Five Ways To See The Great Migration

Five Ways To See The Great Migration

The traditional image of the great migration is that of hundreds of wildebeest hurtling down riverbanks, dodging crocodiles once they reach the river and then clambering back up the other side. It is an incredibly exciting experience, and one that every safari fan wants to witness. There is much more to the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ than this scene, so our team of Africa experts have compiled their favourite ways to witness the migration.

Mobile Safaris

Animals are notoriously unpredictable, especially during the migration – when they’re meant to be in one place they could in fact be somewhere else entirely. Mobile safaris allow for you to be as flexible as the animals are unpredictable, and &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas provides the perfect accommodation for those who want to follow the migration on the ground. With two dedicated sites, this luxurious tented camp gives you a glimpse of what the first safaris to Tanzania would have been like – and it moves location with the animals. There’s even a dining tent, so you can enjoy your meals from the privacy of your own Serengeti restaurant.

Consider A Different Time Of Year 

The migration is truly a year-round event, and while the dramatic river crossings tend to happen between June and October in the Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara, there is always something happening. The main reason for going at a different time of year is that it will be far less busy (fewer land rovers fighting for that prime view). There are also different events within the greater migration that are worth witnessing, such as the herds increasing in number with the birth of the calves in February, and the lush green grasses that follow the winter rain which are a photographers dream.

Hot Air Balloon Safari 

If you’re staying in the Mara then a hot air balloon launch site is never far away, and Governors’ Camp has its own dedicated one just minutes from all of the accommodation. Silently soaring above the animals you’ll get the best view of the migration away from the crowds – and you can follow the animals as they move.

Alternative Migrations 

The great wildebeest migration isn’t the only one happening in Africa, and it isn’t even the biggest. The lesser known bat migration in Zambia is in fact the biggest migration in terms of numbers – 8 million fruit bats take part, travelling to Kasanka National Park for the abundance of fruit during November and December. There is also the zebra migration in Botswana, where thousands of plains zebra cross Namibia into Botswana – the longest migration in nature.

Combine The Migration With The Beach 

What better way to unwind after the excitement of the migration than with a few days on a beach sipping cocktails. We can tailor-make your migration itinerary to include one of Africa’s beautiful beach locations, and with excellent connections from Tanzania to Zanzibar you could leave the Serengeti and be on the beach for sundowners that same day. Travelling from Kenya makes the Seychelles a good choice; it’s just a 3 hour flight from Nairobi to Mahé.