Travel Idea

The Great Migration

One of the Seven New Wonders of the World

overview

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most incredible natural occurrences. Every year, nearly 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra make the long trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Quote icon svg

Seeing a wildebeest river crossing during the migration is a once in a lifetime experience. Being in the right place at the right time, staying at the right camp, is key. We are here to help.

Ben Nelson
Founder

A Month By Month Guide

Due to varying weather conditions and other factors, the Great Migration can differ in its location at any time of the year. A general prediction for the migratory pattern can be summarised as follows:

January & February: The herds of wildebeest are found in the Southern Serengeti on the green and nutritious short-grass plains, ready for calving season. This is a time of year known for very high predator activity and warmer weather.

March to May: The herds start moving north to the Moru Kopjes and Seronera. This is also a wetter time of year where you can capitalise on low-season rates.

June & July: The herds gather in the Western Corridor and begin crossing the Grumeti River. This can begin in May as well. Expect cold mornings and evenings.

August & September: The herds continue up into the far Northern Serengeti. This is when the famous Mara River crossings start regularly happening.

October: The herds graze in the far north of the Serengeti and across in the Masai Mara. This is a hotter, drier time of year with yellow grass on display.

November: The herds start heading south via the eastern extremities of the Serengeti National Park. There will be some rain, but it is still a good time to travel.

December: The herds head further south towards Ndutu in search of fresh grass, and the cycle restarts. Temperatures also pick up, and the Christmas holidays are a very popular time to travel – you will need to book 12 months in advance.

Did you know

It is the longest and largest overland migration in the world. Half a million wildebeest calves are born each year in the Southern Serengeti; half a million!

Swarm intelligence

While having the appearance of a confused frenzy, recent research has shown a herd of wildebeest possesses what is known as ‘swarm intelligence’, where the animals systematically explore and overcome an obstacle as one.

Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
Pin Location icon svg format color white
This is some text inside of a div block.
No items found.
No items found.
Arrow Icon left
Arrow Icon right
Credit: Geraint Warrington

A selection of clips from this prestigious documentary series on the Migration of Wildebeest across the African Plains. “The Great African Migration” is a 4 part 1 hour documentary series produced by Renegade Pictures for Five and BBC Worldwide. The documentaries are presented by Ben Fogle and produced by the same fantastic team that make New Lives in the Wild.

Start planning your tailor-made holiday

Speak to one of our travel specialists

Enquire nowCall us
Lizzy Nelson Grayscale photo
Ben Nelson Grayscale photo
Available now
Nelson travel enquire now circle logoEnquire now ARC text

Get Inspired

Arrow Icon left
Arrow Icon right