One of the world's 10 natural wonders, Africa's amazing wildebeest migration occurs annually from July to November across the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the sprawling Maasai Mara in Kenya. As the waterholes dry out, herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra must keep moving north in search of food and water. Witness the real circle of life as more than 6 million hooves stampede, crossing crocodile-filled rivers and drawing out lions and other hunters in search of prey. This is a truly special time to visit!

The migration begins with the birth of more than 400,000 wildebeest calves in the rolling plains of the southern Serengeti from January to March. The herds travel south through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during this time before returning north.

To witness part of the migration, plan to be in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater from January to March or from mid to late July to early August in the Serengeti. Otherwise, visit Kenya's Maasai Mara from mid-August until the summer rains begin in November.