WHEN IS THE GREAT MIGRATION IN TANZANIA?
When is the great migration in Tanzania
If you've ever looked into embarking on an East African safari, you probably would have heard of the Great Animal Migration in Tanzania. The largest movement of animals on earth - this natural phenomenon occurs from the southern plains of the Serengeti right up to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
A highlight for many visitors - witnessing the migration of wildebeest in Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will surely be one of the most treasured moments of any safari.
Before you go on your safari in Tanzania, you're probably asking yourself, "When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?" Well, the team here at BornWild will answer that exact question for you. We'll also provide you with some insider tips and need-to-know information so you get to see this unbelievable happening with your very own eyes.
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When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @hgudka97
What Is the Great Migration in Tanzania?
Tanzania's mesmerizing Great Migration sees over a million wildebeest traveling over 1,000 miles each year, closely followed by thousands of zebras and gazelles. The animals make this journey in search of fresh water and expansive grasslands. The spectacle of vast herds transversing varying terrains is an astonishing sight.
Though often believed to be an annual event, the Tanzania animal migration is a continuous process. This means that the animals follow a constant clockwise circuit, with the weather and the natural instincts of the wildebeest serving as a guide.
This is no easy feat for these creatures; the voyage can prove deadly for some, particularly the calves. Along the way, the animals are met with a slew of hungry predators, with lions, leopards, and hyenas ready and waiting to pounce on the vulnerable and young. Not only that, but the tiresome and challenging expedition can leave many animals weak, meaning thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles are left behind.
Although expansive savannas and dense woodlands make up a great deal of the landscapes of the Great Migration of the Serengeti, the animals must also tackle multiple river crossings. The most famous of these is the Mara River, in which many lose their lives to the rough currents and resident crocodiles.
When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @antonytrivet
The Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
As an ever-present cycle, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the Great Migration at any time of year. It's not possible to narrow down specific dates for the Great Migration in Tanzania, as every year looks a little different. However, you can look at what you might expect to see based on the timing of your visit.
January - March: At the beginning of the year, many of the animals flock to the abundant green grasses near the Ngorongoro Crater. It's here that hundreds and thousands of calves are brought into the world, with calving peaking in February.
April - May: The animals begin to move north and the mating season kicks off in May. At this time, many males can be seen competing for mates as they head towards central Serengeti.
June - August: By June, the dry season has begun and the animals must continue to Northern Serengeti. During these months, these creatures must face their most daunting tasks yet and cross the crocodile-plagued waters of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. For this reason, many consider August, in particular, to be the optimum timing for the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
September - October: Once September rolls around, most of the animals have attempted the formidable Mara River crossing and those that are successful will make their way to the Maasai Mara region of Kenya.
November - December: When the rains begin to simmer down in November, the animals return south and journey back towards the Serengeti. At this time, the short rainy season supplies the herds with lush green pastures, providing ideal conditions for the calving season to begin once again.
Why Does the Great Migration Take Place?
The Great Animal Migration of the Serengeti occurs as the wildebeests seek out nutritious grass to feed on, moving according to the rainfall.
At the beginning of each year, the rainfall in southern Serengeti brings bountiful grassy landscapes to the region, attracting the animals as the calving season approaches. As the months pass, the rains move north and the animals follow suit to ensure they have a steady supply of food and water.
Though all the animals travel on a quest to locate a reliable food source, the wildebeests and gazelles prefer short grasses, while the zebras tend to go for longer alternatives. This allows the animals to move together rather harmoniously and each species also boasts different strengths that help the herds seek out potential threats. For example, wildebeests utilize their sense of smell to identify food, while zebras have excellent sight for spotting predators.
Despite the thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles that are lost with each cycle of the Great Serengeti Migration, each animal must take the risk, as their herbivorous diets primarily consist of grass.
When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @sutirtab
Where Does the Great Migration Start and End?
In reality, the Great Migration in the Serengeti is never-ending but it's typically described as beginning from the southern Serengeti of Tanzania and ending in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
At the start of each year, the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding areas have ample grass for the animals to feed on. By April, they must venture toward central Serengeti as the rains progress to the north. The animals continue to chase the rainfall, heading west and across the Grumeti River. Afterward, they must go across the Mara River and the lucky animals that have survived the crossing will get to savor the rich grasses of the Maasai Mara. Around late October, the rain lures the animals back to the southern Serengeti, and the pattern carries on.
With each passing year, the precise route of the Great Migration in Africa's east can change a little based on the weather conditions that dictate the animal's exact movements. For this reason, it's challenging to pinpoint specifically where the animals will be at any given time.
When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @antonytrivet
How to See the Great Migration
Before you decide on where you want to see the Great Migration, it's important to be aware that it's a continuous happening that takes place at different locations throughout the year. This means the time of year you visit Tanzania will depend on where you have to go to see the animals migrating. For example, say you come during the dry season between June and August; you'll have to go toward the northern Serengeti to witness the movement.
Hiring an experienced tour provider like BornWild is your best chance of seeing the Great Migration. We take our customers to some of the finest spotting locations along the typical Great Migration route, where they can see zebras, grant's gazelle and much more. What sets us apart from other companies is our focus on positively impacting wildlife conservation and our partnership with BCP to offset our carbon emissions.
Not only will we take you to see the Great Migration but we also craft our safaris so you get the most out of your trip. From seeing the animals at Ngorongoro Crater, hot air ballooning across the Serengeti to walking across the Lake Manyara Tree Top Skywalk - you’re in for an action-packed safari adventure with BornWild.
When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @travelershigh
What Animals Can You See During the Great Migration?
The Great Migration that runs through Tanzania is a specific type of animal migration; only certain animal species participate.
While about two million animals take part in the Great Migration, many of these are wildebeests. However, lots of thomson's and grant's gazelle, zebra, impala and eland join up with the wildebeests to take on the treacherous 1,200-mile journey.
These two million animals don't migrate in one herd; there's a common misconception that they all move together, but it's not true. Instead, they move in groups. Don't let that disappoint you, though - this is an outstanding experience and you'll still see plenty of them moving in large groups.
The animals have to move together to keep each other safe from opportunistic animals hunting for prey like lions and hyenas. So, if you do catch a couple of them on the go, you can bet there's plenty more coming from behind.
When is the great migration in Tanzania / Image: @hsaraf
And That's When the Great Migration Is!
The Great Migration is a fabulous spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors to Tanzania every year.
Now that you know when the Great Migration is, you can start organizing your trip to Tanzania.
Planning a safari around the time of the Great Migration without experience is a tricky task. Get expert guidance from BornWild; We can help you create an amazing adventure to spot the world's most famous Migration. Learn more about our services on our tailored safaris in Tanzania page
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