World Tourism Day: 5 Places To Witness The World’s Greatest Wildlife Migrations

Wildlife migration is the large-scale movement of animals from one place to another in search of food, mates or favourable living conditions. It happens seasonally and is an important survival phenomenon among mammals, birds, fish and even insects. Watching these movements is breathtaking and offers a glimpse into the wild. So, keeping this in mind, here are 5 places to witness the most majestic wildlife migrations on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2025. Wildlife lovers, this one is for you! 

World Tourism Day: 5 Places To Witness Wildlife Migrations In The World

1. Africa-The Great Wildebeest Migration

Also known as the Great Migration, this is an annual movement of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. They travel in a massive circle through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The animals migrate in search of fresh grass and water after seasonal rains. Because, as seasons change, the lush grasslands dry up, forcing these animals to move and find new pastures for their survival, of course. It is considered one of the most dramatic wildlife migrations in the world and is Africa’s signature safari experience, as well! This experience should not be missed if you ever happen to book a ticket to Africa’s Maasai Mara.

2. South Africa-The Sardine Run

Every winter, billions of sardines migrate along South Africa’s eastern coast. The migration is so huge that it can even be spotted from planes flying above. The movement attracts dolphins, sharks and thousands of seabirds, all joining in for the hunt. The Sardine Run is a rare ocean spectacle and one of the best experiences for wildlife lovers.

3. Alaska- Caribou Migration

Many caribou or reindeer travel thousands of miles every year between Alaska and Canada. This is not just one of the greatest but also one of the world’s longest land migrations. In winter, caribou stay in the forests of northern Alaska and Canada. When spring arrives, pregnant caribou move north to give birth in safer areas. During summer, they again move to higher grounds for relief, before returning to their winter homes as the summer season ends. The migration helps them find fresh food and raise calves away from predators.

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4. Mexico- Humpback Whale Migration

Humpback whales travel up to 8,000 km every year between cold-water feeding grounds and warm-water breeding grounds. Though the migration happens worldwide, the northern hemisphere route, from Alaska to Hawaii and Mexico, remains the most popular. Special whale-watching tours are available, where visitors can witness whales showing acrobatic behaviour like jumping and turning in tropical waters.

5. South-Central Africa- The Zambezi River Migration

The Zambezi River migration takes place in South-Central Africa during the rainy season from November to April. It involves elephants, zebras, wildebeest and many colourful birds. Elephant herds cross the Zambezi River between countries like Zimbabwe and Botswana. Zebras move south from the Chobe River to the Nxai Pan, while thousands of blue wildebeest also join in. The migration also includes many colourful birds, too!

Also Read: World Tourism Day: 5 Tips To Plan An Eco-Friendly Holiday In India

These are some of the greatest wildlife migrations one can witness. But it is important to respect nature while observing. Always watch from a safe distance and never feed or interfere with migrating animals.

So, which of these migrations would you want to witness first? Let us know! 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ EcoPic and I am Alex