When and Where to Witness Serengeti's Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring spectacles - over 2 million wildebeest, gazelles and zebra travel through the ecosystems of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of green pasture. One of Africa’s bucket-list experiences, our experts will ensure you capture this natural phenomenon at its best.
The average person is likely to have heard of the 'Wildebeest Migration' (probably as a result of various documentaries or the Lion King movie) however very often little is actually known about this incredible wildlife event - where it occurs, what it involves etc. Many assume that the migration is all about the dramatic river crossings but there is so much more to this great spectacle. The following is a short, easy to read explanation of the greatest show on earth.
Where does the migration take place?
The wildebeest migration takes place over a wide area across Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. These parks are one continuous ecosystem divided by an invisible man-made border.
Read More about 5 of the Best Places to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
Is it only Wildebeest which migrates?
No, together with approximately 2 million wildebeest, there are roughly 800,000 zebra and gazelle forming one super herd. Zebra are often found together with wildebeest as the zebra tend to feed on long tough grass stems preparing them for the broad muzzle of the wildebeest, more suited to close short grasses. Contrary to popular belief, lions and other carnivores do not migrate with the grazing animals but feast on them when their paths cross.
Check also The best time to visit Kenya and Tanzania on safari
Why do the animals migrate?
What the animals are in essence doing is following the rains in search of lush new grass. Taking advantage of the strongly seasonal conditions, the wildebeest are spending the wet season on the plains in the south-east, and the dry season in the woodlands of the north-west. The animals themselves, however, play a role in shaping their environment to their needs just by the sheer weight of their numbers.
The 800 km pilgrimage is an ongoing cycle of movement and dispersal that is not continually in forward motion. The wildebeest need to drink daily and their movement is very much dominated by the accessibility of water and they seem to have a sixth sense in following the storms.
This epic journey has no real beginning or end. The life of a wildebeest is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water and it doesn't come without its perils, each year over 250,000 wildebeest will die as a result of injury, exhaustion or predation.
The River Crossings
The famous spectacle of the crossing at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers has been well documented by film makers and photographers. Forced on by the power of the herd the wildebeest have no choice but to take a suicidal plunge into the crocodile infested waters often drowning in their thousands.
How can I witness the Migration?
There is no real right or wrong time to visit East Africa see the migration as each season offers its own highlights. It is, however, important to be in the right area at the right time of year.
Jan - Early Mar (Serengeti)
This is the season when the wildebeest calves are born over a 3-5 week period, making it one of the most popular times to visit the Serengeti. As there is an abundance of food around in the form of defenceless young wildebeest, sightings of lions, hyenas, and other predators are particularly good during this time. Thankfully because so many calves are born in such a short time the predators do not have time to eat them all. During these months it is best to choose a camp or lodge in the southern plains of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Conversation Area. More Information about The calving season in Tanzania's Serengeti See also Why January to February is the Best Time to See Baby Animals On Tanzania Safari
April / May (Serengeti)
As the depleted southern plains become unable to sustain the endless herds, the migration sweeps west and north. It moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti's western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria. This will be the height of the rainy season. It shouldn't necessarily put people off visiting the Serengeti, particularly as the low season rates will be very appealing.
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June / July (Serengeti / Masai Mara)
As June arrives the wildebeest have often exhausted the Western Corridor's best pastures and the herds begin to move further north. At this point the migration often splits and one column passes west to Lake Victoria, another passing north through the northern Lobo area of the Serengeti. By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. If you are trying to catch a river crossing at this time of year, you should try to locate yourself in either the Serengeti's Western Corridor or its northern reaches; however, in some years being on the Kenyan side during these months offers the best views. Be warned that catching a crossing is unpredictable as the timing and duration varies widely each year. In some years where there has been little rain, few wildebeest actually cross the Mara River into Kenya.
Aug - Oct (Masai Mara)
During this time the migration is usually dispersed across the plains of Kenya's Maasai Mara. In some years a large portion of the herds remain in the Serengeti so we would recommend basing yourself in the northern reaches of the park during these months (known as the Lobo area).
Nov / Dec (Serengeti)
During this time the short rains summon the herds south across the Tanzanian border in November and usually by December the wildebeest are once again dispersed on the southern plains of the Serengeti.
Where to Stay?
There are a huge selection of accommodation styles to choose from in Kenya and Tanzania. Mahlatini can offer everything from luxury lodges and classic tented camps to simple mobile bush camps (designed to put you in the best place to catch all the action). The key is speaking to an expert who will have visited the camps and will know the locations well. Almost all of the staff at Mahlatini have seen the migration in different countries and at different times of the year. They will ensure that you will be best placed to catch the herds on the move.