10 of Africa’s Most Incredible Wildlife Migrations — When and Where to See Them
Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking wildlife migrations on the planet. Each year, millions of animals journey across vast landscapes, following age-old routes in search of food, water, and breeding grounds. These migrations shape ecosystems, support predator-prey dynamics, and offer some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities imaginable.
From the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration to lesser-known movements of elephants, flamingos, and bats, Africa’s migrations showcase the raw power of nature. If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, timing your trip to witness one of these events should be at the top of your bucket list.
Why Wildlife Migrations Are Africa’s Greatest Natural Spectacle
Wildlife migrations are among the most powerful and mesmerizing events in nature. These massive movements are driven by survival instincts, as animals travel vast distances to find food, water, and suitable breeding grounds. Unlike static safari experiences, witnessing a migration allows you to see nature in action—predators hunting, herds navigating dangerous terrain, and ecosystems shifting with the seasons.
Africa’s migrations are not just about sheer numbers; they highlight the delicate balance of life across the continent. These journeys sustain entire species, influence predator-prey dynamics, and support rich biodiversity. For travelers, planning a safari around a migration guarantees a front-row seat to one of the most breathtaking spectacles on Earth.
1. The Great Wildebeest Migration – Tanzania & Kenya
One of the most famous wildlife migrations in the world, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing land.
When and Where to See It
December to March: Calving season in Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest give birth.
April to June: The herds begin moving north, crossing the Grumeti River.
July to October: The dramatic Mara River crossing into Kenya’s Maasai Mara takes place, with crocodiles lying in wait.
November: The herds return south toward the Serengeti.
This migration is a year-round phenomenon, offering different spectacles depending on the season. The river crossings are particularly thrilling, but the calving season attracts predators, making for intense wildlife encounters.
2. Zebra Migration – Botswana & Namibia
The zebra migration in Botswana is the longest recorded migration for any land mammal in Africa. Each year, thousands of zebras move between the floodplains of the Chobe River and the Makgadikgadi Pans in search of grazing areas.
When and Where to See It
November to March: Zebras leave the Chobe River and move toward the salt pans of Makgadikgadi, where seasonal rains create lush grazing areas.
April to July: The zebras begin their return journey north as water sources dry up.
Unlike the Great Wildebeest Migration, this event remains largely under the radar, making it an incredible experience for those seeking fewer crowds and raw wilderness.
3. Elephant Migration – Botswana
Botswana is home to one of the largest elephant populations in the world, with thousands migrating between Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta each year. These gentle giants follow ancient pathways, ensuring their survival in a landscape shaped by seasonal water availability.
When and Where to See It
June to October: The dry season sees massive herds gather along the Chobe River and Okavango Delta, creating prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
November to April: Elephants disperse across the Kalahari as seasonal rains replenish waterholes.
This migration offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness elephants in vast numbers, often accompanied by dramatic predator-prey interactions.
4. Flamingo Migration – Kenya & Tanzania
Millions of flamingos migrate between the alkaline lakes of East Africa, transforming the waters into a pink spectacle. These birds travel in search of the right conditions for feeding and breeding, creating some of the most visually stunning scenes in nature.
When and Where to See It
December to February: Breeding season at Lake Natron in Tanzania, where flamingos lay eggs on the shallow lake beds.
March to July: Flocks disperse to Kenya’s Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and other Rift Valley lakes, feeding on algae.
The sight of thousands of flamingos moving together is mesmerizing, making this migration one of Africa’s most unique wildlife events.
5. Fruit Bat Migration – Zambia
The world’s largest mammal migration happens in Zambia’s Kasanka National Park, where over 10 million straw-colored fruit bats arrive to feast on seasonal fruits. This little-known event is a spectacle of nature, with the sky darkened by millions of flapping wings at dusk.
When and Where to See It
October to December: The bats arrive in Kasanka, filling the skies at sunrise and sunset.
This migration attracts large predators, including eagles and crocodiles, creating a dramatic display of survival.
6. Whale Migration – South Africa
The southern coast of Africa plays host to migrating whales, including southern right whales and humpbacks, as they travel between Antarctica and warmer breeding grounds.
When and Where to See It
June to November: Whales can be seen along South Africa’s coastline, especially in Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay.
This migration offers breathtaking moments, from mothers nursing their calves to males performing acrobatic breaches.
7. Sardine Run – South Africa
Often referred to as the “Greatest Shoal on Earth,” the Sardine Run sees billions of sardines moving along South Africa’s coast, attracting sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds in a feeding frenzy.
When and Where to See It
May to July: Best viewed along South Africa’s Wild Coast, where predators gather in massive numbers.
This event is one of the most thrilling marine migrations, perfect for divers and adventure seekers.
8. Wildebeest Migration – Liuwa Plain, Zambia
A smaller but equally spectacular migration occurs in Zambia’s Liuwa Plain, where thousands of wildebeest move in search of fresh grass.
When and Where to See It
November to December: The best time to see wildebeest arriving in Liuwa after seasonal rains.
This migration is far less crowded than the Serengeti, making it ideal for those seeking a remote safari experience.
Each year, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to breed and give birth.
When and Where to See It
June to October: Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and Madagascar’s Nosy Be offer prime whale-watching spots.
Seeing these gentle giants breach the ocean’s surface is an unforgettable experience.
10. Antelope Migration – South Sudan
The white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle migrate across South Sudan in one of the largest land movements of any animal species.
When and Where to See It
November to May: Antelopes move between Boma and Bandingilo National Parks.
This migration remains one of Africa’s least-explored wildlife spectacles, making it an exciting frontier for adventurous travelers.
Plan Your Safari Around These Spectacular Migrations
Africa’s wildlife migrations offer some of the most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth. Whether you’re watching wildebeest cross a crocodile-infested river, witnessing millions of flamingos take flight, or spotting whales breaching along the coastline, these migrations bring you closer to the raw beauty of nature.
Which of these migrations would you love to witness? Drop a comment, and let’s talk about your dream wildlife adventure!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
