Wildebeest | 1.3 to 1.7M |
Zebra | 200,000s |
Gazelles | 500,000s |
Hyena | 7,500 |
Lions | 4,000 |
Cheetahs | 500 to 600 |
Crocodiles | Aprox 250+ |
The Serengeti Migration is a remarkable natural phenomenon that takes place in the Serengeti ecosystem, primarily in Tanzania, but also extending into Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve. The migration is a continuous movement of millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and other herbivores, in search of fresh grazing and water sources. The migration follows a seasonal pattern: Wet and Dry seasons.
Three quators of the year this migration is in Serengeti National Park including Ngorongoro Ndutu area. This African migration is one of the world’s most essential wildlife experiences, the annual Great Migration in Africa, is an event like no other. Millions of Wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras and other antelope species make this incredible journey around 2,000 kilometers from the southern expanse of the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro (Ndutu) over the borders of Kenya to Maasai Mara National Reserve and back down to the southern Serengeti again in search of food and water, facing Crocodile- infested waters and terrestrial predators (Lions, Leopards, etc) along the way. This is one of those world travel wish list items that we all dream of encountering during our lifetime. Here’s a brief guide on where, when, and why every nature lover should see it!
The best time for migration safari experince in Serengeti during, December-March, April-Early July and October-December in a year, although the dry season(Late July-October) is regarded as the best time for wildebeest migration safari tour but unfortunately this is when the migration in Masai Mara and Not Serengeti.
This wet season migration safari is a thrilling adventure conducted from late December to March in Ndutu area and Southern Serengeti, specifically designed to explore the awe-inspiring movement of wildlife in the Serengeti. During this period, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles undertake their annual migration, searching for fresh grazing grounds and water sources. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary spectacle as the animals navigate through the plains, rivers, and woodlands, braving predators and challenging landscapes. Accompanied by experienced guides, travelers can witness thrilling river crossings as the herds make their way across crocodile-infested waters. It's a remarkable journey of survival and perseverance that showcases the circle of life in its rawest form, leaving visitors in awe of nature's grandeur.
During the dry season, which typically spans from April to late July, the Serengeti undergoes a dramatic transformation, setting the stage for a captivating safari experience. This period is characterized by the scarcity of rainfall, which causes the grass to wither and water sources to dwindle. As a result, the wildlife congregates in specific areas, creating a spectacle of concentrated animal activity. The dry season safari offers an excellent opportunity to witness predators in action, as they take advantage of the easier hunting conditions and the predictable movements of their prey. Visitors can witness thrilling encounters such as lion prides on the prowl, cheetahs displaying their incredible speed, and leopards gracefully perched on tree branches. The vast golden plains of the Serengeti provide a stunning backdrop for these extraordinary sightings, offering photographers and wildlife enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The dry season in the Serengeti, which occurs from late July to October, is widely renowned as the peak time for an exceptional safari adventure. This period is characterized by minimal rainfall, resulting in the transformation of the landscape into a vast golden savannah. As water sources become scarce, the wildlife congregates around remaining watering holes and rivers, creating a remarkable concentration of animals. The dry season safari provides an incredible opportunity to witness the iconic Great Migration, as massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of greener pastures. This natural spectacle attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making for thrilling game drives and captivating wildlife encounters. The clear skies and dry conditions also offer optimal visibility for photographers, allowing them to capture stunning images of wildlife against the backdrop of the Serengeti's striking landscapes.
From mid-October to early December, the Serengeti experiences a transitional period between the dry and wet seasons. This time of year offers its own unique charm and rewards for those embarking on a safari adventure. As the dry season comes to an end, sporadic showers begin to rejuvenate the landscape, transforming it into a lush and verdant paradise.
The plains gradually transform into a vibrant sea of green, attracting grazers in search of fresh vegetation. The mid-October to early December safari allows visitors to witness the early stages of the Great Migration as the herds start their journey back to the southern Serengeti from the northern Masai Mara region. This period offers a chance to witness the movements and interactions of the wildlife before the arrival of the heavier rains.
It is also a time when birdlife flourishes, with migratory species returning to the region, creating a colorful spectacle in the skies. The mid-October to early December safari provides a unique opportunity to experience the Serengeti's transition from the dry season to the wet season, offering a blend of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the promise of the upcoming wet season's splendor.