Wildlife Migrations in Africa

7 Epic Wildlife Migrations in Africa That Rival the Great Migration

When people think of wildlife migrations in Africa, the iconic Great Migration of wildebeest in Tanzania and Kenya usually comes to mind. But Africa hosts several other extraordinary animal movements that are equally breathtaking. These migrations display the raw power of survival, instinct, and nature’s rhythm across diverse landscapes.

Here are seven epic wildlife migrations in Africa that rival the famous Great Migration.

1. Zambia’s Bat Migration—Kasanka National Park

Each year, between October and December, Kasanka National Park becomes home to the world’s largest mammal migration. Over 10 million straw-colored fruit bats flock from across Africa to feed on the park’s wild fruits. The sky darkens with their arrival, creating a dramatic natural spectacle.

Best Time to Visit: Late October to Early December

2. Botswana’s Zebra Migration—Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan

Often overshadowed by East Africa’s wildebeest migration, Botswana’s zebra migration is Southern Africa’s longest animal movement. Thousands of Burchell’s zebras migrate between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi salt pans in search of fresh grazing.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

3. South Sudan’s White-Eared Kob Migration – Boma National Park

Boma National Park hosts Africa’s second-largest land mammal migration. Over 1.3 million white-eared kobs, tiang antelope, and Mongalla gazelles move across South Sudan’s floodplains, driven by the rains and fresh pastures.

Best Time to Visit: April to June

4. Chad’s Elephant Migration—Zakouma National Park

In Zakouma National Park, elephants have made a remarkable recovery. During the dry season, herds of elephants journey from surrounding areas to the park’s life-sustaining waterholes, offering visitors unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Best Time to Visit: January to April

5. Namibia’s Flamingo Migration—Walvis Bay & Etosha

Namibia’s salt pans and coastal lagoons attract thousands of greater and lesser flamingos. These birds migrate between Etosha Pan and the coastal wetlands of Walvis Bay, painting the landscape pink with their vibrant plumage.

Best Time to Visit: November to April

6. Zambia’s Wildebeest Migration—Liuwa Plain National Park

Often called Africa’s “hidden migration,” Liuwa Plain’s wildebeest migration sees around 40,000 wildebeests move across the floodplains. It’s Africa’s second-largest wildebeest migration, offering an untouched safari experience.

Best Time to Visit: November to December

7. Tanzania’s Flamingo Migration—Lake Natron

Lake Natron is the primary breeding ground for East Africa’s lesser flamingos. Millions of these elegant birds migrate here to breed, feed, and turn the lake’s shoreline into a sea of pink.

Best Time to Visit: August to October

Plan your safari to the epic migration in Africa.

Africa’s wildlife migrations go far beyond the Great Migration. These extraordinary journeys reveal nature’s diversity and resilience across the continent. From bats darkening Zambia’s skies to flamingos lighting up Tanzania’s lakes, each migration tells a powerful story of survival and wonder.