Migration Tips

1: Best Places to Witness the Migration:
While the Great Migration only travels between two countries, travellers should never underestimate
the distance between destinations in Africa! To avoid disappointment, carefully research where the
migration will be at the time of your visit and plan accordingly.
The Great Migration ends in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve each year. The migration will reach
Kenya in August and remain there until around December - herds will cross the Mara River (an incredible
but dangerous sight, and not one for the faint of heart!) in August. Travellers visiting between
September and November will see the Mara plains fill with the travelling herds, as well as impressive
predators. From November to December, the rains begin in Kenya, and the herds will begin to move
back towards Tanzania, where they'll give birth.

2: Great Migration: Everything You Need to Know
Why does the Great Migration occur?
The Great Migration happens because of the change in seasons. When the dry season arrives in a
region and water and food supplies dwindle, animals such as wildebeest migrate to wetter plains in
search of grass to graze on and water to drink.
Can I see a black wildebeest in Kenya or Tanzania?
Blue wildebeests are native to Southern and Eastern Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania.
Black wildebeests, on the other hand, can only be found in Southern Africa. Unlike blue wildebeests,
black wildebeests do not migrate; instead, this species tends to occupy particular territories.
Where is the Great Migration in September?
By September, the herds have usually migrated to northern Serengeti, which is where one of the
most frightening elements of their migration occurs: crossing the perilous Mara River.
Where is the Great Migration in January?
In January, the herds are typically starting to settle into the plains around Lake Ndutu, and the best
game viewing during this month stretches across much of the southern Serengeti and the northern
Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is a particularly exciting time in the Great Migration as it's often
when calving begins.
What should I pack for my safari tour?
To make your safari trip a success you'll need light layers, comfortable shoes, bug spray and
binoculars among other things! See our comprehensive packing list for more details.

Why should I go on a Great Migration safari?
Finding the Big Five in the wild is one of the most appealing aspects of an African safari, but the
Great Migration is all about witnessing one of the most impressive wildlife events on the planet. Nothing
quite compares to seeing the power of the migration up close — it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime
experience!
How can I book a safari to see the Great Migration?
The easiest way to book a safari to see the Great Migration is to look for deals on TourRadar. While
it can be hard to guarantee a sighting of the Great Migration, if you position yourself in the right region
at the right time and have a knowledgable tour guide on your side, you have a great chance of
experiencing this spectacle!
How to choose the right safari?
To make the decision-making process a bit easier, ask yourself the following questions: What time
of year can I travel? What animals do I most want to see? What safari activities do I want to do? Once
you’ve determined the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to better narrow down your options
and choose the perfect safari for you.