Great migration
with local guides from Explore Bahati Safaris
Tanzania is one of the best destinations in the world for those who want an authentic safari experience. The Great Migration is the crowning glory of this experience, offering a glimpse of wildlife that cannot be seen anywhere else.
Unique natural phenomena
Every year, more than two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles move across the African savannah, creating huge herds of animals that spread over vast distances across the savannah. This movement is incredibly organised and a constant struggle for survival. The migration is full of thrilling moments, including river crossings where the animals must contend with wild currents and lurking crocodiles. Each such crossing is filled with adrenaline and is a scene straight out of a nature documentary that can be experienced first-hand.
The Great Migration is one of the largest and oldest animal migrations on Earth.
When to go
Area: southern Serengeti, Ndutu area and around Lake Ndutu.
What to see: This is known as the calving season, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born. Predators such as lions and cheetahs gather to take advantage of the easy prey.
Best for: spotting cubs, predators and dramatic hunts.
Area: central Serengeti, Seronera area.
What to see: The herds gradually move northwest, towards the central Serengeti, as the rainy season begins. This is a quieter period with fewer tourists.
Best for: A quiet safari without the crowds, watching the herds on the move.Area: central Serengeti, Seronera area.
What to see: The herds gradually move northwest, towards the central Serengeti, as the rainy season begins. This is a quieter period with fewer tourists.
Best for: A quiet safari without the crowds, watching the herds on the move.Area: northern Serengeti, Mara River.
What to see: Large herds of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, one of the most iconic moments of the Great Migration. This part of the migration includes dramatic scenes with predators and crocodiles waiting for the animals.
Best for: Watching the most dramatic crossing of the entire migration.Area: eastern Serengeti and central Serengeti.
What to see: This period is ideal for watching the migration without large crowds of tourists.
Best for: A quiet safari with the chance to see the herds on their return.
The best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania depends on the particular phase of the migration you want to see, as this fascinating natural phenomenon takes place throughout the year and different parts of the migration take place in different areas of the Serengeti.
Richness of fauna and flora
Every year, more than two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles move across the African savannah, creating huge herds of animals that spread over vast distances across the savannah. This movement is incredibly organised and a constant struggle for survival. The migration is full of thrilling moments, including river crossings where the animals must contend with wild currents and lurking crocodiles. Each such crossing is filled with adrenaline and is a scene straight out of a nature documentary that can be experienced first-hand.
Journey for water and food
The main motivation for migration is the search for food and water. At the beginning of the dry season, usually in June and July, animals begin to move from the dry areas in the south of the Serengeti northwards, where they find fresher pastures and water sources. This movement of animals is not chaotic, but follows the natural cycle of rainfall and vegetation growth, which is crucial for their survival.
River crossings and other challenges
One of the most dramatic moments of the Great Migration is the crossing of rivers, especially the Mara River. This part of the migration is fraught with danger, as the animals face not only the wild currents of the river, but also the crocodiles that lurk beneath the surface. Many individuals die during this journey, but this is an important part of the natural cycle, with dead animals serving as food for predators and scavengers.
If you are interested in photography, the Great Migration is perfect for you. The opportunity to capture endless herds of animals, dramatic river crossings and spectacular African sunsets is every photographer's dream. Every image has the potential to become a masterpiece.
