The Great Migration is Shifting

The herds aren’t the only ones that know where to go!

The Great Migration follows an ancient rhythm, and like the stripes on a zebra, no two seasons are the same. For centuries, Zebra and Wildebeest have moved together, each playing a vital role in the other’s survival following the rains across the extraordinary landscape of Tanzania’s Serengeti and the bordering Masai Mara of Kenya. Along the way, they cross vast plains and crocodile-filled rivers, millions of animals covering hundreds of miles in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

But the pattern is shifting. Weather is becoming less predictable, and this year, the herds left Kenya nearly six weeks earlier than expected … a reminder that even one of the world’s great natural events doesn’t run on a timetable. That is why at Explore, we usually include both sides of the border in TZ and Kenya for those committed to seeing the migration.

The Migration is about so much more than the famous river crossing. The best time to go depends on the animals, the weather, and knowing where the herds are likely to be. Our travel specialists know the camps and lodges with exceptional access and views, allowing us to follow the Migration as it unfolds rather than simply waiting for it to arrive.

There’s another season to consider: calving season, from January through March. With fewer visitors and thousands of newborn animals entering the world, it offers an unforgettable perspective on the Migration as well as a unique opportunity to experience the plains without the volume of crowds.

When planning to witness the greatest show on Earth, there is no front-row ticket. There is only knowing where to be, when to go, and how to experience it responsibly with the best guides, at the best lodges.