Of course we can never speak for all guides or safari goers to Africa. However. There is one wildlife – let’s call it an event – that we think a majority of people would put at the top of their wish list. Either to see for the first time, or even the tenth time. It’s a window into a world that was, before humans, as we are want to do, began imposing ourselves on ancient animal migration routes. Bison in North America, elephants in Southern Africa, even whales in the oceans of Antarctica and Australia. Fortunately the latter is a good news story in recent years.
The great migration is perpetual motion. An 800km journey every year, dictated by rain and grasses and ancient genetic prints. Wildebeest a million and more, zebras in the hundreds of thousands, gazelle and an assorted cast of predators that respond to this abundance. The largest portion of the migration occurs in the Serengeti in Tanzania, the remainder in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. There are dangerous river crossings, near sacred birthing grounds, woodlands and weather and predation, all manner of obstacles. If a wildebeest reaches its full lifespan in the wild it might see 20 migration cycles, a zebra perhaps a few more.
When you are up close with these animals, you can only begin to comprehend this drive to perpetuate their species. It is at once powerful and poignant to witness to this spectacle. In February and March in the south, our clients have observed countless births over the years, transforming the conventional view of wildebeest as not so smart, funny looking cows. A new born wobbles to its feet in a minute and then trots after Mum soon after, touching anyone watching these miraculous moments.
Likewise the surge of thousands of animals across an often fast flowing river, full of Nile crocodiles ready to take advantage of the stragglers or the weak. The courage of these wildebeest and zebra leaves a mark. There are also mobile camps in both Tanzania and Kenya where we can position you front and centre for the spectacle, camps that literally relocate every few weeks to where the action is. For a lot of people who love safaris, the migration would be the answer to the question … “If you could do just one safari, where would it be?”
Satellite image: NASA
#travel stories
Photography:BRAD HORN, ROB BARBOUR, SIMON REEVE
The Great Migration
What to see in the Migration
Why choose usThe Epic Difference
Why EpicEpic Private Journeys
1
Knowledge and experience
Everyone at Epic lives and breathes the product and the places we sell. We want you to feel the passion, awe and respect for these precious wilderness destinations. We're now into our third decade of Epic excellence in an industry we love.
2
Friendship and commitment
Overwhelmingly, our clients return for safaris to their favourite places, or set out on new adventures with us. Camp and lodge staff become lifelong friends, many clients end up supporting community and conservation projects. We love it when people feel a part of the growing Epic family.
3
Service and standards
At Epic, we pride ourselves on exceptional, personal service and attention to the smallest details of your journey. We have never been set and forget, available to our clients 24/7 wherever they may be in the world.
Inspiration
Example trips
Get inspired for the Serengeti and Maasai Mara
Explore our sample excursions and ask about when and where you might see the migration.
13 nights
Tanzania and Rwanda Premier safari 13 nights
Experience the very best of Tanzania and Rwanda in this ultimate safari. From the grasslands of the Serengeti to gorillas in the Land of a Thousand Hills. Luxury camps and lodges, premium wildlife areas. East Africa doesn't come any better.
This itinerary showcases Kenya's finest camps and the standards by which others are measured. 10 wonderful nights taking in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and the incredible Lewa conservancy. Luxurious, unforgettable.
After arrival into Nairobi this itinerary takes you on the quintessential East African Safari of grassy savannahs, dotted with umbrella acacia thorn trees, filled with animals and colourful nomadic pastoralist cattle herders along the way. Amboseli, the Mara and a chance of seeing one of the world's most sought after animals, the beautiful black leopards of Laikipia.
