The Great Migration
Updated: Jan 3
When, Where & How to Experience Africa's Great Migration
Is witnessing Africa's Great Migration on your travel dream list? If you're a nature and wildlife enthusiast, it should be!
This massive movement of animals is one of the world's most significant wildlife events, and it only occurs in a handful of places.
Where Does the Great Migration Occur?
Every year, more than two million wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and other herd animals embark on a harrowing journey across East Africa in a large clockwise loop.
They travel hundreds of miles between Tanzania and Kenya – following the rains through the Ngorongoro Crater region, Serengeti Plains, and Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya – they must overcome countless obstacles, including hunger, thirst, and predators.
When Does the Great Migration Occur?
The animals are always on the move, searching for water and places to graze, so visitors have many opportunities to experience different aspects of the migration. When and where you plan your trip will depend on what you want to see.
January-February
If you want to see newborn wildebeest calves, this is the time of year to go. Approximately 500,000 calves are born each year! You might even see a newborn taking its first steps if you're lucky.
March
If you want to see nature's lifecycle in action, visit the Ngorongoro area in Marchyou're when predator activity is exceptionallyAfrica'she newly born wildebeest calves are still vulnerable, making them a reliable source of food for lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. April and May
The wildebeest and their calves follow the rain toward the central Serengeti Plains. While this is still an excellent time to visit, you'll see more action if you can wait until June, July, or August to travel.
June and July
If you want to witness the iconic river crossings, these are the months to go. The herds encounter the Grumeti River, one of the most challenging hurdles they face on their journey, making it a fascinating time and location to witness the migration.
But beware: Drownings and attacks by crocodiles and lions mean many animals don't make the crossing.
August and September
As the wildebeest and zebras approach the Masai Mara region, they must cross another river … the Mara River. This offers visitors another fascinating spectacle as the herds encounter many obstacles. October
The beginning of October is a beautiful time in the Masai Mara, and you'll see animals there. As late October approaches and all the grasses grazed, the herds begin their trek back to the northern Serengeti in search of food. November and December
The herds head toward the Seronera region, where they will spend the rest of the year before returning to Ngorongoro to begin the calving season again.
How to Experience the Great Migration
Some exceptional properties with exceptional safari guides in Kenya and Tanzania—within the exciting loop of the Great Migration—offer visitors a truly unforgettable experience.
But really, the key is to have a well-designed itinerary, based on your interests, that puts you right in line with the action.
At DPP Travel, we have relationships with experts on the Great Migration, so we can connect you with the best options for your travel style, budget, interests, and the time of year visit.
If you'd like to travel with a fun group, we're having a trip along the migration route in September 2023, and we'd love to have you join us. Learn more here.
Ready to immerse yourself in this riveting natural spectacle? Reach out today!