Best time to see the great migration?

Destinations Tanzania
1

I am currently planning my absolute dream bucketlist trip to Africa and I am so excited and of course want to travel at the best time possible to see the great migration. Has anyone been and has some recommendations?

3 Likes
2

Bookmarking this to follow the replies! This is also on mu bucketlist :smiley: Hopefully someone who has been has some tips for us

3

I have gone but not to see the migration. I was honestly told that typically when people want to see the migration they expect to see the wildebeest trampling through the water etc which you can see something but typically it is more so just seeing thousands and thousands of wildebeest.

That being said the best time to see the migration in the Serengeti is June - October (dry season).

I travelled with Intrepid Travel and did a camping trip which I highly recommend. It sounded crazy to be camping in the middle of the Serengeti but you feel so safe because of the expertise of the operator. It is also a much more affordable way to see Africa without having to stay in the lodges.

I also then highly recommend ending the trip on Zanzibar for a little beach time

3 Likes
4

The best time to see the Great Migration is generally July to October for the dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti and Kenya. For the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest are born, the best time is January to March in theserengeti wildebeest migration.Best Time by Event:

  • Calving Season (Southern Serengeti/Ndutu): January – March (High predator action).

  • Western Corridor/Grumeti River Crossings: May – July.

  • Mara River Crossings (Northern Serengeti): July – October (Peak season, specifically late Aug/Sept for best chances).

  • Return South: November – December.

1 Like
5

I’ve been to Kenya/Tanzania twice and absolutely loved it both times! If you are dreaming of doing both countries, you want to be sure that the migration is in the Northern Serengeti, as they will also be going into Kenya as well. So July-October. We stayed in tented camps for most of the trip, and I would not have done it any other way. The camps were super comfortable, amazing people and great food! Some of the areas we stayed were Amboseli Porini Camp in Kenya, and all the following in Tanzania: Gibbs Farm, Olduvai Tented Camp, Mawe Ninga Tented Camp, & Olakira Tented Camp.

image
image1629×2064 361 KB

2 Likes
6

I’ve been to Kenya twice, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life :blush:

From what I’ve experienced and researched, the best time to see the Great Migration is usually between July and October, especially around the Mara River crossings.

That said, timing can vary a bit each year since it depends on the rains, but even outside peak moments, the wildlife and overall safari experience are absolutely amazing.