Great Migration Story FAQ

The Great Wildebeest Migration

Conservationists point to the effect it will have on the Great Wildebeest Migration, the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, and the negative effect it will have on the economy through driving tourists away. The counter-argument is the positive effect the highway will have through development of infrastructure.

But what is so special about the great migration? Well the sight of almost two million animals moving across the legendary plains of East Africa is enough to stir the enthusiasm of even the most afro-pessimistic of people. It is a sight that not even National Geographic can enhance. What you see is what actually happens – in most cases.

Over the years many questions have been asked relating to the migration and most the questions tend towards asking for a guarantee of sorts when people visit east Africa. Much has been written and documented on film about the Great Wildebeest Migration on the plains of East Africa, and much of this is a dramatized version of events for commercial value. Authors need to sell books, filmmakers must spice up their work to garner interest and travel journalists write to sell articles – add to this travel companies selling packages to Africa and you have the potential for a fairly distorted view of one of the natural world’s greatest happenings.

It is difficult, in fact near impossible, to answer most questions relating to the certainty of the migration in the form of a guarantee but a selection of questions answered may help in understanding the phenomenon a little better and help in selecting an unforgettable Tanzania safari. One thing is certain though: no matter when you visit the Serengeti or Masai Mara you are assured of one of the greatest experiences of your life.

So what is the Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the movement of great herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles across the plains of East Africa. It is estimated that almost two million animals take part in the migration across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The movement of the animals is controlled by the availability of food and water with the herds only moving when their senses tell them.

There is no exactness to the migration but a general picture has been formed over the years. The herds are on the lush southern plains of the Serengeti from late December through to April. This is where they give birth. They then head north through the central Serengeti and the western corridor through May and June before crossing into the Masai Mara in Kenya where they move for some three months before heading towards the southern plains of the Serengeti again towards the end of November.

Will I be able to see the migration regardless of when I travel?

As the migration is determined by the availability of food and water, so determined by the seasons, it is not possible to correctly predict the course of events from year to year. The rains may be early or they may be late, or in some cases the rains may be scattered – all factors influencing when and how the herds move. There is, however, a general pattern that can be followed when planning a safari to East Africa. It is advisable to look into staying at two lodges in different areas so as to have the best chance of seeing the migration.

Where is the best place to see the migration from

There is a mixed school of thought here as the migration has a number of facets. There is the time that the herds are on the southern plains of the Serengeti, giving birth, and times when they are crossing the crocodile-filled rivers. The sight of millions of animals on the vast southern plains of the Serengeti is truly something to behold, but the drama of the river crossings, with Africa’s largest crocodiles lying in wait, is also a memorable sight. It is best to just appreciate the spectacle, in whatever form, that is the greatest natural occurrence on the planet.

Is it worth visiting aside from the migration?

The migration is certainly a spectacular happening but what must be taken into account is that the Serengeti and Masai Mara are two of Africa’s iconic wilderness areas, and even when the migration has passed certain areas the wilderness experience is still spectacular. In fact many people prefer not to travel outside of migration time, to enjoy the other wildlife of the regions. No matter when you travel to East Africa the experience will be memorable.

What are you waiting for ? Go on a Great Migration Safari in Tanzania