“On Earth, there’s a place where life is still in its rawest form, and countless animals roam freely” — The African Savanna, the movie.
Africa is both a mysterious and majestic land, a paradise for wildlife, where every inch of land transforms into dreamlike scenes, and every life tells a tale beyond imagination. The Great Migration is an extraordinary spectacle, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.
When Can You Witness the Great Migration?
Many people mistakenly believe that the “River Crossing” in July or August is the only true marker of the Great Migration in Tanzania. While the river crossing is indeed the most iconic and dramatic scene, animals are on the move throughout the year in Tanzania. 
The East African Great Migration refers to a massive movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and more than 500,000 gazelles. They migrate in search of water and grazing lands, following a predictable annual route.
January to March: The calving season begins in the southern Serengeti plains. Over 700,000 wildebeest calves are born here, and it’s a fantastic time to see newborn wildebeests.
April to May: During the rainy season, you can visit the central Serengeti and the Grumeti River area. It’s less dry, and you can see animals crossing the lush fields and volcanic craters. Plus, this is a time when prices are more affordable.
June to October: The wildebeests move towards the Mara River in the Maasai Mara. The iconic “River Crossing” happens here, as herds attempt to cross the river, often facing fierce predators like crocodiles. This is the dramatic moment that many visitors wait for!
November to December: As short rains arrive, the herds start their return journey south, crossing back over the Mara River and making their way back to the Serengeti.
The Annual Wildebeest Migration
The East African Wildebeest Migration takes place between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of water and grazing land. The migration occurs in a cyclical pattern that spans months.
During the majority of the migration, animals spend over 80% of their time in Tanzania’s Serengeti. A highlight of the migration is the crossing of the Mara River, known as the “River Crossing” or “Heaven’s Gate,” which usually occurs from August to October. The herds face dangerous challenges, such as crocodiles, as they cross.
By November, the short rainy season starts in Tanzania, and the herds turn south again, heading back to the Serengeti to begin the cycle once more.
Tanzania’s Strict Visitor Limits
Tanzania is dedicated to wildlife conservation. The government has imposed strict limits on the number of visitors in national parks. Since the inception of these parks, the goal has been clear: avoid mass tourism that harms the environment. As a result, there are very few hotels within Serengeti National Park, and most accommodations are luxurious, leaving only a limited number of budget-friendly options.
This exclusivity ensures that visitors can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a more genuine, undisturbed safari experience. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic wildlife adventure and deep photography immersion in East Africa.
