Kiwi photographer David Lloyd has been running dedicated photographic trips to the Maasai Mara since 2007. Five ways to see the Great Migration ... a wildlife writer and the author of Wildlife of East Africa. And if you can't make your way to Africa to see the Great Migration in person, there's another option: a relatively new HerdTracker makes it possible to track the wildebeest — and watch their migration live. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): This is definitely one of the best places to witness the Great Migration, as large herds of Wildebeest and Zebra begin to congregate. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The depth of the river makes drowning a distinct possibility for many wildebeest and there are plenty of crocodiles to take advantage of their distress. Be sure to speak with your guide, not just the wildlife, but also about the varied cultures of southern Africa. Even the drivers are trained in composition and lighting, and know how to get you into position for the best possible shots out in the bush. Annually, an estimated 250,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras die en route as a result of predators, exhaustion, thirst or disease. By June, when the rainy season starts to wind down and the prairie grasses are exhausted, the herds will continue their migration to Kenya's Masai Mara. Credit: At Olduvai Gorge, you will be given a private tour of the world-famous archeological site where Homo habilis was first discovered. Millions of animals moving clockwise, following the rain and the promise of food and water. July: The herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti River. Experience the Great Migration, an amazing natural wonder where massive concentrations of wildebeest, zebras, and other annuals migrate to find greener pastures and fresh waterholes.It is the largest movement of animals in the world, moving each year through the Masai Mara National … Every year, millions of zebra, wildebeest and other antelope migrate across the mighty plains of East Africa in search of better grazing. Bonds Between Wildebeest and Zebra During the East African Migration, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: the Complete Guide, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The Complete Guide, Five of the Best Safari Itineraries in Tanzania, Top 10 Unmissable African Safari Destinations, Africa's Top 12 Safari Animals and Where to Find Them, East Africa's 10 Best Travel Destinations, Kenya Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information, How to Travel Between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania: The Complete Guide, How to Experience the Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Don't end up in crowded parks, cramped vehicles and large safari lodges far from wildlife corridors. So predicting when to see the Great Migration in Africa can be a tricky science. While most people think of the Serengeti as barren, dry grassland, this simply isn’t true. August and September are the best times to see the great migration — and your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. The Migration is one of the most heart-thudding sights, in which 2.5million wildebeest, zebra and antelope follow the rains between Kenya's Masai … In a single year, these massive herds can migrate nearly 1,000 miles during the largest mammal migration on Earth. In fact, many of Tanzania's smaller camps shut down due to impassable roads. When is the best time to see the wildebeest migration shown on National Geographic? In March and April, they move to central … There is no start and finish to this migration, and instead it is an ongoing cycle through six different conservation areas, game reserves, and national parks throughout the year. It’s also an event that is primarily driven by the weather – more specifically, rainfall. For something more luxurious, consider Abercrombie & Kent. This spectacular event is mainly cast by about two million wildebeest… Kenneth Canning/Getty Images, Credit: If you feel like crossing international borders on your migration adventure, there's an itinerary that combines wildebeest viewing in the Serengeti and Grumeti reserves with a trip to Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago; and another that heads into Kenya to the migration epicenter that is the Maasai Mara. National Geographic's On Safari: Tanzania's Great Migration itinerary is a 9-day adventure that takes you deep into the northern or southern Serengeti, depending on the season and the movement of the herds. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Wildebeest and Wilderness is a 7-night itinerary offered by boutique travel company The Safari Specialists. Africa's Great Migration route. Safari itineraries focus on small groups and lodges in less-traveled settings. April - May: The herds begin to migrate west and north to the grassier plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor. You can see the Great Migration in Tanzania year round, whilst the best months to see action in Kenya tend to be September and October. The Most In-Depth Migration Itinerary Compare itineraries. ... more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Remember, Africa's Great Migration route covers 800 km, a distance you’re highly unlikely to cover within the parks on a short African safari! Camps along the river make for an incredible safari experience at this time. Here, they birth their young, before slowly working their way northwest across the grassy plains. After each early morning game drive, you'll have the opportunity to attend interactive workshops on photographic techniques and post-processing, and to share and get feedback on your images. If you're lucky, you'll be able to watch as thousands of zebra and wildebeest throw themselves into the plunging waters, attempting to reach the opposite bank without falling foul of the waiting Nile crocodiles. When dry, cool August descends upon the Serengeti in Tanzania, the wildebeest begin their astounding journey north, following the rains to the Masai Mara in Kenya. You'll spend the first four nights at beautiful Lamai Serengeti lodge in the far north of the Serengeti, venturing out each day in search of the best migration action. This is also mating season for the migrating wildebeest. It is for this reason that our Herdtracker app was created; to help you track the wildebeests' movements and plan the safari of a lifetime. In addition to seeing the Migration, a trip to Africa for a safari will give travelers the opportunity to meet local Masai naturalists, for example, or members of the Hadza tribe. It is otherwise known as Serengeti Migration or Wildebeest Migrationand it only takes place in two places: Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The Great Migration Each year, nearly 2 million animals move through Tanzania and Kenya driven by seasonal rain and drought in what is known as the Great Migration. You'll stay at a camp on the Mara River, near one of the key river crossing sites. Below we will dissect where the wildebeest usually are at different times of the year. Paul Steyn is a widely-published multi-media content producer from South Africa, and regular contributor to National Geographic News and blogs. Some of the best places to stay while the migration is in the Mara include Governors' Camp and Mara Serena Safari Lodge. In Tanzania, you can see the migration at different times of the year, depending on where the animals are assembled. Paul Steyn. Due to its phenomenal movement — not to mention all the action that happens in between, the Great Migration is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Don’t let orderly maps claiming to predict the pathways fool you. Recommended places to stay include Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Safari Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp and any mobile tented camps in the area. July: The herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti River. Seasonal rains make it difficult to follow the herds during this stage of their migration. They are also partnered with the World Wildlife Foundation, the world’s leading conservation organization. This time it's the Mara River, and that too is filled with hungry crocodiles. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Often hailed as one of the wonders of the natural world, Africa's great wildebeest migration is an incredible event to witness. UK-based safari company Travel Butlers also offers several migration itineraries. The Great Migration, also known as the "Wildebeest Migration," has been listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Away from the river banks, the migration can be just as exciting. The year-round Great Migration along with the the Big 5 are on the the bucket list of must-see African wildlife spectacles. December - March: At this time of year, the herds congregate in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro areas of northern Tanzania, which are made lush by the annual rains. The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. The migration route can change from year to year as the movements depend on rainfall and grazing. Well in June and July, the herds start amassing along the Grumeti River in the Serengeti, preparing to head northwards to the Masai Mara. Making sure that you're in the right place at the right time is key; so in this article, we take a look at the best locations and seasons for viewing the migration in Kenya and Tanzania. This is the stage on which the 'greatest wildlife show on earth' plays out, as more than 2 000,000 wildebeest along with gazelle and zebra stragglers charge towards better grazing areas – making it the most unique safari experience in Africa. With a selection of 6 &Beyond exclusive camps and lodges to choose from in Kenya and Tanzania, each offering close-up-and-personal Great Migration sightings, you are spoilt for choice! You don’t have to worry about having a curbed schedule. Encounter incredible wildlife in the Great Rift Valley and the vast savannas of the Serengeti on a Tanzania safari with National Geographic Expeditions. Where to See the Great Migration The migration route is sometimes thought of as a set circuit that occurs between Tanzania’s Serengeti plains in the south and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in the north between May and December each year. Three of them are based in Tanzania, and include trips to the Serengeti and Grumeti reserves (both migration hot spots) followed by a Zanzibar beach vacation. Timing is crucial for those who wish to see the great migration first hand and, for this reason, it’s important to plan the trip carefully . You'll spend your nights at the tented Ilkeliani Camp, located in between the Talek and Mara Rivers. Meet the Author. For instance, between January-March, the animals congregate at the Ngorongoro Conservancy area. They are very similar in landscape, particularly as they meet at the Mara river. A cacophony of galloping hooves and nasal grunts, thousands of animals crossing the dusty plains or splashing across the Mara River — witnessing East Africa’s great migration is the stuff safari dreams are made of. The spectacle of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, eland and gazelle thronging across the plain is a sight in itself, while the sudden bounty of available food attracts a bevy of iconic predators. During the short rains of November, the wildebeest migration is best viewed from Klein’s Camp, while campsites in the Lobo area are also good. Travelling from Kenya makes the Seychelles a good choice; it’s just a 3 hour flight from Nairobi to Mahé. It runs from June to November, and focuses on two of Tanzania's most rewarding national parks. Lisa Lindblad (a T+L Super Agent and Africa expert) recommends. One of the best places to stay is Serengeti Serena Lodge, which is both central and easily accessible. You'll also have the chance to see some of Tanzania's other highlights, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park (famous for its tree-climbing lions) and Olduvai Gorge. This annual journey is known as the Great Migration, and to witness it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should top the bucket list of every safari enthusiast. In Kenya, that is precisely what I saw. The best places to stay to watch the migrating wildebeest tackle the Mara River include Kichwa Tembo Camp, Bateleur Camp and Sayari Mara Camp. That's why, if you’re making a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa to see the Great Migration, you must do it right. Here's why you should experience the migration with us! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. The Grumeti River makes for an imposing barrier which the animals need to gather up the courage to cross. But because the herds are always on the move, it's possible to see the wildebeest any time of year — as long as your strategic about your location. The journey for the key players in the Great Migration, the roughly two million wildebeest, starts in the south of the Serengeti, with the birth of half a million calves between January and March. The Great Migration is an ancient practice and to see it is to see the circle of life unfold right before your very eyes. Each year close to two million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope gather up their young and start the long trek north from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of greener pastures. A favourite season for many of the seasoned Serengeti guides: the air … The Grumeti can get deep in places, especially if the rains have been good. The Western Serengeti is the best place to watch this stage of the migration unfold. When to witness the Great Migration. Hungry predators have for months been patiently following the plodding creatures and now, with an abundance of young defenseless newborns emerging daily, action and kills are common during this period. The mobile nature of the migration means that planning a trip around the spectacle can be tricky, however. Fortunately, Safari guides on the ground in both Tanzania and Kenya have been documenting the migration dates over the last 10 … June: As the rains stop, the wildebeest and zebra gradually start moving north and individual groups begin to congregate and form much larger herds. Their journey runs in a clockwise circle, covers some 1,800 miles/2,900 kilometers and is notoriously fraught with peril. Although migration occurs all year round in a clockwise circle between Tanzania and Kenya, across the Serengeti National Park (nine months/year), and through the Kenyan Masai Mara (three months/year), there are certain stages of East Africa's Great Migration that … Other recommended options include Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Migration Camp and Kirawira Camp. Guarantee you'll see the Great Migration by hiring a professional guide or safari operator. Our favorite is the Waiting for the Drama to Unfurl itinerary, a 3-night fly-in trip that takes you straight to the heart of the action in Kenya's Maasai Mara. Experts in the area can make sure you have a perfect vantage point to watch the animals thundering across the plains. His 8-day itineraries are specifically geared towards photographers hoping to get the best possible shots of the migration, and are led by full-time wildlife photographers. Finding the Big Five in the wild is certainly the most popular, but for many the Great Migration is just as important to observe in person. As the migration is in a circular motion around the Serengeti/Maasai ecosystem it’s essentially an ongoing event. After crossing the Grumeti River in Tanzania, the wildebeest and zebra head to Kenya's Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle. If you want to go … Natural Habitat Adventures is best known for their focus on conservation, and as the first carbon-neutral travel company. Two of the Tanzanian itineraries also take you to the Ngorongoro Crater, known for its incredible scenery and amazing diversity of wildlife. It’s a year-round event. The Great Migration in Africa will give you goosebumps. View AfricanMecca safari trip prices and honeymoon tour, booking family holidays, solo travel packages, accommodation reviews, videos, photos & maps. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs follow the herds, giving safari-goers an excellent chance of seeing these superb hunters in action.

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