The Great Migration: A Spectacle of Nature
Witnessing millions of wildebeest and zebras traversing the Serengeti ecosystem is an experience that defies description. Here is everything you need to know about planning your trip.
The Great Migration is often called the "Greatest Show on Earth," and for good reason. It is the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, with over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 gazelles moving in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.
When to Go
The migration is a year-round event, but the river crossings are the most dramatic moments. These typically occur between July and October when the herds cross the Mara River from Tanzania into Kenya.
- January - March: Calving season in the Southern Serengeti.
- April - June: The herds move north through the Western Corridor.
- July - October: River crossings in the Northern Serengeti.
- November - December: The herds return south.
What to Expect
Expect dust, noise, and raw nature. The air is filled with the grunts of gnu and the splashes of water. Crocodiles lie in wait, and big cats stalk the fringes of the herds. It is nature in its most primal form.
"To witness the migration is to see the heartbeat of Africa itself."
Whether you choose to view it from a hot air balloon or a 4x4 vehicle, the Great Migration is a bucket-list experience that will stay with you forever.