Wildlife migrations in Africa are all-encompassing travel experiences for the mind, body, and soul that you’ll never forget. This World Wildlife Day (3 March) is the perfect time for the GILTEDGE experts to share the different types of migrations that you can look forward to in Africa and to explain why it’s worth investing in the journey.

The Great Migration

For sheer dramatic effect, there is no wildlife event on earth that rivals the Great Migration Africa.

Each year, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra, some two million strong, make the grand circuit across the Serengeti Plains as they travel from Tanzania into Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara and back.

Mount Kilimanjaro watches over the endless plains of the Serengeti, almost 30 000 km² of land that make up this corner of Tanzania and southwest Kenya. It is here that the iconic Great Migration takes place.

Those fortunate enough to make the journey will witness over two million wildebeest shake the earth in a magnificent display of the power and strength of nature. In hot pursuit on land and in the rivers are a host of eager predators, maximising the wildlife viewing experience.

After a day of wildlife spotting (together with a good dose of patience depending on the time of year that you visit), the campfire awaits. Sip on sundowners before feasting on a gourmet dinner and exchange stories under a canopy of twinkling stars. This is the scene of a journey that you’ll never forget.

Although it is most often referred to as an annual event, the Great Migration is in reality a year-long 1 200 mile (1 931.213 km) circular journey, with wildlife making their way from Tanzania to Kenya as they follow the rain in search of water and food.

When to go:

If you’re looking at a popular time to visit, the Great Migration begins from late February, but be aware that this is a particularly scorching time of the year.

The year-long event is spectacular every month—it just depends on the experience that you’re seeking. The GILTEDGE team of experts can advise you on the best time to visit based on your preferences.

As a general guide:

  • From December to July, you’ll find wildebeest calves and stalking lions in the Serengeti. As July nears its end, the herds can be found in north Tanzania near the border with Kenya as they race towards the Masai Mara for the rainfall.
  • From August to September, you can witness the dramatic river crossings and famous animal traffic jams in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

From October to November, the herds head south in search of greener pastures. This signals their move back to the Serengeti for the rainy season.

The whale migration

Nestled along the shores of South Africa’s southern coast, you’ll find the world’s whale watching capital, Hermanus. In fact, the entire coastline here, running from the hamlet of Rooi-Els to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, is known as the Cape Whale Coast.

This stunning stretch of coastline is the winter playground for Southern Right whales and smaller numbers of other species. Every year from June to November, whales gather in these waters to calve and mate, putting on spectacular displays of breaching and tail slapping close to shore.

Hermanus was originally a fishing village but now welcomes visitors from all over the world to enjoy the best land-based whale watching.

Winding its way for 11 km along the shoreline, the Cliff Path is one of the natural treasures of Hermanus and a great spot to view the whales from land. The walk is protected as part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and access is free. There are benches dotted along the path at intervals to rest your legs and take in the views.

The best points to spot whales are between Gearings Point and Roman Rock and from Mickey to Kraal Rock and Sievers Punt to Kwaaiwater.

As soon as the whales arrive, whale watching boats depart from the New Harbour. These boat trips usually last about two hours. Only licensed operators are permitted to approach the whales, and there are strict guidelines in place. Boats may not approach a whale closer than 50m. However, since whales are by nature very curious, they often approach the boats themselves, making for a fantastic up-close sighting.

Adventurous travellers can opt for a sea kayaking tour, while others can splurge on a whale‑watching trip from the air.

When to go:

Locals suggest that the best time to spot these gentle giants from the coastline is from September to November.

Apart from the whale migration, don’t miss these other enjoyable experiences:

  • The nearby Hemel‑en‑Aarde (translated as Heaven and Earth) Valley is indeed heaven on earth, with the fertile soil serving up delicious wines and produce. Hermanus and the Overberg region enjoy a reputation for great cuisine, natural beauty, and many fun events and festivals.
  • The soft white sands of the certified Grotto Blue Flag Beach stretch for endless kilometres.
  • Shark cage diving in Gansbaai is popular.

Are you ready for a two-week journey of wine and whales? Explore the Mother City, wine country, a Big Five game reserve, and an incredible whale safari on this Cape Town, Wine, Whales, & Safari itinerary.

Read related content: Read about the Whale Coast and must-see highlights

The sardine run

Local South Africans flock to the province of KwaZulu‑Natal (KZN) year-round for its unbeatable beaches, balmy Indian Ocean, sugar and spice, sizzling summer temperatures, and warm winters.

An attraction not to be missed during the winter months is the annual Sardine Run when pockets of these tasty little fish make their exciting arrival along the KZN shoreline. Millions of tiny sardines migrate annually from Antarctica to these warm waters.

In hot pursuit of the ample food on offer are seals, dolphins, whales, and sharks and it’s safe to dive with them provided you’re with an expert guide. The sardine shoals are about 7 km long, 1.5 km wide and 25 m deep—the largest fish migration on the planet!

Sean Kritzinger, Chairman of GILTEDGE, shared his experience of this marine adventure on South Africa’s Wild Coast. Watch the YouTube video here.

Read related content: Diving with millions of sardines in South Africa

When to go:

Between May and August.

The Kasanka bat migration

In northern Zambia, a lesser known but no less spectacular migration in Africa can be witnessed. The Kasanka bat migration is said to be the largest mammal migration on earth. Millions of African straw-coloured fruit bats converge on the Kasanka National Park. These are the second-largest fruit bats on the continent with a wingspan of up to one metre, and adults can reach the size of a small puppy, weighing up to 350 g.

An incredible 5 to 10 million bats converge on the evergreen swamp of the park, looking for a place to roost in an area that is only 1 km long. Resembling a swarm of overgrown bees, the mass of bats as they fill the skies with the sound of millions of whirring wings is a spectacle not to be missed.

The bats travel from Central Africa from October every year and roost for about six weeks where they enjoy a feeding frenzy, gorging on mahogany, musuku, mufinsa, milkwood, and other wild fruit. Experts think that many come from the rainforests of central Congo.

When to go:

Between October and December, which is spring in the southern hemisphere.

The zebra migration in Botswana

There are countless reasons why a trip to Botswana deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list. Did you know that up to 17% of the country is devoted to national parks and safari game reserves? Plus, you’ll witness a lesser known but amazing migration—the zebra migration. This the longest land mammal migration on the continent, over 500 km.

The annual zebra migration takes place during the green season each year, with zebra, other herbivores, and the predators that follow them moving more than 1 000 km in search of food and water. The zebra move from the Chobe region down to Nxai Pan. 

When to go:

The wet season (November–March) is great for spotting gemsbok, elephant, springbok, and zebra at the Nxai Pan during the famed zebra migration, making for an unrivalled game viewing experience.

Top tip: Countless travellers opt to maximise their African adventure by road-tripping from Botswana to Victoria Falls, which is situated on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Read related content: Botswana safari—from desert to delta

The flamingo migration

While flamingos are generally referred to as non-migratory birds, flamingo populations are known to move around.

One of Africa’s greatest shows is the flamingo migration when large flocks of flamingos gather on the saltpans and wetlands of Namibia. Eagle-eyed visitors can spot both species of African flamingos here, namely the lesser and the greater flamingo.

Both are spectacular. Lesser flamingos are usually smaller and a brighter pink than their counterparts and are found in coastal and inland wetlands, while greater flamingos are known to gather in flocks of up to 50 000 at shallow lakes, salt pans, lagoons, estuaries, and sandy beaches.

It’s estimated that almost 80% of Southern Africa’s flamingos gather in Namibia during their intra-African migrations, so Namibia is one of the best places in the world to see them.

Where? Flamingos gather to breed in the saltpans of Etosha towards the end of the rainy season when the pans are full of water. They are also often seen on the coast, particularly in the Walvis Bay lagoon and at the Swakopmund Salt Works on the Diamond Coast.

Read related content: Top 5 Birding Experiences in Namibia

Looking for another place to spot flamingos?

Suspended high up above the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, The Highlands sits on the slopes of the extinct Olmoti volcano. The camp offers visits into the Empakaai crater, a nearby crater that is famous for its pink flamingo.

We’re sure you’re convinced that these migrations in Africa are not to be missed. Whether you’re looking for a trusted Africa itinerary for your client or you’re searching for your own ultimate Africa safari, the GILTEDGE experts are there to assist.