Where To See
The Great Migration

Tanzania or Kenya
Which is Better?

The Great Migration takes place across Tanzania and Kenya and is unlike any other event you might find anywhere else in the world. While the exact timing of the Great Wildebeest Migration is not an exact science to predict, there are a few locations across these countries that might offer you the opportunity to see this iconic feat of nature in action.

Serengeti National Park
Tanzania

One of the gems of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, the Serengeti, is renowned for its vast plains and the millions of wildebeest that migrate through the area. Located in the northwestern part of Tanzania, bordering Kenya, the Serengeti ecosystem hosts the largest terrestrial wildlife migration in the world. From December to May, you can witness the calving season (February – March) and see vast herds grazing on the southern plains. During this time, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrate through the region, accompanied by predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. Near water sources, you might also spot crocodiles and hippos. The migration also attracts other wildlife, including more zebra, gazelle, and various predators following the herds.

Mara River
Kenya and Tanzania

Forming the natural border between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, the Mara River offers a dramatic spectacle from July to October. During this peak period, you can witness the power and determination of the wildebeest as they cross the crocodile-infested waters. You may also see hippos and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. The Mara River crossings are not a single event; the herds may take days or even weeks to complete a crossing, depending on water levels and predator activity. 

Masai Mara Reserve
Kenya

This reserve is the northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, renowned for the dramatic Mara River crossings. Located in southwestern Kenya, bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the region offers spectacular wildlife experiences from July to October. During this time, you can witness the dramatic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest battle strong currents and crocodiles to reach the abundant green pastures. This period provides excellent opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunting the migrating animals, along with other predators like hyenas and jackals. The Mara River is home to the largest concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles in Africa, making the crossings even more perilous for the wildebeest. The Mara offers unparalleled opportunities to observe predators in action, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as they hunt the migrating herds.