger still lurks in the form of hunting prides of lions and hyena.

By November / December the rains start in the south again and the herds have already begun their long trek back down to the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to have their young. And so the story begins again.

It is possible, with very careful planning, to witness this phenomenon at its different stages from a number of safari lodges which are located along the migration route, or you can choose a mobile tented safari option, which only decides the location of their camps once the migration is in full flow.

Suggested Itineraries

Prices from US$ 1,481 pp*6 Night Mobile Safari Adventure
6 day itinerary.
Guide price valid for travel in July 2012

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Prices from US$ 1,821 pp*Minivan Road Safari - High Season
6 day itinerary.
Guide price valid for travel in September 2012

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Prices from US$ 1,821 pp*Minivan Road Safari - Low Season
6 day itinerary.
Guide price valid for travel in June 2012

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Ask us to help you plan your trip to see the Great Migration.