Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth

Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and into Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing and water. This breathtaking spectacle—known as the Great Migration—is widely regarded as the most dramatic wildlife event on the planet and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for safari enthusiasts and photographers.

Why It’s Special

• One of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa
• Mass movement of animals covering almost 3,000 km annually
• Famous river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara rivers, packed with danger from giant crocodiles
• Prime opportunities to witness predator action, especially lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards
• Unbeatable wildlife photography scenes — dust, drama, golden light, and staggering herds

What You’ll Experience

Depending on the time of year, travellers may witness:

• Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Jan – March)
• Large herd movements across the Western Corridor (May – June)
• River crossings at Grumeti (June) and Mara River (July – September)
• Survival drama as predators stalk the herds
• Endless plains covered with grazing animals and newborn calves

Best Time to See the Migration

Jan – March

Southern Serengeti

Calving season, predator action, newborns

April – May

Central / Western Serengeti

Herds move north; lush green landscapes

June – July

Grumeti & Western Corridor

First river crossings, rutting & chaos

July – Sept

Northern Serengeti / Mara

Famous Mara River crossings into Kenya

Oct – Dec

Back to Serengeti

Return south through Lobo & Ndutu areas

Ideal Safari Activities

• Game drives focused on migration herds
• Hot air balloon safari over the herds (at dawn)
• Photography safaris with specialized guides
• Guided walks and picnics in private concessions (if included)

Where It Fits in a Safari Itinerary

Most of our 6 to 10-day Tanzania safari itineraries include at least 2–4 nights in the Serengeti specifically to follow the migration. We also combine it with the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or extend it into the Masai Mara in Kenya for cross-border migration safaris.

Sample Lodges & Camps (Migration Zones)

• Ndutu Safari Lodge – Southern Serengeti (Calving season)
• Serengeti Serena / Sopa Lodge – Central to Western corridor
• Mara Under Canvas – Northern Serengeti (July–Sept)
• Migration Mobile Camps – Move with the herds

Photography Tips

• Bring a long telephoto lens (200–400mm or more)
• Shoot early morning / late afternoon for soft light
• Use continuous burst mode to capture dramatic crossings or chases
• Include wide shots to show the endless herds and landscape

Why Book the Migration with Wild Compass Africa?

At Wild Compass Africa, we track the herds daily through our network of guides across the Serengeti and Masai Mara. We design trips based on your travel dates, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time to witness the most action. Whether you want luxury mobile camps or mid-range lodges, we tailor everything — including private vehicles, pro-photography guides, and extensions to gorilla trekking or Zanzibar.

Ready to Witness the Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth?

Contact us today to plan your personalized Great Wildebeest Migration safari.