10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI IN TANZANIA

When you think about going to Africa, you instinctively imagine having close encounters with the animals – and not like the ones that we see in the zoo, but actual animals in the wild and even the rarest ones in the planet. Certainly so, this image is spot-on. But, what is even more amazing is the chance to witness the Great Migration safari Tanzania has to offer. An absolute world spectacle, the Great Migration is an annual event that no one in the world should ever miss. Here are 10 major reasons why:

#1: BUCKETLIST EXPERIENCE

You don’t have to worry about having a curbed schedule. If you want to go to Tanzania to witness the Great Migration, even a one- or two-week trip is enough to leave you stunned. You see, migration happens all year round. Millions and thousands of wildebeests, zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, elands, and impalas travel across the vast plains of Serengeti in search of better grazing.
From January through March, you can spot them around the southern Serengeti and the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is also the time they call “calving season” because hordes of wildebeests are born every day.

There is absolutely nothing like it on earth. Of course, everyone in the world should be able to experience this world wonder. If you’re ready to tick it off your bucket list, look no further and head out to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania

#2: SEVENTH NEW WONDER OF THE WORLD

Lauded as “the greatest wildlife show on earth”, the Great Migration is the new 7th World Wonder. And with all the reasons stated above, it is no surprise why. So, wouldn’t it be remarkable if you’re able to witness such a world spectacle? Besides, how often are you able to drive around a wildlife-ridden savannah?

#3: HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE

Yes, hot air ballooning can be experienced elsewhere. The difference is, it’s not in the Serengeti. With an hour’s flight at sunrise over the beautiful plains of the Serengeti, you will be able to view the animals and migration from up high as you float across the savannah. Then, once you land, a bottle of champagne and a gourmet breakfast is waiting for you. The best thing about this is, that you get to dine in the bush while a lot of game happens in your background! With a setting that’s nothing short of exceptional, this experience is virtually impossible to miss.

#4: SPECTACULAR PLACES TO STAY IN THE WILD

With a wide variety of accommodation options that would make your Great Migration safari an adventure like no other, Gosheni Safaris can provide you with state-of-the-art lodges or authentic bush camping adventures while you’re at the heart of the drama. You can choose to go on a mobile camp to follow the migration, on a simple cot in the midst of the wild or even in an exclusive luxury lodge with cutting-edge facilities.

#5: THERE’S MORE TO SEE THAN THE MIGRATION ITSELF

Yes, the Great Migration is a sight to behold. But, Tanzania is more than just that. For thousands of years, Tanzania has been known to be one of the best places in the world to see nature and wildlife at its finest. The 947,303 square kilometer country holds some of the most iconic national parks and nature reserves in the world. Each features diverse landscapes and a dense population of wildlife like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.

For mountain trekkers, you can hike up Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s tallest and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. It is famous for its year-round snow-capped facade and its varied trekking routes for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

The Serengeti alone holds the largest lion prides in the world, 70 other large mammals including elephants, giraffes and leopards, around 20 species of primates and about 500 bird species. It also offers gorgeous vistas and unforgettable safari experiences.

#6: THRILLING PREDATOR ACTIVITY

The intense predator activity doesn’t only happen during the calving season or the river crossing. All year round, the Serengeti is filled with predators being stealthy, waiting for an opportunity to go for a kill. It’s your chance to have all of these unfold before your very eyes and not just watch them on TV or YouTube.

#7: BABY SEASON

You already know that calving season happens around January through March. Aside from being able to see a lot of cute baby wildebeests, you will also have a chance to see a lot of game. Of course, where there are vulnerable babies, there will be lots of predators lurking around. You will also see protective mothers and adult wildebeests guarding the babies as well as cubs being trained to go for a kill and a lot of opportunistic predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas creeping in.

#8: EXQUISITE PHOTOGRAPHY IS GUARANTEED

Tanzania is a rare glimpse of the raw beauty of nature. With its prolific and diverse wildlife plus its impressive landscapes, Tanzania is truly a photographer’s heaven. Imagine being able to capture moments during the Great Migration. With action happening anywhere, every snap of that camera will surely be mind-blowing.
Whether you are an avid Instagrammer who loves revving up his feed or a professional travel photographer who’s taking on a wildlife project or even just a regular tourist with a camera, your photos will surely be stellar.

#9: ONLY IN EAST AFRICA

There is nowhere else in the world where you can experience such an event. The Great Migration is the largest and longest overland migration in the world featuring over 1.5 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras and massive herds of gazelles, antelopes, elands and impalas travelling through at least 3,000km each year. All these only in Tanzania and about a month or two in Kenya.

#10: IT’S A YEAR-ROUND EVENT

By April, the herds start moving northwest, going through Simba kopjes – a lion territory. As expected, a lot of predator action happens here. By May, the herds move quickly towards the Western Corridor and congregate around the Grumeti River before they cross its crocodile-infested channels in June.

In July, the iconic Mara River crossing starts as well as the wildebeest mating season. By August, the most dramatic and action-packed river crossing ensues. With massive Nile crocodiles and mighty hippos infesting the river, millions of migrants run through the strong river gushes in the hopes of getting to the other side alive. This event is often referred to as the “World Cup of Wildlife” and the world’s greatest spectacle.

Around late September, you will start to see the surviving migrants around the plains of Masai Mara in Kenya and by late October, they start moving back towards the Serengeti where they arrive in its southern plains by November. In December, the massive herds move towards the Ngorongoro area to begin calving season again. Then the cycle goes on.
You see? There is no dull moment in Tanzania. And no matter how many times you visit, the magic never palls. Since migration activity is not exactly predictable and timing depends on the water resources, you need expert safari guides to bring you to the heart of all the action. See our Great Migration safari tours to give you ideas on the usual safari packages.