Wildebeest Migration

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TANZANIA SAFARI: SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI

The Serengeti Migration Safari offers a breathtaking adventure through the iconic Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This annual spectacle is renowned as one of the greatest wildlife migrations on Earth, involving millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores. The journey spans vast landscapes, with the migration dictated by the search for greener pastures and water sources. Visitors on this safari are treated to an extraordinary display of nature’s grandeur as they witness massive herds thundering across the open plains, navigating treacherous rivers, and encountering formidable predators like lions and crocodiles. The Serengeti Migration Safari provides a unique opportunity to witness the circle of life in the animal kingdom, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. The pristine beauty of the Serengeti, coupled with the awe-inspiring spectacle of the migration, creates an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those fortunate enough to embark on this extraordinary safari adventure.

A glimpse into the Tanzania safari

What you will experience on your Serengeti migration safari

Embarking on a Serengeti Migration Safari is a sensory journey that immerses you in the raw beauty of nature and the captivating rhythm of wildlife. As you traverse the vast Serengeti National Park, the air becomes charged with anticipation, and the expansive landscapes unveil the mesmerizing spectacle of the Great Migration. Witnessing millions of wildebeest and zebras traversing the open plains in search of fresh grass and water is a surreal experience that unfolds before your eyes.

The symphony of hooves, the dust clouds rising, and the distant calls of the wild create an atmosphere of primal energy. Your safari vehicle, expertly guided by knowledgeable rangers, allows you to get up close to the action, offering unparalleled opportunities for observing predator-prey dynamics. Lions stalking their prey, crocodiles lurking in river crossings, and the sheer abundance of wildlife against the backdrop of the Serengeti’s breathtaking scenery make every moment a photographic masterpiece.

The Serengeti Migration Safari is not just a trip; it’s an immersion into the wonders of the natural world, leaving you with indelible memories of a truly extraordinary adventure.

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The Great Serengeti Migration in detail

When planning your Serengeti safari you probably want to include seeing the Great Migration. So how do you ensure to be there when it happens? The long and short of it is that you can’t. It is important to realize that the decision of when to visit the Serengeti always involves an element of risk. We have detailed the Great Migration below, and this is what usually happens, but keep in mind that there are no guarantees.

The annual migration of two million ungulates, wildebeest but also enormous groups of zebra and Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle and eland, through Serengeti National Park is the greatest wildlife spectacle of its type in Africa, and perhaps the world. Although variations occur from year to year, the Serengeti migration follows a reasonably predictable annual cycle, dictated by local rainfall patterns. The Great Migration cycle breaks up into the following periods:

DECEMBER – APRIL

We can find the main calving grounds in the area southeast of Seronera: typical Serengeti plains stretch all the way to the Ndutu area near Ngorongoro. Triggering their move to this area are the short rains in November and December. The wildebeest stick around this area until the end of the long rains, end of April, early May. The delightful news is that this section of Serengeti National Park is easily accessible and that in this period the landscape becomes lush.

February is usually calving season in the Ndutu area and the southeastern plains: the very best time to visit this area. As wildebeest, zebra and other ungulates are so many, and give birth to so many calves, the spectacle works as a magnet for predators. As early as March or April the herd may move again in search of greener pastures. Seeing the actual migration in this period is more difficult, but chances are that you will encounter very large herds on the move.

MAY – JULY

This is the period that the wildebeest, after having feasted on the short green grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and after having giving birth to their offspring, start getting ready for their 800-kilometer-long trek. The actual starting date may be anytime between late April and early June. This is the time to you may have the privilege to see one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world: more than a million marching animals in a column up to 40 kilometers long.

During the migration, the herd will move towards the Western Corridor, where they will face the first major obstacle: crossing the Grumeti River. Many animals don’t survive the crossing as they are being awaited by the area’s population of oversized crocodiles ready to feast. The herd may congregate on the southern bank of the river and stay there for up to two weeks before crossing the river.

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER

When the Grumeti River obstacle has been taken, the herd moves further north and starts crossing the next big hurdle, the Mara River, in July or August. The Mara River crossing is where so many iconic Great Migration photos have been taken. After this crossing the herd flocks to the northwest plains and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The August – September period is considered being a bad time to visit Serengeti National Park and see the Great Migration as the herd moves into the Masai Mara in Kenya.

However, migration patterns show that about half of the herd stays on the Tanzanian side, in the Mara Serengeti area. In this period, smaller herds of wildebeest (well consider small… herds may count up to between 500 and thousands of individuals) frequently cross the Mara River, back and forth, for no apparent reason. This is an excellent time to stay at one of the Serengeti Mara camps.

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER

Crossing the Mara River northbound means that, at one point, the herd needs to cross the river one more time before commencing the trek back in a southerly direction. This usually happens in October, but sometimes earlier. In this period the herd will cross the northern plains and Lobo area. This section of Serengeti National Park is little-visited, so if you are looking to see the migration in relative quietness, this would be the time. The wildebeest return to the short- grass plains and calving ground around Ndutu in late November. And from here, the Great Migration starts all over again.

BEST TIME TO GO

It is a matter of choice whether you would like to plan your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration. We have mentioned earlier that the Serengeti is a year-round destination as it covers a vast area and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. Chances that you will be at the exact spot of the Great Migration herd crossing a river (either at the Grumeti or Mara River) are very slim. Also, the timing of herd movements cannot be guaranteed. However, if you choose the right part of the Serengeti: the southeast and Ndutu from December through to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July trough to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November, large herds of wildebeest and their entourage should be easily located.

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What customers have to say about what we do

We have been receiving reviews from our served clients, and Mighty Africa Xpeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied. 

Alaine D
Alaine D
2025-09-10
Verified
Fun Kilimanjaro Trekking & Safari We had an incredible experience on Kilimanjaro with guides Masai, Bonni and Musa of Mighty Africa Xpeditions.We joined a group of 4 other climbers and it was well planned and well taken care of from start to finish. Pick up at the airport was timely, the hotel in Moshi clean and comfortable.The Trek took us 6 days on the mountain to reach the summit and then we went on a 3 day safari to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara.I have to commend Walter for planning the whole adventure for it was flawless and also reasonably priced.
Mihkel P
Mihkel P
2025-09-03
Verified
Fantastic! We had a great time on the day trip to Materuni waterfalls and local villages where they grow coffee. The hike to the waterfalls through the forest and bushy trail was nice, relaxing as Walter took the time to share so much information about Tanzania, culture and so many things. His charm made time pass exta fast. We found about 14 other visitors at the waterfall and it was really nice. Later we went to a village where we visited a coffee farmer, which was in bloom, afterwards we went through the coffee drying and roasting process and managed to buy very good coffee.Was a day well spent!
Linar L
Linar L
2025-08-12
Verified
Top Notch Operator & A Wonderful Experience My family of six had a wonderful time on our Tanzania safari. We are grateful to the people at Mighty Africa Xpeditions and particularly the Director Walter who was exceptional as we created an itinerary that suited our needs and budget. The actual tour was seamlessly organized, with the game drives through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro with guide Mushi. The accommodations organized were top notch as they were not only comfortable, but there was great food, a relaxing atmosphere, and really nice places. We are so happy with the overall work done in getting us a great 4x4 off-roader, securing all the permits and tickets to the parks correctly, timely transfers, and attention to the smallest details regarding our trip. I highly recommend this local tour operator.
Jokubas
Jokubas
2025-02-02
Verified
Great trip I had a perfect solo trek. I joined a group with 3 other climbers and the experience was awesome. The trek turned out to be tougher than I expected and without the support of our crew I would not have made it to the summit. Jabali the lead guide was assisted by Mark and Philip and they were outstanding. You could tell that they have done this assignment numerous times as they knew what to do at every juncture. All the meals on the mountain were prepared by cook Steve and he did a splendid job despite the difficult mountain conditions. I go to learn a lot about Kilimanjaro from Mark who was always close to me. He also ensured that I was comfortable with the pace and closely monitored my health with checks in the morning and evening.Despite the difficult terrain I thoroughly enjoyed the trek because of the fresh mountain air, great views and great company of the crew and fellow climbers. I rate this trip so highly for the efforts that Walter and his team have put down to have high standards of equipment, food and hygiene. It was impressive and I highly recommend Mighty Africa Xpeditions for Kilimanjaro Trekking and Photographic Safaris.
Otto
Otto
2025-01-23
Verified
Unforgettable African holiday Of all the holidays we have taken as a couple, our recent trip to Tanzania is the most remarkable. The trip took us to Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, all fantastic places to find different wildlife species in abundance and in their natural habitat.Our guide Jack was incredible. He drove well and also knew the routes that led to places where we discovered wildlife. His patience and attention to us throughout the journey were remarkable.We booked a mix of lodges and camps, all of which were excellent accommodations.
Tatiana
Tatiana
2024-11-20
Verified
Incredible experience Our trip on Kilimanjaro with Mighty Africa Xpeditions was wonderful. We both owe a lot of gratitude to Juma and Calisto our guides. They gave us such an incredible experience, putting themselves out there in the cold snow and rough terrain to get us there. The journey was both challenging and rewarding, the body tired from the constant hiking over rough terrain and low oxygen levels. It was difficult for us to continue the trek despite eating well and if it wasn't for the amazing support from the crew, we wouldn't have reached the top.A big thank you to everyone involved in organizing and executing our trip.
Bert O
Bert O
2024-11-08
Verified
The safari of our lives I would like to say that everything about our recent trip to Tanzania with Mighty Africa Xpeditions was absolutely amazing. Walter organized a six-day safari that can only be described as the trip of a lifetime.The safari took us to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with star guide Malki. He was knowledgeable and very informative about the animals and habitats we visited. The accommodations were fantastic rest areas with great food and excellent service.
Gemma Sullivan
Gemma Sullivan
2024-10-20
Verified
Awesome Experience This was our second time in Tanzania and we had an incredible experience during the safari. Walter had done a superb organizing this trip with his thorough attention to detail that he included everything that we wanted on the schedule, and booked all the accommodations, communicated our dietary restrictions, transport in a great Landcruiser and above all, he assigned guide Bravin to us. Bravin gave us an amazing safari, he knew all the routes in the parks well and found wildlife with ease. He freely shared information about the flora and fauna we encountered on the safari as well as keeping us safe and comfortable during the entire trip.The overall experience was awesome!!
Fawzi Hassan
Fawzi Hassan
2024-10-09
Verified
Very Professional Team and Excellent Arrangements We are truly grateful for the excellently organized trek on the Lemosho route. We have absolutely no regrets for having chosen to go with this amazing team. I must confess that I was a bit scared of sending all that money to a company that I had not deal with before, however they proved to be trustworthy and delivered an amazing trip.The organization was top class, smooth and we had Walter as our trip designer. The actual trek was great, they had prepared and made all the necessary arrangements. We went with a very experienced and dedicated crew who took excellent care of us.The views and overall trekking experience is unlike any other. Refreshing but very challenging. We both made it to the summit and I have nothing but praise.I highly recommend Mighty Africa Xpeditions!
Aberico G
Aberico G
2024-08-20
Verified
The best vacation of my life The trip was great. We planned the entire trip with Walter, who helped us create our own private itinerary. We saw all the big 5 in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These parks are absolutely wonderful and are full of wild animals. The lodges were very nice and excellent places to rest.This was the best vacation of my life.

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