The Great Migration also referred to as The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest movement of animals on earth, this natural phenomenon occurs from southern plains of the Serengeti right up to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya with millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles taking part.
Witnessing the migration of wildebeest in Tanzania is a once-in – a lifetime experience and one of the most treasured moments of any safari by wildlife enthusiasts. It is unbelieved to see millions of wildebeests accompanied by zebras and gazelles thundering through the savannah plains.
What Is the Great Migration in Tanzania?
The Great Migration is one of the most sought after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this ever-moving circular migration see over a million wildebeests closely followed by thousands of zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti – Mara Ecosystem.
These animals make this annual journey in search of fresh water and green pastures, this spectacle of vast herds traversing through the endless plains an astonishing sight.
Though The Great Migration is often believed to be annual event, the Tanzania Wildebeest Migration is a continuous process meaning that the animals follow a constant clockwise circuit with their guide being their natural instincts.
The journey is not an easy feat for these creatures as it can be deadly at some points, particularly the calves. Along the way, the animals are met with a slew of hungry predators, with lions, leopards and hyenas ready and waiting to pounce on the vulnerable and young calves. Also, this tiresome and challenging expedition can leave many animals week, meaning thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles are left behind.
Although expansive savannas and dense woodlands make up a great deal of the landscapes of the Great Migration of Serengeti, the animals must also tackle multiple river crossings. The most famous of these is the Mara River, in which many lose their lives to the rough currents and fierce resident crocodiles.
The Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
Since the Great Migration in Tanzania is an ever-presence cycle, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the Great Migration at any time of year. The migration is unpredictable and it is not possible to narrow down specific dates of the Great Migration in Tanzania.
However, below is a guide to what you might expect to see based on the timing of your visit.
January – March
In the early months of the year, most of the herds flock to the abundant green grasses near the Ngorongoro Crater in the Ndutu Area. Here, thousands of calves are born with the calving peaking in February.
April – May
The animals begin to move north and the mating season kicks off in May, at this time many testosterone filled males can be seen competing for mates as they head towards Central Serengeti.
June – August
By June, the dry season has begun in Serengeti National Park and the animals must continue to the North Serengeti. During these months, these creatures must face their most daunting tasks yet and cross the Grumeti and Mara River whose waters are filled with crocodiles. For this reason, many consider August in particular to be the optimum timing for the Great Migration in Serengeti.
September – October
By September, most of the animals have attempted the formidable Mara River crossing and the herds that are successful will make their way to the Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya.
November – December
When the rain begins to simmer down in November, the herds return south and embark on a journey towards the Serengeti. At this time, the short rainy season supplies the
herds with lush green pastures providing ideal conditions for the calving season to begin once again.
Why Does the Great Migration Take Place?
The Great Annual Migration of the Serengeti occurs as the wildebeests seek out nutritious grass to feed on, moving according to the rainfall.
At the beginning of each year, the rainfall in the southern Serengeti brings bountiful grassy landscapes to the region attracting the herds as the calving season approaches. As the months pass, the rains move north and the animals follow suit to ensure they have a steady supply of food and water.
Though all the animals travel on a quest to locate a reliable food source, the wildebeests and gazelles prefer short grasses and the zebras prefer longer grasses. This allows the animals to move together rather harmoniously and each species also boasts different strengths that help the herds seek out potential threats. For example, wildebeests utilize their sense of smell to identify food, while zebras have excellent sight for spotting predators.
Despite the thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles are lost with each cycle of the Great Serengeti Migration, each animal must take the risk as their herbivorous diets primarily consists of grass.
Where Does the Great Migration Start and End?
In reality, the Great Migration in the Serengeti is never-ending but its typically described as beginning from the South Serengeti of Tanzania and ending in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
At the start of each year, the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding areas have ample grass for the animals to feed on. By April, they must venture toward Central Serengeti as the rains progress to the North. The animals continue to chase the rainfall, heading west and cross the Grumeti River. Afterward, the herds must go across the Mara River and the lucky animals that have survived the crossing will get to savor the rich grasses of the Maasai Mara. Around late October, the rain lures the animals back to the Southern Serengeti and the pattern carries on.
With each passing year, the precise route of the Great Migration in Africa’s east can change a little based on the weather conditions that dictate the animals’ exact movements. Because of this, it is challenging to pinpoint especially where the animals will be at any given time.
How to See the Great Migration
Before you decide on where you want to see the Great Migration, it is important to be aware that the migration is a continuous occurrence that takes place at different locations throughout the year. This means that time of the year to visit Tanzania will depend on where you want to go to see these animals as they migrate.
For example, if you are visit during the dry season between June and August, you will have to head toward the northern Serengeti to witness the migration.
Also using experience Tour Operator adds on your chances of seeing the Great Migration. As Hope Africa Tours we take our clients to some of the finest wildebeest spotting locations along the Great Migration Route.
What Animals Can You See During the Great Migration?
With about two million wildebeests taking part in the Great Migration, accompanied by thousands of Thomson’s gazelles and Grant’s gazelles, zebras, impalas and elands to take on the treacherous 1,200 mile-journey.
These two million animals don’t migrate in one herd, there is a common misconception that they all move together, but it is not true as the herds move in groups. This should not disappoint you, still you will see plenty of them moving in large groups.
The animals have to move to keep each other safe from opportunistic predators hunting for prey like lions and hyenas. So, if you do catch a couple of them on the go, you can bet there is plenty more coming from behind.
In conclusion: Planning a Great Migration Safari in Tanzania is a tricky but with our experts, we can help you catch an amazing adventure to spot the world’s most famous migration.
