The Great Migration in Africa: What, When & Where to See It

What is the African wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration in Africa: What, When & Where to See It. Africa is known for numerous attractions but one of the most exciting and thrilling adventure in the destination the great wildebeest migration. This great migration Africa experience permits sightseers to marvel at over two million animals mostly wildebeests. But also zebras and gazelles hence ranking this big migration in Africa a top mind-blowing safari adventure in Kenya and Tanzania.

In case you may be wondering what the great migration in Africa might be, this is a yearly movement of wildebeest between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. To most that would love to engage in this great migration Africa safari, it’s important to understand that it’s not that an easy journey to both the animals and people. Especially, when it comes to animals they face many dangers along the way, such as predators like lions and crocodiles, as well as rivers, drought, and exhaustion.

This African great wildebeest migration runs in a circular route and this depends on the rain. So, this is the main reason as to why the timing and the location of the great animal migration in Africa change a little bit each year.

How does the great migration in Africa happen

There are various sightseers that ask when the Africa migration safari happens. So to most, they try to target it and be part of it. Well to all those that would love to be part of the big migration Africa, these are the great migration dates to consider:

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

January
Rains in the southern Serengeti plains bring nutrient-rich grass, beckoning the herds to the Ndutu area. If you want to find the wildebeest in January, Naabi Hill and Lobo are the places to look. Many females in the herd are heavily pregnant at this point, and moving towards greener grasses is of top priority. These fertile plains, formed by volcanic activity in the Ngorongoro region, produce short, mineral-rich grasses that thrive during the rainy season but dry up quickly when it ends. Their high nutritional value makes them especially attractive during calving season, when the herds instinctively seek out the best grazing to support their young.

February
every year, half a million wildebeest are born on the serengeti plains, and February is the month with the highest birthing rate, sometimes seeing as many as 8,000 born each day.

The abundant new grass makes the area around Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu the ideal place for the wildebeest to give birth. The herd will stay put for a while in the southeast ndutu area after the calves are born, before heading north in a clockwise direction.

Calving season means adorable wobbly babies finding their legs a bonus for predators, who do not play nicely. If you want to see a wildebeest just hours old, your best chance is to go out at midday when they typically give birth, to allow the babies the time to gain strength before nightfall.

The serengeti also boasts a particularly healthy lion population, with over 3,000 lions in the reserve. This is of considerable significance when you realize that these big cats are not faring as well across the African continent.

March
the mobile camps in the serengeti provide an up-close and personal experience of the migration. You can find the herds in the ndutu and kusini maswa region, in the southwest of the park. Having the babies in tow means they move a bit slower. And be prepared for some afternoon rainfall in March.

April
if you visit in April, you are going to need your rain jacket. The herds amble from the ndutu region, past the simba kopje, in the direction of moru. The herds have now split into large groups, rather than the massive concentrations that stretch as far as the horizon. simba kopje is where the lions are, and it’s worth spending some time searching for lions. The wettest part of the day is the evening. The rainfall makes the plains slippery, and vehicles without 4×4 mode will struggle to go anywhere. While some wildebeest herds continue their march through the central serengeti, some head further west into grumeti reserve.

May
for those wildlife photographers looking for action shots, set your sights on may in the serengeti. The ‘long rains’ keep on going throughout the month. And as the calves get bigger and stronger, the distances the herd covers get longer. You’ll most likely find them between moru and makoma, moving north.

June
by June, the rains have abated somewhat, and the herds have spread out. The front-runners have already reached the Mbalageti River. But those bringing up the rear could still be as far back as the southernmost corner of the simiti and nyamuma hills. The herds are now often in long lines as they head north.

July
July is mating season in the serengeti. You can find the herds in the grumeti reserve, in the west of the serengeti, and moving past fort ikoma. Crossings of the Grumeti River are worth hanging around for, but this area is vast and relatively underdeveloped with lodges, so river crossings are harder to find.

Additionally, the Grumeti River lacks the volume of water that the mara river possesses, and its crossings are not as spectacular. The herds graze their way northward as they move toward the maasai mara in Kenya. This is a trans-border event.

Where to See the Great Migration in Africa

There are only basically two destinations where you can get to experience the Africa Great Migration safari. Tanzania and Kenya and the two countries offer amazing great wildebeest migration safari experiences in Africa. The particular destinations where this big migration activity in Africa is carried out are:

1. Serengeti National Park: This is the main destination to go and experience this Africa migration safari. The Serengeti is a Tanzania National Park and is characterised with different landscapes such as; grassy plains, hills, and woodlands.

2. Masai Mara National Reserve: This is also another destination to see the migration in Africa and most especially from the months of July to September. Despite the fact that the Masai Mara national park is smaller than the Serengeti NP, it is also rich with wildlife.

This Africa animal migration tour is carried out in a 4×4 vehicle in East Africa with a guide. Also, sightseers go on game drives early in the morning and late in the afternoon since this is the time when animals are most active.

Other sightseers choose to marvel at the great migration Africa through hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara and Serengeti. So these hot air balloon safaris in Serengeti and Masai Mara allows them to view the East Africa great migration in an aerial view hence giving you an amazing experience.

As a sightseer you should not forget to carry binoculars, a good camera, light clothing, a hat, sunscreen. Also, insect repellents these will help you to sight the animals and also be able to take close-up pictures during your great migration in Africa.

Plan Your Trip

Great-migration-animals-heading-to-the-river

Prices for the African wildebeest migration Safari

The cost of experiencing the Great Migration Africa safari can vary depending on the country, season, type of accommodation, and mode of travel. Below is a general Africa migration safari price guide for those on budget or luxury travellers Also, it should be noted that these prices can change at any given time of the year. So, this depends on the season and with peak seasons (especially July–October), and it is advisable to book early. Or consult with reputable local tour operators such as Kilimanjaro Rwenzori, Serengeti Masai Mara, Goar Africa safari Tours and Tanzania National Parks for custom East Africa migration packages and discounts.

Budget Africa migration safari Packages: $150 – $300 per person per day (Includes basic camping, shared 4×4 vehicle, meals, and park entry fees)
Mid-Range Africa animal migration tour Packages: $350 – $600 per person per day (Includes comfortable lodges, private game drives, and domestic flights)
Luxury African wildebeest migration Safari Packages: $700 – $2,000+ per person per day (Includes luxury lodges/tented camps, hot air balloon rides, fine dining, and private tours)
Hot Air Balloon Experience in Serengeti and Masai Mara: $450 – $600 per person for a 1-hour flight
(Includes champagne breakfast and certificate)

Appearance from Serengeti National Park with safari vehicles. Tourists at Safari at Serengeti forest and bushes with 4X4 Vehicles. They are watching wildlife.

Great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara.

Why You Should Engage in This great migration Africa safari

When it comes to sightseers having the best kind of Africa safari tour experience there is a lot to understand. Also note as to why participating in the Great Migration safari in Africa is more than just wildlife viewing it’s an immersion into one of nature’s most dramatic stories. Below are reasons as to why you should be part of the great migration in Kenya and Tanzania.

Witness One of the World’s Greatest Natural Events: Over 2 million animals moving in sync with nature is an awe-inspiring sight that only a few get to witness in their lifetime.
Photographic Opportunities: whether you’re a professional or casual photographer, the vast landscapes, herds, predator-prey action, and sunrise/sunset scenes offer unmatched photo moments.
Cultural Encounters: Beyond the wildlife, you also get to meet the Maasai people and other local communities, enriching your African experience.
Adventure and Thrill: From crossing crocodile-infested rivers to night drives listening to lions roar, the thrill of unpredictability adds to the magic of the safari.

Talk to a Great migration safari expert

When is the Worst and Best time to to See Africa’s Great Migration

The best time to see the great migration in Africa

Which part of this natural wonder most interests you will determine the optimal time to see the animal migration in Africa. The Serengeti Southern Plains become a nursery during the best time to see migration in Africa from January to March. Also, this when the world’s largest calving season takes place. Under the watchful gaze of predators and protective herds, hundreds of thousands of young wildebeest make their first movements during these months.

The wildebeests herds in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem start moving northward in search of greener pastures in the Western Corridor. Additionally, this is as a result of the dry season heating up in April and May. For brave travelers, this best time of year to see the great migration in Africa offers unique viewing opportunities. Despite the difficulties caused by excessive rainfall and muddy roads.

View of Zebra and 4x4 jeep from inside a tent in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. (4x4 unrecognizable).

The peak tourist season in Serengeti National Park arrives in June and July, when the dramatic river crossings begin along the Western Corridor’s Grumeti River. These great migration Africa months lead into the absolute prime time – August and September – when the famous Mara River crossings reach their crescendo in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. It is seen to be the high point of the entire great migration Africa cycle to witness these risky crossings.

Additionally, this is where resolute wildebeest face dangerous waters and crocodiles that lurk. As the seasons change once more, the magnificent circle of the great migration in Africa is completed in December. So this is when the southern voyage begins and October and November bring the eastern migratory phase.

Worst time to see the great migration in Africa

Even though there are amazing viewing possibilities for the Great Migration Africa all year long, some times of the year are thought to be less suitable for tourists. Generally speaking, the worst time to visit Africa for migration is between April and May. So, this is because of a lot of rainfall and impassable roads in Serengeti and Masai Mara. Hence, can significantly reduce vision and movement during the African wildebeest migration. Though this time of year offers its own unique experiences, tracking the major Africa great wildebeest migration can sometimes be more difficult. This is due to the dispersed herds during the November–March wildebeests calving season in Africa.

Month-by-Month Highlights for the great Migration in Africa

Month	Location	What to expect	Best Viewing Areas
January-March	Serengeti (Southern Plains)	Calving season – thousands of wildebeest born daily in Serengeti Tanzania, attracting predators.	Ndutu Area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
April-May	Serengeti (Central/Western)	Grasslands Migration	Moru Kopjes, Seronera Valley
June-July	Western Corridor	River crossings at Grumeti River begin; crocodile encounters and dramatic predator action – a must see great migration experience in Africa.	Grumeti River, Kirawira
August-September	Maasai Mara (Kenya)	Peak River Crossings	Mara River, Paradise Plains
October-November	Eastern Serengeti	Herds move south from Serengeti to Masai Mara; great for off-peak great migration tours Africa safaris and fewer crowds.	Lobo Valley, Klein’s Gate
December	Southern Serengeti	Pre-calving Movement	Lake Ndutu, Gol Kopjes