The Serengeti is known for the epic thunderstorms that roll over the plains in billowing grey clouds, spilling rain onto the grassland below and cooling the endless landscape. This phenomenon is what triggers the Great Migration movement. Few experiences can beat that of watching over a million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelles – followed by their predators, embark on a 1,000km-long circular trek through the unfenced Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of seasonal pasture and water. This natural spectacle is both thrilling and profoundly moving.

Overview

When to see where to go the Great Migration

The herds congregate on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and westernmost regions of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. An estimated 600 000 calves are born during a two- to three-week window in February. This mass calving draws a staggering number of predators eager to prey on the vulnerable newborns.

Dec / Jan – The Southern Plains are lush with fresh, sweet grasses for the wildebeest to graze on. The areas around Ndutu and the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area are where the herds will spend some time enjoying the abundant grazing in preparation for the birth of the new calves.

February – Between late January and mid-March over 80% of fertile female wildebeest drop their calves within a few weeks of each other. Over 500,000 tiny wildebeest dot the plains and the predators swoop in to feast on the easy prey.

March – At this time, the wildebeest are still occupying the southern area of the Park but preparing to move north as the plains dry out.

1 night Arusha| 2 nights Lake Manyara National Park | 2 nights Ngorongoro Crater | 3 nights Serengeti National Park

Why not start planning your safari adventure now!