Each year travellers from around the globe come to witness this phenomenal, outstanding and natural event…
The Great Migration
Each year travellers from around the globe come to witness one of the greatest natural events – The Great Migration. From the open plains of the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, large herds of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle follow the greener pastures as the seasons change. Depending on the months of the year, the giant herds make for a spectacular sighting!
The exact timing of the migration can change as this is a natural occurrence, but from previous years the following information has provided us with an estimate of when and where is the best time to get the opportunity to see the Great Migration. (As mentioned..this is an estimate and sighting the migration cannot be guaranteed.
The following can be used as a guideline:
December / January / February / March:
The short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro are home to the wildebeest at this time of year.
As of the end of January the calving season begins. Within a short space of time, hundreds of new-born calves add to the gigantic numbers which in turn attract the attention of the predators.
The best properties to stay at over this period is Luxury Mobile Tented safaris – Serengeti Under Canvas, which specifically move to the best possible areas to get the opportunity to see the migration.
From April / May:
The herds start moving north towards the Western corridor once the sweet grassy plains are depleted in the South. The long rains over this time of year can make it difficult to follow the herds.
From May / July:
Towards the end of the rains and the beginning of the dry season, the herds move again toward Grumeti and this is the time where the mating begins. The Grumeti River crossing is a spectacular event where hungry crocodiles wait in anticipation and take advantage of any weakness.
The best properties to stay at over this period are Singita Faru Faru, Sasakwa, Sabora Plains, Grumeti Serengeti River Camp and Luxury Mobile Safaris – Serengeti Under Canvas in Kogatende.
July / August:
This is an exciting time of year as the herds head to the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Great river crossings make for spectacular sightings where the herds try to beat off crocodile infested rivers. Plenty crocodile wait in anticipation for an easy meal.
The best properties to stay at over this period is Luxury Mobile tented safaris – Serengeti Under Canvas which specifically move to the best possible areas to get the opportunity to see the migration.
From late July onwards the herds follow through to the rolling savannahs and lush plains of the Masai Mara. Here they will remain in the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. This time of year offers a myriad of game viewing opportunities.
The best properties to stay at over this period are Sayari and Luxury Mobile tented safaris – Serengeti Under Canvas in the Northern Serengeti. The Mara properties include Governor’s Camps and Kichwa Tembo Camps.
An excellent combination is between the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara – the best of both!
September / October:
Here they will remain in the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
The best properties to stay at over this period are Sayari and Luxury Mobile tented safaris – Serengeti Under Canvas in the Northern Serengeti. The Mara properties include Governor’s Camps and Kichwa Tembo Camps.
An excellent combination at this time is between the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara – the best of both!
November / December:
As the rain clouds start to build up again in the south, herds will begin their big trek down south and unlike the move north, they make their way down in just a few weeks.
The best property to stay at over this period is Klein’s Camp (November) and Luxury Mobile Safari – Serengeti Under Canvas.
The circle of live begins again when the members of the Great Migration settle back in the sweetness of the plains of the Southern Serengeti.