Activity: Tanzania Safari

ABOUT TANZANIA WILDLIFE MIGRATION

Tanzania is famous for its wildlife migration, particularly the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, which is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. This migration happens primarily in the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara in Kenya, but Tanzania plays a key role, especially in the southern and central Serengeti regions.

Key Points of Tanzania’s Wildlife Migration:

1. Timing: The migration is an ongoing, year-round phenomenon, but it is most prominent from December to March when wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti plains. By June to September, the herds move toward the north and the western corridor of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.
2. The Herds: Around 1.5 million wildebeest, along with 250,000 zebras and gazelles, make up the primary members of the migration. They are followed by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, making the journey both beautiful and perilous.
3. The Route:
   • Southern Serengeti: The migration begins here in the green season (December–March), with wildebeest giving birth in the nutrient-rich plains. Calves are born in high numbers, and it’s a great time for predator sightings.
   • Western Serengeti: From May–June, the herds start moving northwest toward the Grumeti River and later cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara during the mid-summer months (July–October).
   • Northern Serengeti: By November, the herds start heading back south after the rains and into the southern Serengeti plains.
4. Predators: During the migration, predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles are commonly seen. The crossing of the rivers, especially the Mara and Grumeti rivers, is often dramatic, with large numbers of wildebeest and zebras falling prey to crocodiles.
5. Best Viewing Times:
   • January to March for the calving season in the southern Serengeti.
   • June to October for river crossings and large predator interactions.
   • The November–December period can also offer a chance to witness the herds as they return to the southern plains.

Additional Migration-related Experiences:

• Serengeti National Park: The best place to witness the Great Migration.
• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering the chance to view wildlife all year round.
• Tarangire National Park: While not part of the migration, it’s an excellent destination to see elephants and other wildlife in the dry season.