Tanzania is synonymous with the Great Migration, and with careful planning, it is possible for visitors to be at the right time at the right place to witness this amazing annual wildlife event.

Each year, literally hundreds and hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles trek across the vast Serengeti plains towards Kenya’s Masai Mara, in search of new grazing grass. It is estimated that just over 2 million animals in total make this migration from one country to another and back again – a round journey of just under 2,000 miles.

The story begins in the Seronera Valley plains in southern Serengeti from about late January, when the wildebeest congregate together and give birth – about half a million calves are born over just a short 2-3 week period. After a couple of months, once the calves are strong enough to begin the journey with their mothers, the herd sets off on their arduous journey northwards.

By June, the first of the herd reaches the Grumeti River. Many lodges are based around this area, some even giving visitors the perfect opportunity to witness this now famous albeit somewhat bloody thirsty river crossing from the comfort of the lodge itself.

Those animals who do make it across the swirling currents and avoid the snapping jaws of hungry crocodiles continue northwards to the Mara River in Kenya, where those that do manage to get across are rewarded with the fresh grass of the Masai Mara plains.

To read the full story of the Great Migration, click here.

If you want to come to Tanzania to experience this extraordinary event, then you must be prepared to both book early (as this is not surprisingly THE most popular time for visitors), and also pay high season rates.

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