Africa’s Great Migration through Tanzania and Kenya is truly one of nature’s greatest events. 

Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra evade prides of lion and negotiate crocodile infested rivers as they move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of fresh pasture. In terms of natural phenomenon, there are few on a scale like this, and even fewer that we can witness first-hand. 

Experiencing the migration should sit firmly on everyone’s bucket list!

Here are our top 5 fast facts:

The herd is constantly on the move

It’s a common misconception that the Great Migration only occurs for a few months each year. In actual fact, the animals are always on the move. 

The great herds slow down slightly for about 8 weeks between January and March when around 500,000 calves are born into the herd. That’s about 8,000 a day!

(For a detailed map showing where the herd migrate, scroll to the bottom of this page)

The grass is always greener

The herd follow the rain in a huge 700-mile clockwise circle in pursuit of the freshest pasture. It’s the largest overland migration of mammals in the world.

There are still resident herds

While the mega herd is always on the move, there are many resident herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope that do not migrate. 

This means that throughout the year you will always be able to find a resident herd.

Harmonious grazers

Zebra and wildebeest don’t compete for food - they eat different parts of the same grass. This allows them to migrate together in much larger herds.

The circle of life

The size of the herd remains stable over the year. Thousands of wildebeest are killed by predators while many others die from natural causes such as thirst, hunger and exhaustion. 

There are over 3,000 lions alone currently living in the Serengeti!

The map below gives an overview of where the herds migrate throughout the year:

Have you travelled to Tanzania or Kenya to witness the Great Migration? 

If so, we’d love to hear your stories. Drop us an email at safari@bonamy.co.uk.