The Great Wildebeest Migration: Journey of Survival

The Great Wildebeest Migration: Journey of Survival
Photo credit
Hal Cooks
,
Serengeti
,
Tanzania

Get ready to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events: The Great Migration. Imagine over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by countless zebras and gazelles, embarking on an epic journey from the lush plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti to the rich pastures of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This 1,200-mile journey, driven by the quest for food and water, is a true marvel that captures the spirit of adventure. The Great Migration primarily takes place in Tanzania and Kenya, with distinct stages occurring from January through October, making it possible to witness unique parts of the journey in different months.

The journey kicks off in the Serengeti’s green plains, rejuvenated by seasonal rains. From January to March, the wildebeest calving season brings about 500,000 new calves into the world in just a few short weeks. It’s a magical time filled with new life, but also a tense one, as predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are never far behind. For those wondering about the best time to visit, the calving season in the Serengeti offers an incredible chance to see newborn animals and intense predator interactions.

As the dry season approaches, the herds start their northward march in search of fresh grazing grounds. Their first big hurdle is the Grumeti River, teeming with crocodiles ready for a feast. It’s a nerve-wracking crossing, but the wildebeest's sheer will to survive pushes them forward.

By July, the herds face the Mara River, the most dangerous part of their journey. This river is deep, fast-flowing, and full of crocodiles. Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave this crossing is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. Many don’t make it, but those who do are rewarded with the green pastures of the Maasai Mara. The Mara River crossing from July to October is often seen as one of the best times and places to witness the migration, offering a dramatic view of survival in the wild.

The Great Migration isn’t just about endurance; it’s a vital ecological event that supports the region’s biodiversity. By October, the herds start their journey back to the Serengeti, continuing a cycle that has persisted for millennia. While there are luxury safari options, travelers can also find budget-friendly group safaris and camping alternatives in both Tanzania and Kenya, making it more accessible. Costs can range from $500 for basic tours to $5,000 or more for luxury experiences.

Experiencing the Great Migration is a humbling reminder of nature’s raw beauty and the delicate balance of life. For travellers, witnessing this phenomenon up close is an unforgettable adventure, offering a deep connection to the wild wonders of the African savanna. Many find this experience truly worth it, as it provides a rare chance to connect with one of nature’s most powerful spectacles.

No items found.
Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro
Location Icon
Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
1 - Easy

5 days from

£975 / person

View trip
15-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
15-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Location Icon
Rwanda & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

15 days from

£2,938 / person

View trip
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas
Location Icon
Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

27 days from

£5,464 / person

View trip
Gorillas & Game Parks
Gorillas & Game Parks
Location Icon
Kenya & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

16 days from

£3,236 / person

View trip
Mountains of the Moon
Mountains of the Moon
Location Icon
Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

13 days from

£3,290 / person

View trip
Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
Location Icon
Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

9 days from

£2,669 / person

View trip
Kenya Safari
Kenya Safari
Location Icon
Kenya
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
1 - Easy

4 days from

£1,365 / person

View trip
Zambia Walking Safari
Zambia Walking Safari
Location Icon
Zambia
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

15 days from

£3,058 / person

View trip
15 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Guided Motorcycle Tour
15 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Guided Motorcycle Tour
Location Icon
Uganda & Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

15 days from

£2,878 / person

View trip
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya
Location Icon
Rwanda & Kenya
Tour type
Tour Type
Adventure Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

14 days from

£8,819 / person

View trip
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland: Forests & Wildlife Spotting
Location Icon
Kenya & Uganda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

15 days from

£3,669 / person

View trip
Sahara Desert Trek
Sahara Desert Trek
Location Icon
Morocco
Tour type
Tour Type
Small Group
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

10 days from

£1,545 / person

View trip
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
East Africa Overland: Serengeti & Safari Drives
Location Icon
Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
4 - Demanding

19 days from

£4,529 / person

View trip
Wild Encounters in Rwanda
Wild Encounters in Rwanda
Location Icon
Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Safari Tours
Activity level
Activiy Level
2 - Light

8 days from

£5,729 / person

View trip
Remarkable Rwanda
Remarkable Rwanda
Location Icon
Rwanda
Tour type
Tour Type
Active
Activity level
Activiy Level
3 - Average

11 days from

£8,401 / person

View trip
Big Cats
Big Cats
Big Cats
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canoeing
Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning
Cruise
Cruise
Cruise
Culture
Culture
Culture
Cycling
Cycling
Cycling
Festivals
Festivals
Festivals
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Mountaineering
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders
Photography
Photography
Photography
Polar
Polar
Polar
Primates
Primates
Primates
Rafting
Rafting
Rafting
Rail
Rail
Rail
Safari
Safari
Safari
Sailing
Sailing
Sailing
Skiing
Skiing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Wildlife
Wildlife
Wildlife
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Winter Sports
Zip Lining
Zip Lining
Zip Lining