One of the safari enthusiasts dream is to see the herds of the Great Migration crossing the Mara river in the Serengeti, it’s one of those scenes you will never forget in your life.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the transhumance of herbivorous animals between the parks of the Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Herds of wildebeest and zebras move between these parks throughout the year, always looking for the availability of pastures and water, the basic needs for the herds to survive in the savannah. Numerous predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs and more, in turn follow the herds.
The movements of the Great Migration linked to the rains because they determine the growth of the fresh and palatable grasses for the animals to feed. Predicting where and when the Great Migration will take place is somehow depends on the rains.
The best period for the Great Migration
The Great Migration are resides in Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro depending on the period. The herds aggregate more in Ndutu Area for calving season in the period from mid-December to early March.
You can witness the Grumeti and the Mara River crossings in the summer period between July and September.
Clients who contact me asking about how they can see the Great Migration in Tanzania. I normally answer them by organizing a safari to witness this incredible spectacle of nature. Seeing huge herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing in the African savannah and crossing the rushing river infested with huge crocodiles are documentary scenes that with a bit of luck are possible to spot during the great migration period. In addition, since the national parks are not the same as the zoo, we cannot guarantee you that you will be able to spot the migration at a particular time/day because the migrating herds normally depend on the weather and availability of good pastures.
The map of the Great Migration
The map below shows the movements for the Great Migration month by month, a circular path that repeats itself every year following the rains searching for palatable pastures and water, the basic needs for the large herbivores to survive in the savannah.
The Mobile-Tented camps
Overnight in mobile-tented camps allows you to be close to the area where you can easily spot the Great Migration. These camps have tents similar to hotel rooms, a real bed with blankets and sheets, an indoor bathroom and electricity. This is an unforgettable experience in the middle of savannah with all the comfort.
Keep in mind that herds can move quickly and cover great distances in a short time (80 km in one day for example). Thanks to our safari guides who are always up to date and aware of every crannies and corners in the wild in order to guide you to the best spots for the best sightings.
Great Migration Safari: River Crossing
The Great Migration crossing Mara River in the Serengeti is one of those unforgettable wildlife documentary scenes and among the best attraction to spot for most safari enthusiasts when planning to visit Tanzania. I will tell you something about the “River Crossing” but first I invite you to watch the short video taken by our client during her safari with Savannah Explorers in September 2015.
When can I see the “River Crossing” while on safari in Tanzania?
The Great Migration crossing Mara River, also known as the “River Crossing”, takes place in the northern part of the Serengeti. During the summer period, from July to October, the huge herds of wildebeest and zebras rise to the north and partly cross the border entering Kenya in the Masai Mara reserve. The Mara River flows between Kenya and Tanzania and from late July to early October, with a bit of luck, it is possible to witness unforgettable scenes like the one seeing in the above video.
Serengeti Mara Crossing wildebeest
Thank you Sonja for providing us such good video and photos.
“River Crossing” Safari
To witness the River Crossing we normally recommend arranging a safari between July to late September/early October, with at least 2 nights in the northern Serengeti. This gives enough time to wait for the moment when the herds decide to cross. Normally, the safari is usually 6 nights or more and includes a visit to the central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and other famous National Parks found in the north of Tanzania. Kindly see below our safari program for your reference:
Safaris to see the Great Migration
We mainly offer two safari programs that will take you to see the Great Migration. These are the “Great Summer Migration Safari” in the period from July to September and the “Great Migration Winter Safari” in the period from December to March:
Great Migration Summer Safari – This lasts for 7 days and it includes the visit to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Northern Serengeti where it is likely to see the Great Migration crossing the Mara River. You will experience indescribable emotions, especially when you spot the herds crossing the Mara River in Northern Serengeti.
Great Migration Winter Safari – the duration of the safari is 6 days, the parks visited are the Tarangire Park, the southern Serengeti in the region called Ndutu where the Great Migration is concentrated in this period and finally the Ngorongoro crater. During winter season, Ndutu area has the availability of fresh and palatable pastures rich in mineral salts. This creates ideal environment for the wildebeest to give birth to hundreds of calves a day. You will be speechless to see this beautiful spectacle of nature.
Travel guides for Tanzania
Savannah Explorers in recent years has created real guides for the trip to Tanzania and the beach relaxation in Zanzibar. We have travel guides with pieces of information on parks, climate, luggage, visas, vaccinations and beach holidays in Zanzibar. Here are some of our most-read travel guides:
- What do you bring? The Safari suitcase
- The most important Tanzanian airports
- The most important Tanzanian attractions
- What’s a mobile tented camp in Tanzania?
- Yellow Fever and safari in Tanzania
