RRR1

We're planning a safari to Tanzania in July, 2012. We are hoping to see some of the Great Migration (wildebeest and zebra) during this trip. We understand that the migration changes from year to year, so it's tough to pinpoint where they will be. We have seen a few web sites that show where they 'usually' are in July. It appears that they typically cross thru the Grumeti Game reserve and up to the Mara River at this time. It looks like some go thru the Serengeti Migration Camp area as well.

I was hoping to get info from others who have traveled in this area in July in the past few years to understand if we have a good chance of seeing the huge masses of wildebeest and zebra, especially the river crossings with crocs, etc.... Is it highly likely? The tour companies won't really say....

thanks!

pixelpower

Some year ago I was there in the beginning of July.

The east of the serengeti and Ndutu area was practically empty. Dry, short grasses. Very few animals.

Central serengeti (Seronera) is always a bit green, so we saw some zebra and wildebeest there. Not all animals make the perfect round circle. Some linger. Some take short cuts. Others remain where they are all the time. But I wouldn't call these animals "part of the migration".

We thought of finding the migration in the west, but the biggest part had actually left the Serengeti boundaries I guess, as we had a hard time finding them (we were sleeping at Ikoma camp, now owned by Moivaro).

Then, when we thought we wouldn't see them, we did a night drive somewhere not far from Ikoma (so outside the park), and got caught up in a huge herd of wildebeest. They were just running along with our jeep (we were driving slowly). Some brushed the sides of our vehicle! It was an experience I'll never forget.

And the day afterwards, we were at this hippo pool close to the west gate of the park when suddenly, on the other side hundreds and hundreds of zebra and wildebeest started crossing a dry riverbed.

So in short; depends on where they are at the moment you are there. If they are already in the west then you can see them if you go look for them, but it will be a long drive. The only thing you won't get is the typical sight of a zillion of animals on grassy plains. The area in the west is more hilly. And bushy.

B.regs,

J.

TZBirder

Normally the big herds arrive in northern Serengeti some time in July. If you can leave it until late July you have a very, very good chance of meeting the migration up there. Never guaranteed, of course, but you'd be unlucky not to. Ealry July and they may still be in the west, buit it's very hard to predict. Later you leave it, more reliable it will be in the north.

qwovadis

Herd divides in June/July based on rains but your best bet usually here or cheaper in this area in July odds are excellent.

Klein's Camp, Serengeti National Park: See 33 ... Klein's Camp was the last in our trip to Tanzania, and it was everything we'd ... Reviewed July 6, 2011

http://www.tripadvisor.com/...Klein_...ngeti_National

Calo

We've been to Tz 3 times in late June/early July and have seen the migration each time. I would highly recommend you plan to stay in both the western and northern parts of the Serengeti in order to increase your chances of seeing the migration.

FrankS

The tour companies really cant say, and it wouldnt be professional of them to get your hopes up.

This past year was dry, and the main herds crossed in June. Overall I would say you have a good chance of seeing 'huge masses' of wildebeest in July. Even when you miss the main migration, you should see large groups(in the thousands) of stragglers catching up. A Mara crossing with crocs grabbing wildebeest, well that is more rare.

sandi

When the herds reach Central, usually end-May/early-June, they tend to split, with the larger numbers heading West and others moving North. So in June and maybe early-July the major herds will be in the West... then move north and up there later in the month. Sadly, July is one of those "can't be sure" months, as it's also not unusual for much of the herds to have already crossed into Kenya's Masai Mara.

Depending on when in July you'll be visiting, and if you have the time... split between West and North. If you're in West, but herds are farther north, arrange a full-day with picnic lunch to go out and find them. But remember when in the Serengeti, there is no off-roading; you've got to keep to the established roads and it'll be a full day for sure. Likewise, if you're in the North and the herds aren't anywhere near, do the same... plan for full-day of adventure.

When you're dealing with game who do their own thing regardless the fact that we humans expect otherwise... it is what it is. Those maps are simply a guide of past experiences/years. And still, with millions of game they don't all move or hang around in the same areas all the time.

As you see, it's quite understandable why the outfitter can't say for certain.

Migration Camp itself is midway between Central and true North.

RRR1

Thanks for the great info everyone. When the herd splits, and some 'go north', do they normally go thru Migration Camp on their way north? How long (how many days) does the main herd go thru a particular spot? Is is a week long event, or only a day or so?

sandi

Maybe thru or near Migration Camp.

The herds can hang around an area for hours, days or weeks.

Examples:
1) Staying at Mbalageti Camp in Western Serengeti where they have wide open plain in front of their pool/dining deck... can be filled with large herds while you eat breakfast, yet by the time you head out on game drive later in the day... can be gone. And yet, may show up next day... all depends on grasses how long in any area.
2) Staying at a camp in Masai Mara located on southern border with Tanzania at the Sand River, have watched herds come across, including a so-called 'river crossing' and within the time it took to finish lunch, watch the herds move back-n-forth a few times a day.

Unlike a pride of lions who pretty much stay together, or elephants who follow a matriarch, no one leads the wildies. While they may look as if one following the other, they're really pretty much independent and follow their noses. And, as the grasses are high, the zebra have to come thru first to eat these, before the wildies can get to the lower shoots.

One year with the wildies in Central Serengeti just hanging around for days, the zebra herds were still farther south and not till they met up in Central to chomp down the grass, did the wildies start moving again. Likewise, it's not unusual for the wildies to move back-n-forth between Central/West. Oh, and then there are the resident herds (both countries) that technically don't migrate, but will disperse themselves among those who do and then while some move on, remain pretty much in/around the same areas in their home country.

In other words, it's difficult to be date specific (whether by days or weeks)... gotta go with the flow and remember: "there's more to safari than just the migration!"

ShayTay

From Bill Given's website, www.thewildsource.com:

"While it is true that traditionally much of the migration moves into the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya from August through October, an estimated 20% of the herds historically remain spread across the Northern Serengeti. Many believe that percentage is growing and might actually be approaching 50% due to heavy cattle use in the greater Masai Mara area making it less inviting to the herds. This, in combination with the Serengeti park rangers doing controlled burns that produce new productive grazing areas could be driving away the herds. Additionally water in the upper Mara River watershed is being diverted with negative impact on the region."

Bill is a wildlife biologist in addition to being a safari planner, so I think this information is accurate.

atravelynn

If you plan several days in the Serengeti, your odds go up. From Central Serengeti, you can go west if needed or even a ways north towards Lobo. Three days would give you enough time for some all-day outings. Then add some days in northern Serengeti for any herds up there. N. Serengeti generally has more expensive accommodations than the lodges of Central Serengeti. I just came back from Flycatchers camp in Bolongonja, just north of Lobo, which is more reasonable in price than some of the others. It was great.

When you ask if it is a weeklong event, it is much longer and can last for months as the first herds cross the Mara River in late June or early July and the last herds cross over in Sept or Oct. The herds even go back and forth.

I have thought about spending 7-14 days in the Serengeti, starting about mid-July.