The Great Migration: Nature's Greatest Spectacle

An ecosystem in motion

In northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park protects grasslands, woodland and rock formations known as kopjes. Its character lies in the contrast between those habitats: open ground for grazing herds, shade along watercourses and lookout points among the rocks.

The Great Migration is a movement through the wider Serengeti ecosystem, rather than a single event at one viewpoint. Read a route in relation to your travel month and the area it visits, while leaving room for the unexpected.

Wildebeest and zebra share this landscape with predators, elephants and varied birdlife. Patient observation reveals the relationships between habitat, water and animal movement.

Different landscapes, different moments

Open plains

Follow the changing patterns of grazing herds across an expansive landscape.

Rocky kopjes

Granite outcrops add texture to the plains and shelter for wildlife.

Migration landscapes

Different parts of the ecosystem matter at different stages of the herds' journey.

Seasonal migration interests

Choose the area of the Serengeti as carefully as the month. Rainfall and grazing conditions influence where the herds move.

June–October — Generally drier conditions

Dry-season wildlife observation can be rewarding; northern migration interests need a route that actually visits that area.

January–March — Southern migration interests

The southern ecosystem is associated with calving-season travel. The timing and concentration of animals vary.

November–May — Greener landscapes

Rain changes the scenery and road conditions. Consider the daily route rather than expecting one fixed migration calendar.

Explore further

• Read the Serengeti destination guide
• Explore published migration safaris