Witness the Great Migration with Bush Adventure
The Great Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, where millions of wildebeest and zebras embark on a perilous journey across the plains of Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. This annual event is a testament to survival, instinct and the raw beauty of the natural world. If witnessing this incredible phenomenon is on your bucket list, Bush Adventure is your trusted partner in making it an unforgettable experience.
Understanding the Great Migration
The Great Migration is often referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World” and for good reason. It is an epic journey that spans over 1,800 miles, as more than 1.5 million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and sometimes gazelles make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and back. This cycle is driven by the need for fresh grazing grounds and water, making it a continuous search for survival.
The migration follows a relatively predictable pattern throughout the year, moving in a circular route across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems. However, the exact timing can vary slightly due to rainfall patterns, making it essential to plan your visit with the right expertise—something Bush Adventure excels in!
When to Visit: Timing is Everything
To witness the Great Migration in all its glory, timing your visit is crucial. Here is a breakdown of the key events throughout the migration season:
- February to March: The migration begins in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest gather to give birth. The lush plains of Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area become the calving grounds and this is an excellent time to witness newborns taking their first steps. Predators are also abundant during this time, making for dramatic and intense wildlife encounters.
- April to June: As the rains diminish, the herds start moving northward through the central Serengeti towards the Grumeti River. This is where the first river crossings occur, though they are less intense than those later in the season. The central Serengeti is less crowded with tourists offering a more intimate safari experience.
- July to October: This is the most famous and dramatic phase of the migration—the crossing of the Mara River. As the herds enter Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they face the treacherous river filled with hungry crocodiles. The sheer scale of the crossings, along with the tension of predators lying in wait, makes this period a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. The Mara River crossings are the pinnacle of the migration season and Bush Adventure knows the best spots for viewing this natural drama.
- November: The herds start their journey back to the Serengeti as the rains return, making the short-grass plains green and lush again. This is the tail end of the migration, but it still offers incredible sightings and fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed and personal safari experience.
The Great Migration is a spectacle that every wildlife lover should witness at least once in their lifetime. With Bush Adventure, you will experience this natural wonder in the most authentic and unforgettable way possible. Don’t just watch the migration—be a part of it.
Book your Great Migration safari with Bush Adventure today!