For wildlife enthusiasts, the great migration in Tanzania is one of the best times to go on safari in Africa. As there are over 20 million wildebeest and zebra that roam throughout the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve from May to October. This annual event sees millions of migratory wildebeest search for fresh pastures when their former feeding grounds have dried up after the rainy season. It’s a truly amazing sight to witness, which makes it one of the best time to visit the great migration on safari in Tanzania.
When is the Great Migration?
You may have heard about one of East Africa’s greatest tourist attractions –The Great Migration Safari. Wondering when to see it? Most people come from December through March and it can be quite hot in that period. If you are visiting for business, you would want to avoid school holidays as well. A great way of timing your trip would be after Easter and towards May or June before school starts again. You will enjoy some rain showers then but there are fewer tourists than those months mentioned above.
Tanzania Migration Safaris
In a typical year, over a million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra undertake an epic journey across Tanzania to reach areas with better grazing in search of fresh pastures. This migratory phenomenon known as The Great Migration has put Tanzania on top among Africa’s safari destinations. As most people start planning their holiday vacation for next year – make sure you include a trip to witness The Great Migration in your travel plans! It should be easy enough with numerous tanzania migration safaris available from September through November (the actual migration period).
Which park should I choose?
If you want to do a great migration safari in Africa, there are two main destinations: Kenya and Tanzania. Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife photography, but as a photographer I’ll tell you that my favorite destination is definitely Arusha National Park in northern Tanzania. With more than 3 million acres of beautiful landscapes that are frequented by large animals like elephants, wildebeest and zebras, it’s not hard to see why Arusha National Park ranks as one of Africa’s most visited parks. If you’re thinking about visiting, I highly recommend spending at least three nights in an off-the-beaten-path base camp location.
3-Day Serengeti Migration Safari
During a typical great migration safari you will travel in a semi-private vehicle, allowing for plenty of game viewing in addition to your guide and driver. Averaging about 24 hours per day on safari, over three days, you’ll be exposed to some of Africa’s most iconic animals. If you are lucky, your trip may coincide with an elephant crossing ceremony or other spectacular wildlife encounters. All meals are included throughout your Serengeti Migration Safari vacation.
5-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tour
Many locals and tourists alike refer to Lake Manyara as an oasis in what feels like a long, dusty road. And when you’re here, it’s easy to see why: clear waters make for great views of hippos and elephants; copious bird life makes for great photo opportunities; and wide open savannah welcomes lions and other predators at night. You can see all of these things on our 5-day safari option that visits Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park (and its neighboring wildlife sanctuary), as well as taking a hot air balloon ride over Ngorongoro Crater.
The Great Migration Safari, also known as Masai Mara Migration Safari happens in Serengeti National Park and is one of wildlife’s greatest spectacles. During July, August and September; over a million wildebeest and countless other animals head south into Tanzania through Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, on their way back from grazing in greener pastures of Northern Kenya. This herd of herbivores travels thousands of miles each year in search for fresh grasslands due to seasonal droughts in their northern homes.
To get the full benefit of your Safari Tanzania experience; you should try to coincide your safari with the migration season. When hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate from southern Serengeti to northern Serengeti (and vice versa) in search of greener pastures. The migration season generally takes place during July and August; but the best time to visit will vary depending on which kind of safari you are doing and the specific locations you are visiting.
