How to Experience the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania

Every year millions of zebras, wildebeest, and other antelopes migrate across the mighty plains of East Africa in search of better grazing.

This annual journey is known as the Great Migration, and witnessing it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should top every safari enthusiast's wish list.

However, the mobile nature of migration means that planning a trip around the show can be tricky.

Making sure you are in the right place at the right time is critical; Therefore, in this article, we will take a look at the best locations and stations to view migration in Kenya and Tanzania.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about The Great Migration Between Tanzania and Kenya

Source: The Star

What is Migration?

Each year, around two million wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope gather their young and begin the long journey north from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of greener pastures.

Your journey takes place in a clockwise circle, covers approximately 1,800 miles / 2,900 kilometers, and is notoriously fraught with dangers. Annually, around 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras die on the road as a result of predators, exhaustion, thirst, or disease.

River crossings are especially dangerous. Herds gather by the thousands to form the waters of the Grumeti River in Tanzania and the Mara River in Tanzania and Kenya, both facing strong currents and lurking crocodiles.

Crocodiles kill and hordes of terrified animals mean that crosses are not for the weak; however, they certainly offer some of Africa's most dramatic encounters with wildlife and are particularly rewarding for photographers.

Away from the banks of the river, the migration can be just as exciting.

The spectacle of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, elan, and gazelle crowding the plain is a sight in itself, while the sudden abundance of available food attracts a host of iconic predators.

Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs follow the herds, giving safari goers an excellent opportunity to see these magnificent hunters in action.

Migration in Tanzania

December - March: At this time of year, herds flock in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas of northern Tanzania, which are lush with annual rains. This is delivery season and a great time to observe newborn babies; while big cat sightings (and deaths) are common.

The southern plains of Ndutu and Salei are the best to see large herds during this time of year.

Recommended places to stay include Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Safari Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp, and any mobile tent camp in the area.

April - May: Herds begin to migrate west and north towards the grassy plains and forests of the Western Serengeti Corridor.

Seasonal rains make it difficult to track herds during this migration phase. In fact, many of the smaller camps in Tanzania were closed due to impassable roads.

June: As the rains cease, wildebeest and zebras gradually begin to move north and individual groups begin to cluster together and form much larger herds.

This is also the mating season for migratory wildebeest. The western Serengeti is the best place to watch this phase of migration unfold.

July: the herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti River. The Grumeti can go deep in some places, especially if the rains were good.

The depth of the river makes drowning a distinct possibility for many wildebeests and there are too many crocodiles to take advantage of their affliction.

Camping along the river is an amazing safari experience right now. One of the best places to stay in the Serengeti Serena Lodge, which is centrally located and easily accessible. Other recommended options include Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Migration Camp, and Kirawira Camp.

Migration in Kenya

August: West Serengeti grass turns yellow and herds continue north. After crossing the Grumeti River in Tanzania, the wildebeest and the zebra head towards the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle in Kenya.

Before reaching the lush plains of the Mara, they have to make another river crossing.

This time it is the Mara River, which is also full of hungry crocodiles. The best places to stay and watch the wildebeest migration on the Mara River include Kichwa Tembo Camp, Bateleur Camp, and Sayari Mara Camp.

September - November: the plains of Mara are filled to the brim with large herds, naturally followed by predators. Some of the best places to stay while migrating to Mara include Governors' Camp and Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

November - December: The rains begin again in the south and the herds begin their long journey back to the Serengeti plains, Tanzania, to give birth to their young. During the short rains in November, the wildebeest migration is best seen from Camp Klein, while the campgrounds in the Lobo area are also good.

Tour operators and recommended itineraries

The Safari Specialists

Wildebeest and Wilderness is a 7-night itinerary offered by The Safari Specialists travel boutique.

It runs from June to November and focuses on two of the most rewarding national parks in Tanzania.

You will spend the first four nights at the beautiful Lamai Serengeti chalet at the northern tip of the Serengeti, venturing each day in search of the best immigration action.

The second half of the trip takes you to the remote Ruaha National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania (and also one of the least visited).

Ruaha is known for its sightings of African big cats and wild dogs, ensuring a second chance to see migratory predators in action.

1. Mahlatini

Award-winning luxury safari company Mahlatini offers no fewer than five migration itineraries.

Three of them are based in Tanzania and include trips to the Serengeti and Grumeti reserves (both major migration points), followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Two of the Tanzania itineraries also take you to the Ngorongoro Crater, known for its incredible landscapes and incredible diversity of wildlife.

If you want to cross international borders on your migratory adventure, an itinerary combines wildebeest watching in the Serengeti and Grumeti reserves with a trip to the Quirimbas Archipelago of Mozambique; and another that heads to Kenya through the epicenter of migration which is the Maasai Mara.

2. Travel butlers

UK safari company Travel Butlers also offers various migration itineraries.

Our favorite is the Waiting for the Drama to Unfurl itinerary, a 3-night air trip that takes you right into the heart of the action in Maasai Mara, Kenya.

You will spend the nights at the Ilkeliani camp, located between the Talek and Mara rivers.

During the day, safaris led by an experienced Maasai guide will take you in search of the herds, with the main objective of seeing the spectacle of crossing the Mara River.

If you are lucky, you can see thousands of zebras and wildebeest dart into the deep waters, trying to reach the opposite shore without falling into the Nile crocodiles.

3. Photo by David Lloyd

Kiwi photographer David Lloyd has been on dedicated photography trips to the Maasai Mara since 2007. His 8-day itineraries are specifically geared toward photographers who want to get the best possible photos of the migration and are led by full-time wildlife photographers.

After each morning safari, he will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops on photography and post-processing techniques and share and get feedback on his images.

Even the drivers are trained in composition and lighting and know how to position it to get the best possible shots on the mountain.

You will stay in a camp on the Mara River, near one of the main river crossings.

4. National Geographic Expeditions

At National Geographic Safari: The Tanzania Great Migration Itinerary is a 9-day adventure that takes you north or south of the Serengeti, depending on the season and movement of the herds.

If you're lucky, you'll be able to see wildebeest crossing the Mara River, while the optional hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti plains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You will also have a chance to see some of the other highlights of Tanzania, such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park (famous for its tree-climbing lions), and the Olduvai Gorge.

At Olduvai Gorge, you will take a private tour of the world-famous archaeological site where Homo habilis was first discovered.

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