The largest terrestrial migration on Earth, the Great Migration, plays host to the annual movement of around 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson's gazelle and 200,000 plains zebra between the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.  As the Serengeti dries during the European summer, migratory species head north in search of greener pastures.  Animals stay away until rains turn the Serengeti plains green once again and the area becomes a nursery for some spectacular concentrations of wildlife. During this time of plenty, Africa's Big Cats find hunting easy and kills are a regular sight on safari.

Tanzania is also home to a great diversity of marine life, including dolphins, vibrant coral reef ecosystems and the world's largest fish - the whale shark. November to February is the best time to see these at Mafia Island, which coincides with high concentrations of game in the Serengeti. This is also a period when sea conditions are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Whale sharks, coral reefs, prolific and diverse fish life make Mafia Island Marine Park an ideal focal point; but the marine experts at Aqua-Firma can also take you to the Chumbe Island Marine Reserve, barrier reefs off of Zanzibar and some stunning blue coralline waters off of Pemba Island. Their in house Tanzania guides, marine experts and diving professionals can also help tailor an experience which incorporates staying in some stunning coastal hotels, lodges and white sand coastlines enhanced by the view of local sailing dhows.

Whilst the marine element of Aqua-Firma's experience can be tailored according to your interests, time and budget, the ultimate way to experience the Great Migration is via semi-mobile tented camps which are placed where game concentrations can be expected to be at their greatest. For those who want to consider walking safaris, Aqua-Firma can extend your safari into the Loliondo Game Reserve which lies between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro national parks.

Aqua-Firma hopes that the Great Migration will provide sustainable income for Tanzania long into the future. However, the Tanzania government has made a controversial promise to connect western Tanzania to the east via a two-lane 480km highway through the Serengeti. This has evoked widespread international and local concern.  A highway would create a barrier to the Migration and an inevitable decline in animal populations. Tourism is the primary source of foreign revenue for Tanzania, so for the sake of the country's wildlife and economy, Aqua-Firma is a supporter of alternative routes proposed south of the Serengeti.

For further details about our Tanzania wildlife and marine life safaris, please Click Here.

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