When Is the Best Time to See the Great Migration in Africa?

On the East African savannah, millions of animals embark on an epic migration for survival, a spectacular spectacle that captivates the world in the Masai Mara and Kenya. Follow the footsteps of wildebeest and lions and witness life's purest pursuit—emerge on a breathtaking journey of survival and reproduction amidst the vast expanse of the Serengeti or the sunset glow of the Masai Mara.

Overview of the Migration Routes Throughout the Year:
  • January-March: Calving season at Ndutu in the southern Serengeti, Tanzania, where thousands of wildebeest calves are born.
  • April-May: The arrival of the rainy season in central-western Serengeti, Tanzania, attracts animals as they begin their northwest migration.
  • Late May to mid-June: The Grumeti River Crossing in western Tanzania, where animals bravely cross the river in search of food and water.
  • July-August: Wildebeest herds cross the Mara River, crossing international borders and engaging in thrilling encounters with crocodiles.
  • August-September: The animals begin their return to Tanzania in the Masai Mara, Kenya. October-December: From the northern Serengeti in Tanzania, head south, returning to Ndutu in search of fresh pasture.
Reasons and Motivations of African Animal Migration
The primary motivation for animal migration is the search for food. Like humans, animals have goals and dreams. However, theirs is more pure and clear: they seek survival and reproduction.
East African Grasslands and Ecology
The East African savannah is vast and breathtaking in its immensity. For ease of management, a national boundary divides it into two parts: a smaller area in Kenya, known as the Masai Mara, roughly the size of Shenzhen; and the larger Serengeti, located in Tanzania, occupies the remaining vast expanse.

Viewing Options in Tanzania and Kenya
The migratory animals of the East African savannah move between Kenya and Tanzania each year, making these two countries popular destinations for viewing the Great Migration. Tanzania and Kenya each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is a key stop on the migration route and offers visitors an excellent viewing experience, while Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve captivates visitors with its spectacular natural landscapes.

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