Wild Moves: The Most Unique Animal Migrations Around the World (And How to See Them)
Hi Wingers! Thanks for reading along with this week’s blog post, which touches on something near and dear to my own heart—wildlife viewing! As some of you miiiiiight know, most of my professional career was in the veterinary field, so animals are kind of my thing. It’s also something I felt really strongly about when I started this business; integrating people’s interests in the natural world by using my love and knowledge of animals to help them see wildlife up close and personal.
Fun fact to kick us off:
According to a recent study, tigers are the most Googled animal to see in the wild across the United States. In fact, they topped the list in 39 states! While they're not known for epic migrations, it’s clear we’re all craving awe-inspiring animal encounters—and migrations are some of the most magical ways to witness wildlife in action.
Let’s dive into the top 5 most incredible animal migrations in the world—from oceans to skies—and wrap up with one you probably haven’t heard of but will absolutely want to add to your travel wishlist.
1. 🐃 The Great Wildebeest Migration (Africa)
What it is:
Over 1.3 million wildebeest (along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles) migrate across the Serengeti in Tanzania and into Kenya’s Masai Mara, following the rains in a massive circular journey.
Best time to go:
July–August: See the famous Mara River crossings—thrilling and dramatic.
January–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti is ideal for predator sightings.
Tips for travelers:
Stay in a mobile safari camp that follows the herds.
Book with a guide who understands movement patterns, as they change year to year based on rainfall.
2. 🐋 Humpback Whale Migrations (Global)
What it is:
Humpbacks swim up to 10,000 km between cold feeding grounds and warm tropical breeding zones. Along the way, they breach, slap their fins, and sing underwater songs.
Best time to go:
June–July: Australia’s east coast becomes a “Humpback Highway.”
Dec–March: Hawaii and the Dominican Republic are hotspots for whale breeding.
Tips for travelers:
Look for ethical whale-watching tours that prioritize distance and safety for the animals.
Bring binoculars and a fast shutter camera—these giants move surprisingly quickly!
3. 🦋 Monarch Butterfly Migration (North America to Mexico)
What it is:
Each fall, millions of monarch butterflies journey up to 4,000 km from Canada and the northern U.S. to the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico.
Best time to go:
Late October–early March is ideal for visiting sanctuaries like El Rosario and Sierra Chincua.
Tips for travelers:
Hire a local guide to hike into the butterfly sanctuaries responsibly.
Layer up—while Mexico may be warm, the high-altitude forests are chilly in the mornings!
4. 🐟 The Salmon Run (Pacific Northwest)
What it is:
Salmon return from the ocean to the freshwater streams where they were born, leaping up waterfalls and rapids to spawn—often with bears and eagles waiting nearby.
Best time to go:
August–October, depending on the river and species.
Tips for travelers:
Head to Alaska, British Columbia, or Washington State.
Some of the best viewing is from platforms at hatcheries or national parks—like Katmai National Park (also famous for Fat Bear Week!).
5. 🐦 Arctic Tern (Pole-to-Pole Flight)
What it is:
These tiny but mighty birds travel over 70,000 km per year, chasing endless daylight between Arctic and Antarctic summers. It's the longest animal migration on Earth.
Best time to go:
June–July in Iceland, Greenland, or northern Canada to see them nesting before heading south.
Tips for travelers:
Look for them along cliffs and coastal wetlands.
Pack your zoom lens—they’re fast, but worth the effort to photograph.
🌟 One You Didn’t See Coming: The Giant Hummingbird Migration (South America)
What it is:
The giant hummingbird—the largest hummingbird species—makes one of the most extreme vertical migrations, flying up and over the Andes mountains at elevations above 13,000 ft. Their migration patterns were only recently confirmed using tiny trackers!
Best time to go:
Southern spring/summer (October–February) in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.
Tips for travelers:
Bring altitude-friendly clothing and plenty of water.
Focus on flowering valleys and mountain ridges—they rely on nectar-rich habitats.
Final Thought: Why It Matters
These migrations aren’t just cool travel opportunities—they’re vital events in Earth’s ecosystems. By witnessing them responsibly and supporting conservation-focused travel companies, you're helping preserve the wonder for future generations.
And if you ever need help planning a trip that aligns with your values and your inner wildlife nerd, you know who to call. 😉
Yours in flight,
Tianna
