The Great Migration in Tanzania: Everything You Need to Know
- Ineke Smeulders
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
From Someone Who’s Actually There
If there’s one thing almost everyone has on their safari bucket list, it’s witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania. And honestly? There’s a reason it’s often called “the greatest show on Earth.” Imagine nearly two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving together across the vast Serengeti plains—it’s not just a wildlife spectacle, it’s a heartbeat of nature you’ll feel in your bones.
But here’s the thing: the migration isn’t one single moment or one famous river crossing (though those are jaw-dropping). It’s a year-round circle of life that changes with the seasons. And if you know where and when to go, you can see totally different sides of it—calving season, river crossings, rutting (yep, that’s the wildebeest love season).
So, let’s walk through the migration together like friends planning a trip—because that’s exactly what we’d do if you were sitting across from me with a cup of coffee, asking: “Okay, but when’s the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?”
What exactly is the Great Migration?
In the simplest terms, it’s the annual journey of millions of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles as they follow the rains and fresh grass across the Serengeti in Tanzania and into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
But here’s the part most people don’t tell you: the migration never stops. The herds are always on the move. It’s a constant circle of birth, life, danger, and survival. Each season brings its own drama—and its own perfect safari moment.
When and where to see the Great Migration in Tanzania
Here’s the secret: there’s no single “best” time. It depends on what you want to witness. Let’s break it down month by month (and yes, we’ll help you plan your safari around it):
January – March: Calving season in Ndutu
This is one of the most magical times. Thousands of baby wildebeest are born every day (sometimes right in front of your jeep!). Of course, predators like lions and cheetahs are never far away, so it’s raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
April – May: The long rains and green season
The rains roll in, the plains turn into a sea of green, and the herds spread out across the central and western Serengeti. By the end of May, they’re making their way toward the Grumeti River. It’s quieter (fewer tourists) and beautifully lush. Perfect if you love photography.
June – July: The Western Corridor and Grumeti River crossings
This is when you’ll see the first dramatic river crossings—full of crocodiles, chaos, and survival instincts.
August – October: The Northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings
Probably the most famous part of the migration. Watching thousands of wildebeest plunge into the Mara River is the stuff National Geographic is made of. It’s intense, noisy, and goosebump-inducing. Just a little heads-up: this is also the busiest time of year. So if you’re dreaming of quiet moments with nature all to yourself, this might not be your season.
November-December: The short rains
The herds start drifting back south, following the fresh grass toward Ndutu again. This is when the cycle starts all over.
Why seeing the Great Migration in Tanzania is special
Lots of people talk about Kenya, but Tanzania is where most of the magic happens. The Serengeti is bigger, wilder, and offers more space to follow the herds without crowds.
Our guides know the migration routes inside out and are always aware of where the migration is situated. Long before your trip, we plan your accommodations in the right areas so you’re exactly where the action is. But it doesn’t stop there—during your safari, we stay flexible, adjusting routes and plans so you have the very best chance of witnessing these jaw-dropping moments.
A few tips for planning your migration safari
Stay flexible. Nature doesn’t follow a strict schedule. The rains can come earlier or later, and the herds respond to that.
Talk to us about your goals. Want the drama of a river crossing? Or would you prefer the emotional beauty of calving season? We’ll help you match the timing to your dream experience.
Book early (preferably more than a year in advance). Especially for July–September, lodges near the Mara River fill up fast.
Our Promise: Respect for Nature, Always
The Great Migration is one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena in the world. Sadly, in recent years it has also become the stage for troubling incidents. Recently (July, 2025), footage surfaced showing hundreds of safari vehicles blocking wildebeest river crossings in the Serengeti. The animals panicked, some even plunging off cliffs. To make matters worse, certain tourists left their vehicles—something strictly forbidden—putting both themselves and the animals at risk.
These practices are not only unethical; they can disrupt migration routes that have existed for millennia. When animals’ natural behavior is disturbed, their survival chances decrease, and migratory paths may even be permanently altered.
Our Approach: Ethical, Respectful, and Rooted in Love for Nature
We believe a safari should never come at the expense of nature. That’s why we:
Stay in our vehicles and keep the required distance: We follow park rules and ensure the animals are not disturbed.
Choose quieter spots: Instead of crowding the busiest crossings, we seek out less-visited ones where the migration can be observed in peace. This takes patience and a bit of luck, but the reward—witnessing nature in its purest form—is worth it.
Head out early: By making the most of sunrise, we avoid some of the crowds and get to see wildlife behaving naturally.
Work with experienced guides: Our guides are trained in ethical safari practices, with deep knowledge of and respect for nature. They ensure every encounter is responsible and meaningful.
Why This Matters
The Great Migration is more than a spectacle—it is a lifeline for millions of animals. By treating them with respect, we help protect this extraordinary event so our children and their children can experience it too.
Your Role as a Traveler
When you join us on safari, we ask you to:
Be patient: Nature moves at its own pace.
Be respectful: Always follow your guide’s instructions and remain in the vehicle.
Be mindful: Choose a safari that puts animal welfare first.
Together, we can ensure the Great Migration continues as it should—in harmony with nature.
10 fascinating facts about wildebeest
The Great Migration wouldn’t exist without its main stars: the wildebeest. They may not look as glamorous as lions or as elegant as giraffes, but trust us—these creatures are absolutely incredible. Here are 10 fun facts that will make you see them in a whole new light:
What’s in a name? The English word “wildebeest” comes from Dutch/Afrikaans and means wild beast. Their other name, gnu, comes from their grunting call.
Family ties. They’re part of the antelope family, closely related to hartebeest and topi.
Big herds, big numbers. Around 1.5-2 million wildebeest take part in the Serengeti Migration—plus their zebra and gazelle friends.
Baby boom. In February, around 500,000 calves are born in just a few weeks. Imagine that many babies learning to walk at once!
Best buddies with zebras. Zebras and wildebeest travel together because they eat different parts of the grass. Zebras like the tall, tough stuff, leaving the fresh bottom grass and roots for the wildebeest. Perfect teamwork!
The migration clock. Wildebeest often prefer to move in the cooler hours—early morning, evening, or even at night.
Fast learners. A newborn calf can stand within minutes and run with the herd in under 10 minutes—life-saving when predators are around.
Speedy grazers. Adults can run up to 80 km/h (50 mph)— as fast as a lion, making the chase between the two a close affair.
Thirsty travelers. They need to drink daily, so water sources shape their movements.
Lifespan. In the wild, they typically live around 20 years—if they can dodge all those predators.
Why we love it (and why you will too)
The Great Migration is about watching life play out in its rawest, most beautiful form. The sound of hooves thundering across the plains, the quiet moment a newborn calf takes its first steps, the way the sun sets over an endless sea of wildebeest—it stays with you.
We’ve been lucky enough to experience the migration many times, and every single time feels different. That’s the beauty of it—it’s never the same story twice.
Is the Great Migration calling you too?
At ReWild Away, we don’t just take you to the migration—we help you find the version of it that speaks most to you. For some, that’s action and adrenaline. For others, it’s intimacy and stillness.
Whatever your dream looks like, let's plan it together. We know exactly where to be, when to be there, and how to make it a safari you’ll never forget.
