The Serengeti Plains and the Great Migration

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, known for its vast grasslands, abundant wildlife, and the annual movement of more than a million wildebeests, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. Covering nearly 5,700 square miles, the park is part of the larger Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, where wildlife follows seasonal rains in search of fresh grazing. The Great Migration is not a single event but a continuous cycle throughout the year. As the herds move across the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they encounter changing landscapes, river crossings, predators, and the challenges of survival. Depending on when you visit, you may witness the calving season in the southern plains, large herds crossing the central Serengeti, or dramatic river crossings in the north. Every season offers a different perspective on this remarkable natural phenomenon. While the migration is a highlight, the Serengeti is an exceptional safari destination year-round. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species call the park home, making every game drive rewarding regardless of the season. At Journeys, we see it as an opportunity to experience one of the world’s last great wildlife ecosystems, where the relationships between animals, landscapes, and seasonal change continue much as they have for thousands of years. By carefully selecting accommodation locations based on wildlife movements, we help travelers experience the Serengeti where the most wildlife is expected to be found.