On the lookout for the most memorable Africa family safari ever? Then your trip must include a stay in the world-famous or Serengeti in Tanzania, home to the greatest annual migration on earth! The Great Migration is a wondrous spectacle that sees the movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, Thompson’s gazelles and elands across Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
If you’d like to include witnessing the Great Migration as part of your Tanzania Family Safari, then you’ll need to know where the herds will be at the time of your visit. The migration follows the rainfall in the region so your trip will be generally weather dependent. The good news is that there are dozens of mobile camps scattered across the Serengeti and the Mara that let you and your family follow the herds and enjoy the dramatic viewing experience up close.
There is a common misconception that the Great Migration occurs only during the dry months of June to October. The reason for this is that the Great Migration river crossings usually coincide with peak safari season, hence the erroneous perception that this is the only time of the year that the spectacle can be seen. Actually, the Great Migration happens year-round with different but equally exciting elements occurring at different times of the year.
January to March – This period sees big herds in the southeast region of the Serengeti (mainly Ndutu & Kusini). It is an exciting period because it heralds the calving season in which hundreds of thousands of wobbly newborns are birthed. It’s often a dramatic scene too as this region is in no short supply of predators like lions, hyenas, leopards and even wild dogs taking advantage of such a large gathering of prey.
April and May – By this time, the herds are now generally moving towards the central region of the Serengeti (Seronera). This period is usually punctuated with short bursts of rainfall leaving dramatic skies and beautiful sunsets. Game viewing is still excellent and photographers get to have a field day clicking away at the marvelous scenery.
June – During this period, you’ll be able to spot large herds of wildebeest in Seronera as well as the western region of the Serengeti (Grumeti) It’s a great time of year for safari adventures, characterized by green grass, lots of young calves, and beautiful skies.
July and August – The herds are on the move, heading north towards the Mara River and cross into neighbouring Kenya. The dramatic river crossing is one of the most breathtaking highlights of the Great Migration. Massive herds of lumbering beasts gathered by the riverbanks plucking up the courage to take the plunge, while not too far away, predators are circling about looking for easy prey. Even in the water, the animals are not safe, as they have to contend with large crocodiles and swift currents. It’s a snapshot of nature at its rawest.
September and October – The migration has moved almost entirely to Kenya, filling up the lush Maasai Mara plains. From there, they’ll make their way northward and then east through Musiara, Mara North Conservancy, Olare Orok Conservancy, Naboisho Conservancy, and the Talek area as they start the journey back.
November and December – Another round of rainfall in Tanzania during this period signals the herd to return to the now rejuvenated plains of the Serengeti. You’ll usually see the wildebeest clustered in the north-eastern Serengeti grazing on fresh grass, as well as the southern Serengeti. By the start of January, calving begins again, the predators circle their prey, and the cycle of life begins all over again.
Now that you know how the Great Migration generally works, you can easily select the ideal time for you and your family to make the trip. Consider what each family member is interested in seeing, so you’ll know which regions to include in your travel itinerary.
Remember that there are other wildlife present in the Serengeti National Park, like elephants, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, African buffalos, impalas, kongonis, topis, elands and hundreds of bird species. As such, even if you’re only traveling for the Great Migration, you still get to enjoy the thrill of spotting several distinct animals in the wild with your family. One thing to keep in mind is that the Great Migration is a world-famous event, so you’ll want to make your reservations well ahead of time. This trip promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, more so that you get to spend it with your family. Contact us today to achieve that dream Tanzanian family holiday!
8 Days/7 Nights The Ultimate Tanzania Safari
7 Days/6 Nights Northern Tanzania Safari
6 Days/5 Nights The Highlights of Tanzania
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.
