The Great Migration is a time when some of the Big Five animals traverse the plains in search of food and water sources during the dry season. From June to October, the weather warms up and the food dries out, so the search begins.
Wildebeest, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo travel from one end of Tanzania to the other, foraging for food and water as the landscape becomes barren. Catching even the smallest glimpse of these impressive herds can take your breath away.
Seeing this migration occur will depend on things like location, which part of Tanzania you are in, the weather, whether it is the start or end of the season, and what you want to see.
The Weather in Tanzania
Tanzania is located in Africa, so the assumption usually is that it is permanently hot and arid. However, this is not the case. In fact, Tanzania has a couple of different seasons.
During the rainy season, you can often experience everything from long rainfalls to short bursts. Generally, short rains can last for a period of less than a month, and long rains can stretch to more than a month.
These times of year typically happen from January to March, and then again from November to December. Although Mother Nature does change her mind occasionally, these are the typical months when it will rain to some degree.
The dry season is usually from midsummer to late fall, so June to October. At this time, the plains will experience severe drought, and watering holes along with vegetation will dry up and become scarce. This is what drives the herds of animals to migrate.
The heat will rise, but the temperatures do not become too extreme. It will be cooler in the morning and overnight, so although the daytime heat feels worse, it is manageable.
The Serengeti Migration
The Serengeti is where you can find many of the large herds of big mammals. They tend to move around the plains, starting in the south, heading north, and then changing route again to go back south by the end of the year. So, you shouldn’t limit yourself to one place, and there is more to see than just the animal herds.
The herds will follow the edge of the Serengeti and, therefore, cross through or near places such as the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a destination to be seen and experienced on its own.
Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Nyerere National Park are also on the path, and these places are where you can see different types of herds in varying numbers.
Ask yourself which animals you want to see the most. Elephants tend to be more present and visible in Tarangire National Park, but also in the north of the Serengeti. Their large herds are an impressive yet intimidating sight to behold.
Buffalo are more commonly seen on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a prehistoric site that remains undeveloped by human hands. It is known as the Eden of Africa.
If you are on the lookout for the infamous tree-climbing lions, then Lake Manyara National Park is where you will sometimes find them taking a siesta in an acacia tree.
Hike, Drive, or Fly
There are many ways to experience the Great Migration. These include hiking tours that can take you through the stunning and unique flora, as well as flying tours that give you the perfect aerial view of the large herds without the risk of being trampled by a sudden stampede.
The wildebeest migration is best viewed from the sky, as you can see more of the herd and how they interact with each other as they traverse the plains, venturing forth to find new food and water sources. However, that doesn’t mean you can only see the Serengeti wildebeest migration this way.
Safari car tours allow you to get up close and personal with a herd of elephants, safe in the knowledge that you can make a quick getaway if needed. The photo opportunities they present are like nothing you have ever encountered before.
Hiking through the various craters that are scattered across the land will also give you a unique perspective of the wildlife, as well as the vegetation that has adapted and evolved with the region.
View Animals in Their True Natural Environment
When we see animals in zoos, they have often undergone some form of trauma and cannot survive in the wild again, or they were raised in captivity. This will have an impact on their behaviour and will be vastly different from what you see in the wild.
In the wild plains of Tanzania, you’re not simply watching animals walk a long-trodden path. You will also see family groups interacting, young calves playing, and the old, sick, or injured being protected or abandoned.
The family dynamics in the different herds are just as unique as the animals themselves. Even the same species will have many different personalities within their herds, and this can be fascinating to observe.
One thing you can count on is the drama that will show itself when a predator attacks. Lions and leopards often use stealth and speed, whereas crocodiles will use sneak attacks, since their powerful jaws and grace underwater give them an advantage. It is the prey’s reaction within the herd that can be unpredictable and thus exhilarating to watch.
Contact Zara Tanzania Adventures to Experience the Great Migration
Zara Tanzania Adventures is locally owned and operated by the people who live alongside these incredible animals. Therefore, we understand how they behave and can give you the best chance at seeing them in all their glory.
For more information about our amazing tour packages and the Serengeti animal migration, you can call us at 1-866-551-2970 or contact us online. Reach out to us today to experience the safari of a lifetime.