Pepsi v Coke, Ali v Foreman, Full English v Continental.  The list of world rivalries is a long one. And now we can add Kenya v Tanzania to the list. Or we can at least ask the question: where best to witness the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is the planet’s last truly vast land migration with approximately 2 million wildebeest and zebra travelling across the Serengeti and Masai Mara plains, followed closely by hungry predators.

So, where should travellers go to see it? The initial answer is dependent on when they can travel. The route of the migration is dictated solely by the rains and food sources and moves in a clockwise direction around this part of East Africa. It’s not an exact science, but generally speaking we can predict where they are likely to be at any given time of year.

January – March

In January the herds are along the eastern edge of the Serengeti in the Ndutu region, by February they are a little further south, close to Ngorongoro. This is calving season. March sees little movement as the calves are given time to grow stronger before their journey north. Best place to stay: Mwiba Lodge

April – July

The journey north across the central Serengeti and western corridor begins. April marks the beginning of the ‘long rains’ which extend into May, so clients just need to bear this in mind when packing. Best place to stay: Singita Explore

August – October

August sees the herds cross in to Kenya and the Masai Mara. It is usually around this time that the iconic images of wildebeest crossing crocodile filled rivers occur. The migration moves west to east across the Mara through this period before dropping back down into Tanzania. Best place to stay: Mara Plains

November – December

The ‘short rains’ usually occur in November and December, which sees the migration heading quickly south before the whole process begins again.  Best place to stay: &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas

The Migration is a genuinely awesome spectacle, demonstrating the raw power of nature along with its resiliency. Talk to us to find out where and when would be best for you.