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The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular events on Mother Nature’s calendar. During a migration safari in Tanzania, you’ll witness millions of animals travel across the plains, causing a ripple effect throughout the land.
Why Should You Go on a Tanzania Migration Safari?
The Great Migration
Witness one of the greatest natural spectacles on Earth while on safari in Africa: the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The dry season forces almost two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles to traverse the plains in search of greener pastures for grazing and ideal areas to give birth to their young. During a migration safari in Tanzania, you’re able to follow these herds as they cross rivers and dodge predators.
Incredible Predator-Prey Interactions
The Great Migration sets the scene for some of the most dramatic interactions between predator and prey species in Africa.
Hot on the heels of the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles are lions and cheetahs waiting for their chance to pounce on their prey. The migration also goes through rivers, giving crocodiles the chance to take advantage of the stragglers of the herds.
Stunning Landscapes
The diverse landscapes of Tanzania’s national parks and reserves are a highlight all on their own.
Serengeti’s vast grasslands and seemingly never-ending savannahs are the perfect backdrop to the majestic wildebeest herds. The most spectacular river crossing happens at the Mara River, where you’ll see the animals dodge the waiting crocodiles.
The Ndutu Plains, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are the grounds where migratory animals give birth to their young, closely watched by predators.
Wildlife Diversity
The migrating herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles aren’t the only animals you’ll see while on a migration safari in Tanzania.
Tanzania is home to the Big Five, so you could spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, and giraffes, as well as many bird species, are also present in the country’s national parks.
Birders can spot species of sunbirds, rollers, bee-eaters, eagles, hawks, vultures, falcons, and a variety of waterbirds while on safari.
Photographic Safari Opportunities
A migration safari is excellent for photography, with opportunities to capture dramatic river crossings, open plains, and abundant wildlife.
Photograph frenzied river crossings as wildebeest desperately try to avoid crocodiles, capture the first steps of newborn calves, and witness lions in hunting mode as they look for any weaknesses in the herds.
Year-round Safari Experiences
Tanzania provides safari goers with year-round wildlife viewing, with different phases of the migration offering unique experiences.
January and March see the calving season when the wildebeest give birth. When the dry season starts in May, the herds make their way to the Masai Mara in Kenya. As the rains begin in late October, the migration makes its way back to the Serengeti, and by December they start returning to the calving grounds.
Luxury Safari Accommodation
Tanzania offers a variety of incredible safari lodges and tented camps along the route of the Great Migration.
From luxury safari lodges complete with gourmet dining, private pools, and world-class spas to mobile camps that immerse you in nature as you follow the herds, you can witness the Great Migration in ultimate comfort.
The Best Destinations for Tanzania Migration Safaris
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the heart of the Great Migration. It’s the ideal place for witnessing all stages of the movement, from calving to river crossings.
Mara River in Northern Serengeti
This river is well-known for the dramatic river crossings from July to October, when the wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras make their way across the water, trying to avoid crocodiles along the way.
Ndutu Plains in Southern Serengeti
January to March is the calving season, which takes place in the Ndutu Plains. You’ll see newborn animals as well as incredible predator action.
Grumeti Game Reserve
The Grumeti Game Reserve is known for the early stage of the Great Migration from May to June. This is the perfect place for you if you want a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Western Corridor in Serengeti
The Western Corridor offers good sightings of the migration herds as they journey to the north, from June to July. This section of the migration sees herds cross the Grumeti River.
5 Tips for Tanzania Migration Safaris
1. Choose the Right Time
What part of the Great Migration do you want to see? To see the newborn wildebeest take their first steps and dramatic predator action, plan your safari for January to March. For river crossings, book your safari during July to October.
2. Book Early
Witnessing the Great Migration is one of the most sought-after experiences in the world of African vacations and safaris. So, accommodations near the migration route fill up quickly, especially during peak months. To avoid disappointment, allow us to book at least six to 12 months in advance for you.
3. Consider Mobile Camps
Mobile camps move with the migrating herds, giving you a front-row seat to the incredible sightings. Booking one of these camps will give you the best chance of being in the prime locations for the most incredible views.
4. Pack Light
Depending on where you’re going, there’s a good chance you’ll be taking to the skies in a small aircraft to get to your lodge or camp. So, be mindful of your luggage. Bring lightweight clothing (in safari colours, like brown, olive green, and beige), comfortable closed shoes for walking safaris, and a light raincoat just in case.
5. Bring a Good Camera
You’ll want to look back at the memories you made while on a Great Migration safari, so bring a good camera with you! Whether you’re capturing scenes with a DSLR or using a good zoom lens for your phone, photography opportunities during the migration are unmatched.
