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.

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:

How does the great migration in Africa happen

January to March – while you carry out the safari in the southern Serengeti it is best to go during the months of January to March and this is because thousands of baby wildebeest are born every day and it’s the best period to marvel at young animals and predator action, as lions and cheetahs often hunt during this time.
April to June – during the months of April to June is when the rains stop and the herds begin moving northwest through the Serengeti and this is the time when long lines of animals can be seen moving across the plains.
July to September – from the months of July to September is the best and most popular times to go on a migration safari as herds reach the Grumeti River in Tanzania and later the Mara River in Kenya.
October to December – during this time the herds begin to move back south into the Serengeti as the short rains begin.

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