The Great Migration: Witnessing Natures Spectacle in Tanzania Witnessing Nature’s Spectacle in Tanzania is a major draw of tourist to Tanzania. The Great wildebeest Migration is the second largest terrestrial mammal migration on earth, over 2 million wildebeests and their entourage move from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve due to a long round trek of drier lands. This legendary journey starts in the south of the Serengeti, with the birth of half a million calves between January and March.
The Great Migration in Tanzania is regarded as the ‘‘greatest show on earth.’’ The Dramatic river crossing at the Grumeti and Masai Mara Rivers make the major highlight of this life adventure in Tanzania. The river crossing usually coincides with the best time to visit Tanzania, when the weather conditions are ideal for safaris. Here is all you need to know about the Great Migration in Tanzania.
Why do wildebeest migrate?
The migration of the immense wildebeest herd, covering a distance of around 800 kilometers, is the largest mammal migration on Earth. The timing of the migration coincides with the greening of nutritious grasses on the short-grass plains during the wet season. These areas are safer for the wildebeest as predators can be easily spotted, making it an ideal place for calving. However, as the plains dry out, the wildebeest are forced to move in search of greener pastures in the western corridor. The northern extension of the ecosystem receives the highest rainfall, but the grasses are least nutritious. This becomes the dry season retreat for the wildebeest, at least until the south becomes green again. As a result, the wildebeest make a clockwise movement from the south, to the west, then north, and eventually back to the south.
The Great Migration in short
The circle of life is perfectly illustrated in the Southern Serengeti. The journey starts with the birth of wildebeest calves, which occurs within a couple of weeks, attracting the attention of predators like lions and hyenas. Witnessing this event is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
As the drought sets in around May, the herd moves north towards Kenya's Masai Mara, devouring the high green grass along the way, followed by gazelles and zebras. However, the journey is not without risk as the herd must face about 3,000 crocodiles, which wait patiently for their prey in the rivers. The Serengeti is also home to Africa's largest lion population, making survival challenging for the wildebeest. Nonetheless, seeing a group of lions hunt a wildebeest is a magnificent sight.
In late October, the short rains start, and the migration returns to the Serengeti. By December, the herds trek past Seronera, a small settlement in central Serengeti, where the official Serengeti Visitors’ Centre is located, and return to their calving grounds. And thus, the circle of life is complete.
What is the best time to witness The Great Migration in Tanzania
When it comes to planning a safari in the Serengeti, you have the choice of whether or not to base your trip around the Great Migration. Serengeti is a destination that can be visited all year round since it is spread over a vast area and offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. However, it is essential to note that the chances of witnessing the Great Migration herd crossing a river - either at the Grumeti or Mara River - are relatively high during certain months of the year. Moreover, the timing of herd movements cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on various factors such as weather conditions and food availability.
That said, suppose you select the right part of the Serengeti based on the time of year you plan to visit.
In that case, you can easily locate large herds of wildebeest and other animals that accompany them. For instance, if you plan to visit the southeast and Ndutu from December to May, you are more likely to witness the wildebeest migration in that area. Similarly, if you visit the Western Corridor from May to July, you are more likely to witness the herds moving in that region. During the months of July to October, the Serengeti Mara area is the perfect spot to see the herds, while in October and November, the northern Serengeti and Lobo area is the best spot to experience the migration.
