When is the Great Migration in Kenya? Quick Traveller’s Guide

The Great Migration is one of Africa’s most cherished and famous events. Also known as the Great Wildebeest Migration - although not exclusive to wildebeest, with other animals like zebra and gazelle - over 2 million animals migrate in a clockwise direction around the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park.

The Great Migration is considered to be one of nature’s great spectacles. Every year, thousands of people from across the globe travel to Kenya to witness this awe-inspiring natural event. You may have seen the Great Migration covered on nature documentaries, heard about it online, or seen videos of the incredible herds that sweep the Kenyan plains. 

Maybe, you’re interested in experiencing the Great Migration in Kenya for yourself?

If you’re looking to travel to Kenya to witness the Great Migration first hand, you’ll need to travel during the right dates. The Great Migration is an annual event, which means if you visit Kenya during the wrong months, you won’t get to see the millions of animals you travelled so far to enjoy.

When is the Great Migration in Kenya? 

In Kenya, the Great Migration can be seen from August to November, with the best experiences earlier in the season. In August the herds cross the Mara River into Kenya from Tanzania; this is when you’ll see the famous crocodile attacks. 

All You Need to Know About The Great Migration in Kenya

The Great Migration always starts in Tanzania around April. The herds begin moving through Serengeti National Park after spending the December to March grazing in northern Tanzania which is full of food and water following the rainy season. However, as Tanzania starts to dry out, the Great Migration begins. 

The herds head through Tanzania, grazing as they go, until they reach the Mara River crossing into Kenya around August. This is where we get those famous scenes of scores of wildebeest charging through torrents of water, with a few unfortunate souls falling victim to the snapping jaws of crocodiles. This is perhaps the most popular part of the Great Migration with tourists, making it a fantastic time to travel to Kenya. 

One of the best African Safari trips you can have!

For those that survived the perils of the Mara River, the lands of the Masai Mara in Kenya open up with the promise of lush grazing to last until November. For months the herds feed and breed on the Masai Mara plains. Since the Kenya’s Masai Mara is much smaller than the Serengeti, the numbers become much more concentrated, which gives rise to all those photos of hordes of animals you’ve likely seen before.

As we head towards December, the rains start in Tanzania again. This is when the Great Migration in Kenya starts to wind down. 

Gradually, the herds begin their travels back through Kenya to the Serengeti, where they give birth and rear their young, waiting until the season starts up again next year. 

Animals to See in Kenya During the Great Migration

Of course, when in Kenya on safari during the Great Migration, you’ll see plenty of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle as they all travel across the country in their millions. But these vast herds of animals aren’t the only African safari animals you’ll see.

Around 250,000 animals actually die during the migration, which is a staggeringly high number. Why so many deaths? Well, while many can be attributed to simple age and illness, a lot more are actually the result of predators.

Drawn to the Great Migration by the promise of food, hungry carnivores feast on the wealth of game available. This means it’s a great time for travellers to experience wildlife hunting in Kenya. You’ll see lions, hyena, cheetah and crocodile all taking down their massive prey in powerful and moving battles of life and death. 

While on safari in Kenya, you’ll also have the opportunity to see many of the big game animals people dream of encountering. Elephant, giraffe, rhino and hippo, to name a few, are all present here. They aren’t part of the Great Migration, but they’ll be wandering the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara National Park all the same. 

It’s the perfect time to experience the best of both worlds.