The Great Migration
Nature’s Greatest Journey
The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on Earth, taking place every year across the vast plains of Tanzania and Kenya. It is a continuous, circular movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, joined by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, all driven by a single purpose: the search for fresh grazing and water.
When does it happen?
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Migration does not have a fixed start or end date. It happens year-round, following seasonal rainfall patterns.
January to March: The herds gather in the southern Serengeti, where nutrient-rich grasses support the calving season. Over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born in a short period, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife encounters.
April to June: As the rains end, the herds begin moving northwest through the Serengeti, forming long columns that stretch for kilometers.
July to September: The most famous stage — the Mara River crossings. The animals face crocodile-infested waters and strong currents as they enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
October to December: The herds gradually move back south into Tanzania as rains return, completing the cycle.
Who takes part?
While wildebeest are the stars of the migration, they are not alone. Zebras lead the way, using their memory to locate routes and grazing areas, followed by gazelles and other antelope. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles closely follow, making this a powerful demonstration of the natural food chain in action.
How does it work?
The migration is guided by ancient instincts and environmental cues — rainfall, grass growth, and scent carried by the wind. There is no leader and no single path. The movement is chaotic yet perfectly balanced, shaped by survival, resilience, and timing.
Why is it so special?
The Great Migration is not just a journey; it is a living, breathing ecosystem on the move. It showcases birth, survival, danger, and renewal on an epic scale. No two years are ever the same, which makes witnessing it an unforgettable experience — raw, emotional, and deeply humbling.
Often called “The Greatest Show on Earth,” the Great Migration is a reminder of nature’s power, precision, and timeless rhythm.