FOLLOWING THE MIGRATIONS
Momentous Journeys
FOLLOWING THE MIGRATIONS
Africa’s annual migrations offer some of the continents most iconic wildlife experiences as thousands of animals move in search of better feeding grounds, fending off predators along the way! There’s a variety of migrations to consider, from the famous Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa to Bats in Zambia, Zebras in Botswana, Whales in Madagascar and Penguins in Antarctica!
Below is our guide to some of Africa’s most exciting wildlife crossings. Please do get in touch so we can discuss best times to travel, accommodation options in the various areas, incorporating the experience into your greater itinerary and how best to curate your experience whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a group of friends and family.
'People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.’
- David Attenborough
Which One is for You
MIGRATION OPTIONS
Great Wildebeest Migration
This is the most famous migration where millions of wildebeest, flanked by zebra, follow the rains in search of new grasses. The move is a continual loop between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, so there’s always a point at which to see them, however the dramatic river crossings are only at certain times of the year, so timing is important, and we’ll advise of you on this.
Kasanka Bat Migration
This is the world’s largest migration where ten million straw-coloured fruit bats migrate from the rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the swamp forest of the Kasanka National Park in Zambia in search of fruit! This migration takes place from around late October to mid-December, for only around 90 days each year.
Kasanka Bat Migration
This is the world’s largest migration where ten million straw-coloured fruit bats migrate from the rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the swamp forest of the Kasanka National Park in Zambia in search of fruit! This migration takes place from around late October to mid-December, for only around 90 days each year.
Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration
This migration is of a smaller scale, where zebras move a distance of around 250km from the south-eastern Okavango Delta in Botswana to the grasslands of the Makgadikgadi Pan National Park. Following the rainfall, the migration begins around the end of November / early December, arriving a few weeks later. They stay in the Makgadikgadi for around 2 ½ months before heading back to the Delta in March, where they’ll stay through the dry season till their migration again towards the end of December.
Humpback Whale Migrations
These magnificent mammals migrate from the colder Antarctic waters where they feed, to the warmer tropical seas to breed and give birth. The best time of year to view these migrating whales around the northern tip of Madagascar is from early July to mid-September and in South Africa’s, at the seaside town of Hermanus, just outside of Cape Town, between June and November. They are known for breaching out of the waters, lifting their massive tails and showing off with their aerial displays.
Humpback Whale Migrations
These magnificent mammals migrate from the colder Antarctic waters where they feed, to the warmer tropical seas to breed and give birth. The best time of year to view these migrating whales around the northern tip of Madagascar is from early July to mid-September and in South Africa’s, at the seaside town of Hermanus, just outside of Cape Town, between June and November. They are known for breaching out of the waters, lifting their massive tails and showing off with their aerial displays.
Flamingo Migrations
Every year, from April through June, tens of thousands of these beautiful pink-winged flamingos fly into Kenya’s Rift Valley Lakes, enticed by the high mineral and rich algae content and abundance of tiny shrimp! In Tanzania, flamingos are seen from June to September, migrating between the many alkaline lakes as food sources deplete and their breeding season arrives.
Sea Turtle Migrations
For hundreds of millions of years, sea turtles have been returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs, often travelling thousands of kilometres to reach their destination. In South Africa, between November and January, enormous 700kg leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean to lay their eggs at Sodwana Bay. In Zanzibar, on the pristine shores of Mnemba Island, the endangered green sea turtles return to lay eggs from February to July with hatchlings emerging 55 days later.
Sea Turtle Migrations
For hundreds of millions of years, sea turtles have been returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs, often travelling thousands of kilometres to reach their destination. In South Africa, between November and January, enormous 700kg leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean to lay their eggs at Sodwana Bay. In Zanzibar, on the pristine shores of Mnemba Island, the endangered green sea turtles return to lay eggs from February to July with hatchlings emerging 55 days later.
Emperor Penguin Migration in Antarctica
As the sea ice begins to thaw on the Antarctic coast, this “March of Penguins” sees thousands of penguins undertake a gruelling trek inland in order to hunt for food and lay their young. This experience allows you to observe these wild creatures in their natural habitat as they play, feed and travel with their family, and then watch thousands of chicks hatch. Best time to visit is November to December, before they head back to the ocean.
Let’s Touch Your Imagination
OUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL IDEAS
Explore our sample itineraries to spark your imagination. Everyone is unique, so use these samples as an inspirational canvas waiting for your personal aspirations to paint it.
Remember, at Mallerby’s, we believe in tailoring each journey to the individual, ensuring your travel experience is as extraordinary as you are. Let these itineraries be a starting point, a palette of possibilities, waiting for the strokes of your own desires. Your journey is not just a trip; it’s a reflection of your dreams. Let’s craft it together.