The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth—an awe-inspiring movement of over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the plains of East Africa. If you’re dreaming of a Great Migration safari in Tanzania, this guide from Wild Myth Adventures covers everything you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.
🐃 What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is a year-round, circular journey of wildlife across the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya), driven by the search for fresh grazing and water. It’s not a single event but a cycle of movement, life, and survival.
Animals involved:
- 1.5+ million wildebeest
- 300,000 zebras
- 500,000+ Thomson’s gazelles
- Closely followed by lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles
📅 Best Time for a Great Migration Safari in Tanzania
Each season offers a different experience. Here’s a month-by-month guide:
✅ January–March: Calving Season (Southern Serengeti, Ndutu)
- Wildebeests give birth to around 8,000 calves per day!
- Predators are highly active—expect lion and cheetah hunts.
- Great for photographers and wildlife lovers.
Where to Go: Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Recommended Lodges: Ndutu Safari Lodge, Lake Masek Tented Camp
✅ April–May: Green Season (Moving North)
- Herds start moving northwest as rains end.
- Fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Where to Go: Central Serengeti
Tip: Lower lodge rates make this an affordable time to visit.
✅ June–July: Western Corridor & River Crossings Begin
- The migration reaches the Grumeti River—watch for dramatic crocodile-infested crossings.
- A transitional period as the herds prepare to move north.
Where to Go: Western Serengeti (Grumeti)
Recommended Lodges: Singita Grumeti, Kirawira Serena Camp
✅ August–October: Northern Serengeti Crossings
- Peak Mara River crossings—the most iconic and dramatic part of the migration.
- Huge herds risk their lives crossing the river to reach greener pastures.
Where to Go: Kogatende, Lamai (Northern Serengeti)
Recommended Lodges: Lemala Kuria Hills, Serengeti Bushtops
✅ November–December: Return South
- Herds gradually migrate back to the southern Serengeti.
- The cycle continues as the calving season approaches again.
🦁 Predator Activity During the Migration
The migration is not just about the movement of herbivores—predators thrive during this period. You’ll see:
- Lions stalking the herds in Ndutu and Central Serengeti
- Crocodiles ambushing wildebeest during river crossings
- Hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs in action during the calving season
A Great Migration safari in Tanzania offers raw, unfiltered wildlife moments you’ll never forget.
🚙 How to See the Great Migration with Wild Myth Adventures
We offer custom safari itineraries based on when and where you want to go:
🔹 Private Safari Packages
- Fully flexible travel dates
- Choose your pace and viewing style
- Luxury or mid-range options available
🔹 Group Migration Safaris
- Scheduled departures during peak crossing seasons
- Great for solo travelers or budget-conscious adventurers
🔹 Fly-In Safaris
- Save time with quick flights to remote airstrips in the Serengeti
- Ideal for witnessing river crossings in Kogatende or Grumeti
🛏️ Top Lodges for Migration Viewing
- Ndutu Safari Lodge (Jan–Mar)
- Mbalageti Serengeti (May–Jun)
- Serengeti Mara River Camp (Jul–Oct)
- Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge (year-round base)
All lodges are handpicked by Wild Myth Adventures for location, comfort, and excellent wildlife access.
🧳 What to Pack for a Migration Safari
- Neutral-colored clothing
- Binoculars (essential for river crossings)
- Camera with zoom lens
- Light jacket for early mornings
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
See our Tanzania Safari Packing List for a full guide.
💬 Traveler Testimonial
“Watching the wildebeest cross the Mara River with crocodiles lurking was one of the most intense, beautiful experiences of our lives. Wild Myth made every moment seamless.”
– Laura & Pedro, Spain
Conclusion
The Great Migration safari in Tanzania is nature at its most dramatic—a living, breathing miracle of movement, birth, survival, and instinct. Whether you want to witness calving season, predator action, or the heart-stopping river crossings, Wild Myth Adventures will get you to the right place at the right time. Let us plan your front-row seat to one of Earth’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
