When you think about going to Africa, you instinctively imagine having close encounters with the
animals – and not like the ones that we see in the zoo, but actual animals in the wild and even the
rarest ones in the planet. Certainly so, this image is spot-on. But what is even more amazing is the
chance to witness the Great Migration safari Tanzania has to offer. An absolute world spectacle, the
Great Migration is an annual event that no one in the world should ever miss. Here are 10 major
reasons why:
#10: IT’S A YEAR-ROUND EVENT
You don’t have to worry about having a curbed schedule. If you want to go to Tanzania to witness
the Great Migration, even a one- or two-week trip is enough to leave you stunned. You see,
migration happens all year round. Millions and thousands of wildebeests, zebras, Thompson’s
gazelles, elands, and impalas travel across the vast plains of Serengeti in search of better grazing.
From January through March, you can spot them around the southern Serengeti and the northern
part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is also the time they call “calving season” because
hordes of wildebeests are born every day.
By April, the herds start moving northwest, going through Simba kopjes – a lion territory. As
expected, a lot of predator action happens here. By May, the herds move quickly towards the
Western Corridor and congregate around the Grumeti River before they cross its crocodile-infested
channels in June.
In July, the iconic Mara River crossing starts as well as the wildebeest mating season. By August,
the most dramatic and action-packed river crossing ensues. With massive Nile crocodiles and
mighty hippos infesting the river, millions of migrants run through the strong river gushes in the
hopes of getting to the other side alive. This event is often referred to as the “World Cup of
Wildlife” and the world’s greatest spectacle.
Around late September, you will start to see the surviving migrants around the plains of Masai Mara
in Kenya and by late October, they start moving back towards the Serengeti where they arrive in its
southern plains by November. In December, the massive herds move towards the Ngorongoro area
to begin calving season again. Then the cycle goes on.
You, see? There is no dull moment in Tanzania. And no matter how many times you visit, the magic
never palls. Since migration activity is not exactly predictable and timing depends on the water
resources, you need expert safari guides to bring you to the heart of all the action. See our Great
Migration safari tours to give your ideas on the usual safari packages.
#9: ONLY IN EAST AFRICA
There is nowhere else in the world where you can experience such an event. The Great Migration is
the largest and longest overland migration in the world featuring over 1.5 million wildebeests,
200,000 zebras and massive herds of gazelles, antelopes, elands and impalas travelling through at
least 3,000km each year. All these only in Tanzania and about a month or two in Kenya.
#8: EXQUISITE PHOTOGRAPHY IS GUARANTEED
Tanzania is a rare glimpse of the raw beauty of nature. With its prolific and diverse wildlife plus its
impressive landscapes, Tanzania is truly a photographer’s heaven. Imagine being able to capture
moments during the Great Migration. With action happening anywhere, every snap of that camera
will surely be mind-blowing.
Whether you are an avid Instagrammer who loves revving up his feed or a professional travel
photographer who’s taking on a wildlife project or even just a regular tourist with a camera, your
photos will surely be stellar.
#7: BABY SEASON
You already know that calving season happens around January through March. Aside from being
able to see a lot of cute baby wildebeests, you will also have a chance to see a lot of game. Of
course, where there are vulnerable babies, there will be lots of predators lurking around. You will
also see protective mothers and adult wildebeests guarding the babies as well as cubs being
trained to go for a kill and a lot of opportunistic predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas
creeping in.
#6: THRILLING PREDATOR ACTIVITY
The intense predator activity doesn’t only happen during the calving season or the river crossing. All
year round, the Serengeti is filled with predators being stealthy, waiting for an opportunity to go for
a kill. It’s your chance to have all of these unfold before your very eyes and not just watch them on
TV or YouTube.
#5: THERE’S MORE TO SEE THAN THE MIGRATION ITSELF
Yes, the Great Migration is a sight to behold. But Tanzania is more than just that. For thousands of
years, Tanzania has been known to be one of the best places in the world to see nature and wildlife
at its finest. The 947,303 square kilometre country holds some of the most iconic national parks
and nature reserves in the world. Each features diverse landscapes and a dense population of
wildlife like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
For mountain trekkers, you can hike up Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s tallest and the world’s highest
free-standing mountain. It is famous for its year-round snow-capped facade and its varied trekking
routes for beginners and connoisseurs alike.
The Serengeti alone holds the largest lion prides in the world, 70 other large mammals including
elephants, giraffes and leopards, around 20 species of primates and about 500 bird species. It also
offers gorgeous vistas and unforgettable safari experiences.
#4: SPECTACULAR PLACES TO STAY IN THE WILD
With a wide variety of accommodation options that would make your Great Migration safari an
adventure like no other, Bavon Tour & Safaris can provide you with state-of-the-art lodges or
authentic bush camping adventures while you’re at the heart of the drama. You can choose to go on
a mobile camp to follow the migration, on a simple cot in the midst of the wild or even in an
exclusive luxury lodge with cutting-edge facilities.
#3: HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE
Yes, hot air ballooning can be experienced elsewhere. The difference is, it’s not in the Serengeti.
With an hour’s flight at sunrise over the beautiful plains of the Serengeti, you will be able to view
the animals and migration from up high as you float across the savannah. Then, once you land, a
bottle of champagne and a gourmet breakfast is waiting for you. The best thing about this is, you
get to dine in the bush while a lot of game happens in your background! With a setting that’s
nothing short of exceptional, this experience is virtually impossible to miss.
#2: SEVENTH NEW WONDER OF THE WORLD
Lauded as “the greatest wildlife shows on earth”, the Great Migration is the new 7th World Wonder.
And with all the reasons stated above, it is no surprise why. So, wouldn’t it be remarkable if you’re
able to witness such a world spectacle? Besides, how often are you able to drive around a wildliferidden savannah?
#1: BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCE
There is absolutely nothing like it on earth. Of course, everyone in the world should be able to
experience this world wonder. If you’re ready to tick it off your bucket list, look no further and head
out to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania.
Check out these great migration tours for you!
10 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Fly in Drive Out
11 Days the Great Kenya and Tanzania Migration Safari
