The first orange glow appears on the horizon, as dawn breaks over the magnificent expanse of the vast Serengeti plains. The air smells of rain and the sound of thunder rumbles in the distance as we make our way towards the moving mass of animals in the distance. Hearts pounding, we are about to witness one of the most dramatic spectacles of nature on earth: the Great Migration.
Whilst it is world-renowned, nothing can prepare you to witness the dramatic, raw, unfiltered primal journeys that millions of animals take to survive. When embarking on this unique trip, you will want the finest team available to ensure your experience in the Serengeti is nothing short of spectacular. With decades spent working with highly trained professionals and experts across the region, we can offer a highly bespoke trip with exclusive access to this remarkable natural phenomenon.
Highlights of the great migration in Tanzania
"As the locals will tell you – every day in the Serengeti is different – that’s what makes it so thrilling."
Serengeti is derived from the Maa language meaning ‘endless plains’, and it’s an apt description for the vast expanse of land that contains one of Africa’s highest concentrations of large mammal species, with around 70 mammal and 500 bird species. Spanning the Mara and Ngorongoro regions of northwest Tanzania, the park’s undulating terrain varies from flat savannas to lush riverine forests and grassland plains.
Whenever you choose to travel, we can advise you on the ideal area to visit for that time of the year, and based on your preferences other places you wish to see and activities suitable for you. It may be observing the wildebeest herds during calving season in February, as they graze in their millions across the southeastern part of the ecosystem in the short grass plains around Ndutu, or perhaps exploring the western Grumeti River crossings in June, which boasts an array of wildlife before the herds continue over the border to the Masai Mara in Kenya from around mid-June until September. Throughout the northern region of the Serengeti, the overspill of the migration and the wildlife viewing is also breathtaking from July to September.
The numbers are staggering – over two million animals thunder en masse across the plains, with 1.5 million blue wildebeest, and 500,000 zebra and antelope during their annual journey when the rains come. Naturally, this draws several predators from hyena to lion and enormous crocodile that lie in wait for easy pickings.
Throughout the year there is a rich abundance of wildlife encounters and safari adventures to embark upon. As the locals will tell you – every day in the Serengeti is different – that’s what makes it so thrilling. With this epic setting and Exploration’s access to world-class wildlife experts throughout your time in Tanzania, you have the complete freedom and flexibility to discover the region’s awesome highlights.
Glimpsing enormous herds as they move across Africa’s grandest landscapes is a mesmerising sight. (©Legendary Expeditions/Scott Ramsay)
Head out at sunrise to spend a full day on safari, excited by the possibilities that each game drive brings, and pause for a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree. Enjoy the luxury of spending as long as you wish at each sighting, as you witness wildlife in complete privacy. The golden evenings offer wonderful opportunities to gather around the glowing campfire to recount the day’s adventures before dining under the starlit skies.
Whilst exploring the Serengeti, accommodation is completely down to your personal preference. Opt for the epitome of authentic African safari style by staying in a private, tented mobile camp erected exclusively for your party close to the wildlife. If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, we have several chic lodges and tented camps we can recommend that provide dedicated guides and vehicles for the duration of your time here. However you decide to embark on this adventure, we will ensure that your time is filled with extraordinary moments.
Ready to take the road less travelled?