Wildlife
The Great Trek: Everything you need to know
The annual Great Trek is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on earth. More than 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 500,000 gazelles migrate from Serengeti to Maasai Mara.
Written by
Pure Safaris Team
The Great Migration is the largest land animal migration spectacle on earth. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a great circle through the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
When does the Great Trek take place?
The Trek is a cyclical phenomenon that takes place all year round. The most spectacular moments are the river crossings of the Mara River, which take place from July to October. This is the moment when wildebeest literally go under while crocodiles wait.
Maasai Mara vs. Serengeti
Although the migration crosses the border between Kenya and Tanzania, there are significant differences. The Serengeti is larger and here you see the calving season (February) and the migration to the north. In the Maasai Mara you see the dramatic river crossings.
Practical tips
Book early: the most popular camps during the Trek are often fully booked a year in advance. Choose a riverside camp for the best chances of a river crossing. A 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof offers the best photo opportunities.
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