Tanzania · WILD LIFE
The ultimate Serengeti safari
The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world. Every year, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate through the Serengeti towards the Masai Mara in Kenya. At the same time, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and other predators follow the massive herds closely.
The Great Migration: an ancient journey through Tanzania
From November onwards, the rains breathe new life into the Serengeti, and starting in December, the herds gather in the south, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born from February onwards.
Around May, the great migration north begins—moving via the Grumeti River towards the northern Serengeti and eventually the Mara River, where the famous river crossings may take place between July and November.
From that point on, the herds head south again, and the annual cycle of the Great Migration begins anew.
4 reasons to experience the Great Migration at least once
1. You see thousands of animals at once.
A safari where you see hundreds or even thousands of wildebeest and zebras together is an experience you won’t soon forget.
2. Predators follow the migration.
Wherever large numbers of prey animals gather, predators are present too. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas take advantage of the abundance of food.
3. The Mara River crossing is spectacular.
One of the most famous moments of the Great Migration is the crossing of the Mara River. When a herd decides to cross, it creates an impressive spectacle.
4. No two migrations are alike. Although the Great Migration follows a recognizable annual pattern, nature is never entirely predictable.
A story that begins anew every year
Imagine standing in the middle of the Serengeti early in the morning. The sun slowly rises above the horizon, casting a golden morning light across the endless savanna. Movement appears in the distance.
At first, you see a single wildebeest. Then ten. Then a hundred. Suddenly, you realize the entire horizon is filled with animals.
The herd moves slowly past. Zebras walk among the wildebeest, while a pride of lions lies in wait in the distance. All the while, the animals keep moving, searching for fresh grass and water.
Later in the year, the scene changes. The herds migrate north, eventually reaching the Mara River. A moment of tension builds there. The animals gather at the riverbank; no one knows exactly when the first wildebeest will enter the water.
And then it happens. The first animals leap in. The rest follow. Within moments, the calm river transforms into a churning mass of wildebeest and water.
Practical
How do you plan a visit to this greatest show on earth?
How many extra days do you need?
If you want to experience the Great Migration in the Serengeti, it is best to set aside at least 2 to 3 extra days there. The Serengeti is vast, and the location of the herds is constantly changing.
When is the best time?
December – March: the herds are primarily located in the southern Serengeti, and the calving season takes place.
April – June: the migration begins moving northwards.
July – October: the herds are increasingly found in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya).
October – November: the animals move southwards again, following the new rainfall.
Where can you see the Great Migration?
Southern Serengeti: particularly important during the calving season.
Seronera and central Serengeti: a key area during the northward migration.
Western Serengeti and Grumeti: known for the Grumeti River.
Northern Serengeti: a key region during the migration towards Kenya.
Mara River: the area where the spectacular river crossing can take place.
Masai Mara in Kenya: the herds eventually move further north.
In summary
🐃 The Great Migration is an annual trek of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest—along with large numbers of zebras and gazelles—across Tanzania and Kenya.
🦁 The best safari experience depends on the season: from the spectacular calving season in the southern Serengeti to the potential Mara River crossing in the north.
📅 Plan at least two or three extra days in the Serengeti and seek advice on the herds’ current location. After all, while the migration follows the same basic pattern every year, no two years are exactly alike.
A safari at you pace
The exact location of the migration varies each year depending on rainfall and the availability of food and water.
At LAZY LION SAFARIS, we closely monitor the movements of “the greatest show on earth.” Thanks to real-time updates, we can provide our guests with the best possible information regarding the migration’s current location.