Blog

Calling all adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts! Prepare to be captivated by the world’s largest terrestrial migration, the Great Migration in Kenya. This spectacular journey of over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara is a sight to behold. Ready to experience the Great Migration yourself? Make sure to check out our anually Great Migration Tour in Kenya.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a natural phenomenon like no other. Every year, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing grounds. The timing of the Great Migration is dictated by the rainfall patterns. This makes it an awe-inspiring spectacle that unfolds throughout the year.

When is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is not a single event, but a year-round cycle driven by the animals’ instinctive need for survival and the availability of food.

The spectacle begins in the southern Serengeti around late January to February. During the calving season where close to half a million wildebeest are born. By May, as the grazing lands dry up, the massive herds start their journey northward towards the western and northern Serengeti.

The most iconic scenes occur around July to September. This is when the herds brave the perilous crossing of the Mara River to reach the lush plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. After spending the months feasting on the abundant grasslands, they begin their journey back to the Serengeti around November, completing the cycle.

Serengeti vs. Masai Mara: What’s the Difference?

The Serengeti and the Masai Mara are two different parts of the same ecosystem divided by a national border. Both offer unique experiences and are key to the Great Migration.

The Serengeti, located in Tanzania, is much larger. It is renowned for its vast, open plains, which provide excellent opportunities to witness the calving season and the start of the migration.

The Masai Mara in Kenya, although smaller, is denser with wildlife. It is famous for the dramatic river crossings and offers a higher likelihood of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).

Local Tribes in the Region

The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are home to one of Africa’s most well-known tribes, the Maasai. They are known for their distinctive customs and dress, living in harmony with nature and the wild animals that surround them. A visit to a Maasai village or “Manyatta” is often a highlight for tourists. It provides insights into their traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle and rich cultural heritage.

The Ikoma and Sukuma tribes also live around the Serengeti region. They have a deep knowledge of the local environment and wildlife. They share this with visitors through stories and traditional dances.

Experience the Magic of the Great Migration

Witness the raw power and mesmerizing beauty of this natural event. The thunderous sound of a million hooves and the spectacle of a vast sea of animals against the backdrop of the stunning African savannah will leave you speechless. Whether it’s the dramatic river crossings, the predator-prey encounters, or the breathtaking landscapes, our tour will ensure you experience the best of the Great Migration. We stay for 2 days in the park and make sure to get an excellen vehicle for the game drive.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your Great Migration safari tour today and prepare for an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime!