The Great Migration of Serengeti Tanzania

The Great Migration one of the most amazing wildlife events among the planets; this park perfectly embodies the very core of safari parks. One of those rare locations that surpasses your expectations; home to the biggest herds on Earth and with Africa’s Big Five on show, the Serengeti is

The main draw of the parks is the 1.5 million strong “Wildebeest Great Migration; most Serengeti visits should be planned around it. I examine each month’s movements of the herds and all the other species caught in the action in my twelve-part month by month blog series. To ensure you’re in the middle of the herds whatever you travel from, I will also link you to my recommendations for the best places to stay all year. There are also some ideas for how you might like to mix your Great Migration vacation with other locations. Inspired? Go on reading here.

A Handbook for the January Serengeti Migration

Just south of the national park itself, January finds the herds beginning to settle onto the short grass plains near Lake Ndutu. Classic Serengeti, this huge area of short-grass plains boasts great open sky and an unbounded savanna extending as far as the eye can see. With the lush soil and nutrient-dense grasses here offering the ideal beginning for new life, January is often the start of calving. This attracts the predators in turn! From Maswa to Gol, far south as Kakesio, and far north as the Moru Kopjes, the best game viewing at this time of year spans much of the southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongero Conservation Area. Their migration is driven by localised rain. At any one time of year, this is also the area with the most predators concentrated in Africa!

Summary: Great viewing of cats, particularly cheetahs! and huge Great Migration herds dispersed over the northern Ngorongoro Conservation Area and southern Serengeti. Additionally a somewhat quieter travel time than February or Christmas is January. One of a high calving month.

Where should I be staying? Click this link to view a blog on where to stay for the January herds below the blog.

Which safari in January is the best? Underneath the video below is further details on the parks I would mix with the Serengeti in January and also my recommended safaris.

Which parks would be ideal to pair with the Serengeti in January?

One practically cannot turn down the Ngorongoro Crater. Although this amazing game-drive region may be crowded, how often will you be able to drive on the floor of an extinct volcano? And with one of the highest densities of animals anywhere all around you! The scene is nothing less than spectacular.

The Serengeti is large. In January I have always thought the best trips comprise two sites in the park so you either a) maximise your chance of seeing the “mega” herds by spitting your time across two locations in the southern plains or b) explore a quiet part of the park (such as the far north or Singita and Grumeti in the west), where you will have luxury lodges at low prices and essentially have a game drive area all to yourself!

One always finds a good “soft” introduction to the area in nearby Lake Manyara. Renowned for its tree climbing lions, this park is crowded with visitors and a site that divides opinions among guides.

Few people visit Tarangire in January; they would rather wait till later in the year when the herds arrive. If you are ready to work for your sightings, this is a fascinating bonus.

Lake Natron, for the quality of walking, the pure beauty of the surroundings, and the fact you are off the tourist path, is my hidden northern location; I think it’s well worth seeing. Still, you have to want adventure.
And last, further away to the Seychelles or Mauritius, the beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago or Tanzania’s mainland coast? There are countless beaches, even picture beautiful ones.

The Best Serengeti Safaris for January

The greatest journeys in January, in my opinion, begin in the Ngorongoro area—probably with Lake Manyara—then go into the Serengeti for a stay with the herds on the southern plains of the park. I would then advise separating your site in the park and adding another site in the far north. The lower rates of Lamai Serengeti really appeal. The Serengeti is wild, far-off, and with relatively few visitors at this time of year; hence, you may enjoy fantastic lodges at discounted rates and a unique portion of the park all to yourself! For several nights of adventure, personally I would always add Lake Natron!

Are you trying to plan a Safari?

If yes, we would be happy to assist you with design! Given all the knowledge available on the internet today, we frequently find clients rather perplexed and inundated in information. The greatest thing you can do is let someone in the office know about your intentions. Three of our team members have worked in the Serengeti and can help you at the appropriate season through the best choices.