How The Story Unfolds Each Year

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. In fact, with up to 1,000 animals per km², the great columns of wildebeest can be seen from space.

The numbers are astonishing: over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra along with topi and other gazelle move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water. Guided by survival instinct, each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. Hungry predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocs make sure only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle also known as ‘the greatest show on Earth.’

The circuit takes the animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (although not in the Crater itself) in the south of the Serengeti in Tanzania, up through the Serengeti and across into the Maasai Mara in Kenya and back again. The journey is beset with danger: young calves are snatched by predators, the slow are brought down by prides of lion, brave beasts break legs on steep river slopes, crocodiles take their share of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown.

The three main groups of migrant grazers each have distinct feeding habits that help maintain balance across the plains. Zebras are the first to arrive, cropping the tallest, coarser grasses. Wildebeest follow, feeding on the shorter, fresher shoots that sprout afterward. Finally, Thomson’s gazelles move in, nibbling the remaining tender grasses and herbs close to the ground. This grazing succession means that each species tends to stick with its own kind, with only limited overlap in their ranges as they move together along the migration route.

What Causes the Great Wildebeest Migration

While it is unclear how the wildebeest know which way to go, it is generally believed that their journey is dictated primarily by their response to the weather; they follow the rains and the growth of new grass. While there is no scientific proof of it, some experts believe that the animals react to lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. It has even been suggested that wildebeest can locate rain more than 50km away. Read more on why the wildebeest migration occurs for a more in-depth look at this amazing phenomenon.

When and Where to Witness the Great Migration

Following the Footsteps of the Herd

The migration route begins in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, moves northward through the Serengeti, crosses into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and then loops back again. While the Great Wildebeest Migration is a continuous, year-round journey, its rhythm is dictated entirely by the rains, which have become increasingly unpredictable. The general month-by-month pattern is therefore only a guideline, as the seasons can be early or late, throwing the entire wildebeest calendar out of sync. This is why it is essential to plan for as much time on safari as possible. The best time to see the wildebeest migration is often linked to two key events: the dramatic Mara River crossings, which typically occur between late July and early September, and the calving season in the southern Serengeti, from late December to mid-March, when thousands of young wildebeest are born in just a few weeks.

What to Expect on a Migration Safari with Safari O’clock

Witnessing the Great Migration is unpredictable, thrilling, and emotional. Expect early mornings, exciting game drives, and moments of pure awe. No two migration safaris are the same, and nature doesn’t run on schedule, which is part of the magic. Because the herds move according to rain patterns, sightings can never be guaranteed. But mobile camps and guides maximise your chances.

You may see herds stretching to the horizon, a river crossing at dusk, or a leopard stalking the edge of the chaos. Even during quieter moments, a Great Migration safari stuns with its scale and drama.

Combining a Migration Safari with Other Destinations

Many travellers choose to pair the Great Migration with other iconic East African experiences. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, or exploring the Ngorongoro Crater are some of the exciting possibilities to include in your safari trip to Africa. Safari O’clock extensive safari knowledge allows us to offer authentic, immersive, and remarkable experiences that leave a positive impact on Africa’s crucial wilderness areas.