Beyond the Big Five - Discovering Tanzania’s Cultural and Natural Gems

Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle thunder across the Serengeti in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events: the Great Migration. This cyclical journey, dictated by rainfall and grazing patterns, forms an unbroken loop from Tanzania’s southern plains to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and back. It is not only a spectacle of numbers but a dramatic narrative of survival, instinct, and ecosystem balance.

The migration typically begins in the southern Serengeti around January, during the calving season. Here, thousands of young wildebeest are born within a matter of weeks. While the abundance of vulnerable calves attracts predators like lions and hyenas, it also ensures the continuation of the herd.

As the dry season approaches, the animals move northwest toward the Grumeti River. By June and July, they reach the Mara River—the most perilous leg of their journey. Crocodile-infested waters and steep banks await them, resulting in heart-stopping river crossings where every splash could mean life or death.

Once the northern grasslands are depleted, the herds begin their return southward in October, following the rejuvenated rains. Throughout this time, travelers can witness not just the large grazers, but the predators and scavengers whose life cycles are intricately tied to the migration.

Planning a visit to see the migration requires timing and insight. Mobile camps that follow the herds offer unmatched access, while balloon safaris provide an aerial perspective that truly captures the scale of the movement. Expert guides are essential to navigating the terrain and interpreting the subtle rhythms of this ancient cycle.



More than just a tourist attraction, the Great Migration is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s natural heritage. It supports countless ecological relationships and serves as a global symbol of untamed wilderness. To witness it is to be reminded of the raw, beautiful complexity of life on Earth.