Great Migration Tanzania – The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
Updated: Oct 11
The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Africa. Every year, millions of wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move through the Serengeti in search of fresh grass and water.
But the Great Migration is not a single event that happens at one particular time of year. It is a continuous cycle that follows the seasons, with different highlights throughout the year.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest animal migration on Earth. Every year, around 1.5 million wildebeest, approximately 300,000 plains zebras and more than 500,000 Thomson’s gazelles move together through the Serengeti ecosystem.
These huge herds do not follow a fixed schedule. Instead, they follow the rainfall and the growth of fresh grass. As soon as one region dries out, the animals move on – sometimes for hundreds of kilometres.
The entire migration route covers around 800 to 1,000 kilometres and follows a natural cycle between the southern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara to the north.
For many experts, this event is considered one of the last great natural phenomena on Earth.
Dangerous river crossings
These crossings are repeatedly dangerous for the animals. Thousands of animals cross the water at the same time – and dangers are waiting there.
Strong currents
Steep riverbanks
Hungry Nile crocodiles
For many predators – such as lions, hyenas and cheetahs – the Great Migration is a time of plenty.
The Great Migration throughout the year
One of the most common misconceptions is that you have to travel during a particular month to see the migration.
In reality, the herds are moving throughout the year.
January to March – Calving season
At the beginning of the year, large numbers of wildebeest gather in the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area.
This is the calving season.
Thousands of calves are born within a relatively short period, creating one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in Tanzania.
The abundance of young animals also attracts predators. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas and other predators take advantage of the large number of vulnerable calves.
For many travellers, this is one of the most exciting times to experience the Great Migration.
April to May – The journey north begins
After the calving season, the herds gradually begin moving north.
The long rains can make some areas of the Serengeti particularly green and beautiful, although rainfall can also make travel conditions more challenging.
As the grass in the southern Serengeti becomes less abundant, the wildebeest continue their journey towards the central and western parts of the Serengeti.
June to July – Moving towards the Western Serengeti
By June and July, the migration is often moving through the western Serengeti.
The herds begin gathering around the Grumeti River, where they face one of the first major obstacles of their journey.
Crossing rivers is dangerous. Crocodiles wait in the water, while strong currents and the sheer number of animals create additional risks.
River crossings are unpredictable, however. There is no guarantee that a crossing will happen during a particular game drive.
August to October – The Mara River crossings
For many visitors, the famous Mara River crossings are the highlight of the Great Migration.
During this period, large herds may move through the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River towards Kenya.
The crossings can be dramatic and chaotic. Thousands of wildebeest may gather on the riverbank before suddenly entering the water.
But patience is essential. The animals may wait for hours – or even turn around and move away.
Seeing an actual river crossing is never guaranteed, which is also part of what makes the experience so special.
November to December – Returning south
With the arrival of the short rains, fresh grass begins to grow again in the southern Serengeti.
The herds gradually start moving south once more.
The cycle begins again, and the animals eventually return to the southern Serengeti and Ndutu area in preparation for another calving season.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
There is no single best month for the Great Migration.
It depends on what you want to experience.
January to March is ideal if you want to see the calving season and the incredible concentration of wildlife in the southern Serengeti.
June to July can be a good time to experience the herds moving through the western and central Serengeti.
August to October offers the possibility of witnessing the famous Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti.
If your main goal is to see the migration itself rather than one specific event, several different periods of the year can be excellent.
Fascinating facts about the Great Migration
The Great Migration is impressive not only because of its scale, but also because of its astonishing numbers:
More than 2 million animals take part in the migration
The migration route covers up to 1,000 kilometres
Around 400,000 wildebeest calves are born every year
Thousands of animals die during the river crossings
Despite these losses, the wildebeest population remains stable – an example of the balance of nature.
The Great Migration – a natural wonder of our planet
The Great Migration in the Serengeti is one of the last great natural wonders of our planet. Millions of animals, endless savannahs and dramatic struggles for survival make this event a truly unique spectacle.
The famous Mara River crossings are spectacular, but they represent only a small part of the Great Migration. The real story is the year-round movement of millions of animals through one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in Africa.
From the first newborn calves in the south to the long journey north and the return to the green plains, the Great Migration is a constantly changing natural spectacle.
For nature lovers, photographers and adventure travellers, a safari during the Great Migration is one of the most impressive experiences Africa has to offer. Anyone who has experienced this spectacular event understands immediately why the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are considered among the most fascinating natural landscapes in the world.
Witnessing millions of wildebeest and zebras on their endless journey is a true bucket-list experience. Because the herds are constantly on the move, success requires precise timing and the right camp locations. Let’s map out your journey so you are in the exact right place at the exact right time.
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