The Great Migration is an epic struggle for survival; millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the great plains in search of rain, which provides water and new grazing. It is a monumental feat of strength and determination, as the animals cross rivers and plains, braving enormous Nile crocodiles, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards.
Guided by survival instinct, wildebeest travel up to 1,000 km along ancient migration routes. Africa’s finest predators wait patiently for this great feast; it brings a time of plenty for them, and they ensure that only the strongest of the migrating herds survive. The Great Migration is the largest movement of animals in the world; over 1 million wildebeest make this epic journey, accompanied by approximately 400,000 zebras and 200,000 antelopes. The numbers are so vast that the spectacle can be seen from space.
This epic journey takes animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area into the Serengeti, and then up through the plains of the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara in Kenya. After crossing into the Maasai Mara, the herds remain there during the dry season before migrating back south to the Serengeti, ready for the calving season when water and pastures become abundant again.
The Migration Pattern
January to March (Calving Season – Ndutu Region)
As the rains end, the herds begin migrating from Ndutu to the Southern Serengeti, accompanied by their young calves.
This is an excellent season for those who wish to see the great herds in motion, as predators lurk nearby looking for easy meals. A balloon safari can be added to this experience, offering an opportunity to observe the herds and predators from a vantage point and capture stunning photographs.
May is also the mating season for wildebeest, when males engage in fierce battles for mates.
May to July (Grumeti River Crossing – Grumeti River)
When the plains begin to dry, the herds head west into the Western Corridor, all the way to the Grumeti River, where the migration is often slowed by the river channel. The herds congregate on the southern bank before crossing to the northern side. Although the Grumeti River is usually low at this time of year, the sheer number of wildebeest and zebras massing on the southern banks — alongside the enormous Nile crocodiles lying in wait — makes for an unforgettable experience.
Inevitably, the herds must cross the river, and the crocodiles ensure the crossing is as brutal as possible. While the majority of the zebras and wildebeest will make it, the weak, inexperienced, or unlucky ones will not.
August to October (Mara River Crossing – Mara River)
During this period, the herds continue moving north until they reach their last and greatest obstacle: the Mara River. Once on the southern bank, the herds can almost smell the fresh, lush pastures on the other side, but they must first brave the river and all the dangers the crossing brings.
It is at the Mara River that the most spectacular aspects of the Great Migration can be witnessed. The herds must brave the swollen river while big cats harass them from the rear and Nile crocodiles wait to feast on them. The crossing is a spectacular event, accompanied by scenes of great panic and confusion, and offering outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography. The Mara River is both a source of life-giving water and a dangerous death trap.
Daily river crossings can be witnessed at the Mara River throughout this season.
November & December (Migration Back to the Serengeti)
Having spent time in the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara, the herds begin returning south to their calving grounds in the Ndutu area and Southern Serengeti. The Mara River must be crossed once more; lives will be lost, but the majority of the herds will make it.
By late December or early January, the herds will have arrived in the Ndutu area, and the whole cycle will begin again.
