The Best Time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania.

One of the most amazing phenomena in the world has been the Great Migration in Tanzania, where thousands of tourists come to observe the dramatic procession of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles along the Serengeti plain. The timing of the movement of the herds in the Tanzania Great Migration is a critical issue and thus a traveller who intends to visit the safari must understand the time of the year when the herds are moving, considering the rainfall, grazing and season cycles.

Wildlife-wise, there is no better experience than witnessing calving season in the south or river crossings in the north, as both seasons are distinct and wonderful.

Essentials of the Great Migration in Tanzania.

The Great Migration is an annual event that entails more than 1.5 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. These herds are on a clockwise pattern over the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in Tanzania and Kenya, respectively.

The trip is motivated by the patterns of rainfall, which will dictate the location of new grazing pastures. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles are the main predators, and therefore the migration process offers the best safari experience one can ever have in terms of dramatic wildlife encounters.

December- March – Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti.

Should you want to view newborn wildebeest calves, then the southern Serengeti and especially the Ndutu area is the destination during the period of December to March. At this time, the short grass plains are fertile and nutrient-filled after the rains in November. It produces approximately 400,000 calves in only a few weeks, which are the attraction of predators such as lions and cheetahs.

Calving is a great time to visit, especially for those interested in photography and wildlife who would like to see both the gentle side of life and fierce fights between the predator and the prey. This phenomenal show is provided by lodges and mobile camps in the Ndutu and Kusini regions.

April-May- Herds on the Move During the Long Rains.

The long rainy season in Tanzania happens in the months of April and May, and it has turned the Serengeti into a green paradise. The herds begin to migrate north of Ndutu and the southern plains, and they cross through Serengeti Moru Kopjes and the central Serengeti. This is one of the least congested times to visit, though some of the roads become muddy, and travelling is not as easy with heavy rains.

On the side of low-end travellers, safari lodges tend to reduce the prices, and the photographers are able to make beautiful shots of vast grasslands covered with wildebeest and zebras. It is not the most opportune time of year to cross the river, but it is splendid when one wants fewer visitors and sky drama.

June- July -The Grumeti River Crossings.

By June, the herds are gathered in the west section of the Serengeti, which is close to the Grumeti River. This is the greatest barrier of this migration because wildebeests have to cross the rivers that are infested with giant Nile crocodiles. The Grumeti crossings are not as large and predictable as the Mara River ones, but they bring the same adrenaline rush to the tourists.

In June, the dry season starts, which means that it is easier to drive the game and travel conditions are more comfortable. The stage of migration is accessible with good accessibility at the safari camps of the western part of the Serengeti and Grumeti Reserves.

July-September- Mara River Crossings in Northern Serengeti.

The most intense and renowned episode of the Great Migration is attained during the period between July and September at the Mara River in the northern part of the Serengeti. Wildebeests are thrown into the river full of crocodiles, and many of them are not able to cross the river. This is the season which receives the maximum international visitors since it is regarded as the peak season of migration.

The most convenient access to crossing points of the river is offered at the safari lodges and tented camps around Kogatende and Lamai. In order to get a front row, the travellers are advised to book their Tanzania safari early enough, more so during this season that is in high demand.

October to November – Back to the Southern Plains.

The herds take their time returning to the south after the river crossings through the eastern Serengeti. The short rainy season occurs in October and November and also brings fresh grass to the central and southern regions. Wildlife sightseeing is also superb, and big cats exploit the exhausted herds.

It is also the ideal moment to visit when one would want to have a mix of good wildlife viewing, less congestion, and low cost of accommodation as compared to the peak season. The golden sceneries of the Serengeti around this period are also incredible for taking photographs.

When is the Best time to go on a Safari?

The Great Migration in Tanzania is always best seen at the time of the year that is most interesting to you as regards the cycle. In the case of calving season and predators, target January to March. July to September is unrivalled in dramatic river crossings.

In case you want quieter parks, the months of April to May or even October to November are very good with fewer tourists. It is possible that an additional trip to the Serengeti safari should be combined with other iconic Tanzania sites, such as Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, or Lake Manyara, to have a more diverse journey.

Migration Safaris Practical Travel Advice.

• Make a reservation in advance when the months are best because lodges in the north of the Serengeti are also filled fast.
• Select tented camps on the move to have the best opportunity of close viewing.
• Bring some warmer clothes and cool clothes because the weather in Serengeti is not predictable.
• It has to be a 4×4 safari car because it is necessary to manoeuvre around dirt tracks, and more so during the rainy season.
• Use an established tour operator who understands where to go to see the most sights.

The Best Show of Nature.

It is not only about wildlife, as the Great Migration in Tanzania is about the opportunity to experience one of the final great natural events on the planet. Every season is drama as it is either new life in the south, predator hunts in the central plains or the dangerous river crossings in the north.

The migration is a great way to plan your Tanzania safari, to experience the most memorable experience with the most renowned African wildlife. Travellers who need the once-in-a-lifetime safari would not find another stage better than the Serengeti during the Great Migration.