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The Great Migration in Tanzania

Nature’s Most Spectacular Journey

The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most incredible wildlife events on the planet — a breathtaking natural cycle involving over two million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles as they travel across the vast plains of East Africa in search of fresh grazing.

This annual journey, shaped by the rhythm of rainfall and the survival instincts of millions of animals, is not only a bucket-list experience for safari-goers but also one of Earth’s last remaining large-scale land migrations.

Here’s everything you need to know about witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania — including when to go, where to be, and what to expect.

What Is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the circular movement of animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, covering nearly 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) each year. It primarily involves:

  • 1.5+ million wildebeest

  • 300,000 zebras

  • Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles

  • With predators — lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and crocodiles — following closely behind

This incredible journey is driven by the seasonal rains and the availability of fresh grass. The migration is not a single event but an ongoing cycle that occurs throughout the year.

Migration Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide

The animals move in a clockwise loop between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, although the majority of the migration takes place within Tanzania.

Here’s a detailed look at where the herds are throughout the year:

December to March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Area)

  • Where: Ndutu plains (part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Southern Serengeti)

  • What to See:

    • Thousands of newborn wildebeest are born daily in February

    • Easy predator sightings (lions, cheetahs, hyenas) as they hunt vulnerable calves

    • Beautiful green landscapes and excellent photography conditions

Why Go: This is a dramatic and emotional time as life begins for the herds — and survival becomes a daily challenge.

April to May: Green Season (Moving Toward Central Serengeti)

  • Where: Moving northwest through central Serengeti

  • What to See:

    • Herds begin to move en masse as rains make southern plains muddy

    • Fewer tourists and lush scenery

    • Amazing bird-life and vibrant wildflowers

Why Go: These months are less crowded and offer better value — but some roads may be inaccessible due to rain.

June to July: River Crossings Begin (Western Serengeti / Grumeti River)

  • Where: Western Corridor, Grumeti River

  • What to See:

    • First major river crossings at the Grumeti River

    • Crocodile-infested waters and heart-pounding action

    • Gathering herds in huge numbers

Why Go: Early river crossings begin — a spectacle of fear, bravery, and instinct. Lodges in this region offer front-row seats.

July to October: The Iconic Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)

  • Where: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende and Lamai areas), bordering Maasai Mara

  • What to See:

    • The famous Mara River crossings — thousands of wildebeest leaping into crocodile-filled waters

    • Predator-prey drama at its peak

    • Spectacular scenery and prime photography moments

Why Go: This is the most dramatic phase of the migration and the best time to witness a river crossing — but it’s also the busiest season.

November: Returning South (Eastern and Central Serengeti)

  • Where: Herds begin to return south from the Mara back into the Serengeti

  • What to See:

    • Scattered herds and beautiful light

    • Calmer safari experience with fewer vehicles

    • Elephants and big cats hunting in the open plains

Why Go: The cycle begins again as the herds make their way back to calving grounds.

Predators and the Migration

The Great Migration isn’t just about the grazers. It also supports Tanzania’s large predator population, making the Serengeti one of the best places in Africa to see:

  • Lions stalking the edges of the herds

  • Leopards hidden in trees watching prey from above

  • Hyenas and jackals scavenging or hunting in packs

  • Crocodiles waiting in rivers during crossings

The interaction between predator and prey during the migration is raw, real, and emotionally powerful.

Planning Tips for the Great Migration Safari

  • Book early (especially for July–October river crossings)

  • Consider a private safari for flexibility and better positioning

  • Combine with Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or Zanzibar for a full Tanzanian experience

Final Thoughts: Why the Great Migration Is a Must-See

The Great Migration is more than just a wildlife event — it's a symbol of the raw power, beauty, and resilience of nature. To watch it unfold in Tanzania is to witness a timeless story of life, death, survival, and instinct, playing out across one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.

Whether you’re catching the tender moments of newborn calves, the thunder of hooves on open plains, or the chaos of a river crossing, no two days are ever the same — and the memories will stay with you forever.