In June 2010 I witnessed the great annual migration for the first time. It was an unbelievable sight to come upon thousands and thousands of zebra with their young, grazing and resting their heads on each others backs, on the central Serengeti plains. We watched a lion stalk a herd of zebra thousands strong, the noise and dust that was kicked up was incredibly impressive.
When can you see the Great Migration in the Serengeti?
In December through March the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation areas in northern Tanzania are just buzzing with life, this is calving season.
Most of the wildebeest calves are born in just a three week period, usually the beginning of February. Calves attract predators and this is an amazing time of year to watch impressive lion kills. It's also quite spectacular to see almost half a million little wildebeest being born and running alongside their mothers.
The southern Ndutu and Salei plains are the best areas to see the large herds during this time of year. The best places to stay include Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp, Lemala Ndutu Camp and any mobile tented camps in the area.
By April/May the herds begin to migrate west and north to the grassier plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s western Corridor. The rain during this time of year makes it difficult to follow the herds during this stage of their migration. Many of Tanzania's smaller camps in fact shut down due to impassable roads.
By the end of May the wildebeest and zebra gradually start moving north and individual groups begin to congregate and form much larger herds.
This is also the time the wildebeest mate. Western Serengeti is the best place to watch the migration unfold.
By July the herds reach their first big obstacle, the Grumeti River. The Grumeti river can get deep in places, especially if the rains have been good. This is the first of the spectacular river crossings you can witness.
Camps along the river during this time make for an incredible safari experience. The best places to stay include: Grumeti River Camp, and Kirawira Camp.
By November/December the rains start and the herds begin their long trek back from Kenya's Masai Mara area, down to the Serengeti plains.
During the short rains of November a stay at Klein’s Camp is highly recommended.
More:
- The Great Annual Migration
- Why do zebra and wildebeest migrate together?
- Wildebeest running from a hot-air balloon