Complete Guide to a Wildebeest Migration Safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest movement of animals on Earth. Up to 1,000 wildebeest are visible per km² from space. Over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras, along with topi and other gazelles, constantly move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of food and water. Each wildebeest travels 800 to 1,000 km on traditional routes. They face dangers from predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles, which ensure that only the strongest survive.
The great migration circuit goes from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south of Tanzania through the Serengeti. Then it crosses into Kenya’s Masai Mara and back. During this journey, young calves are often taken by predators. Furthermore, weaker animals may fall prey to dangers like drowning or injury from tough terrains.
The migrating grazers have different eating habits that prevent competition for grass. Grasses in the plains are rich in protein and calcium. It is uncertain how wildebeest navigate, but their movements likely follow the rains and new grass growth. Some experts suggest they can sense storms from over 50 km away.
The Great Wildebeest Migration: Month by Month Overview
The Great Migration in January, February and March
Each year, typically around January, the migration concludes its southward journey. It traverses the eastern boundary of the Serengeti and enters the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region is characterized by its lush, nutrient-rich grasslands. These conditions are optimal for the herds to nurture their newborn calves.
While the migratory cycle lacks a definitive beginning or end—aside from the natural cycles of birth and death—it is logical to consider the calving season of the wildebeests as the commencement of the migration. In late January or February, the herds gather on the short-grass plains. These plains extend across the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge. During a span of two to three weeks, approximately 400,000 calves are born, averaging nearly 8,000 new calves each day.
The presence of a significant number of vulnerable young calves prompts local predators to become active, as they find it relatively easy to hunt given the overwhelming population of wildebeests.
April and May
After giving birth in February and March, wildebeest herds start moving northwest in April towards the fresher grass of the central Serengeti. They move along with thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelope. By May, long lines of wildebeest are seen near the Moru Kopjes, which offers migration viewing. Mating season begins at the end of May, leading to battles among male wildebeest. The journey continues slowly, with wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles grazing. As their movement gathers pace, the great migration gathers in the Western Corridor. May is low season in western corridor, providing great value with fewer tourists but excellent wildlife viewings.
June and July
During June, the dry season begins. Many wildebeest gather in the Western Serengeti and along the Grumeti River’s southern banks. They must cross the crocodile-filled river, facing dangerous challenges.
As June turns to July, the wildebeest and zebra move north toward the Mara River, encountering even greater risks. These river crossings, starting with the high season in July, are thrilling wildlife events. In July, herds will be in the Northern Serengeti. Successful crossings lead them to the Masai Mara, where daily crossings at the Mara and Talek rivers create spectacular scenes.
August, September and October
In August, the herds struggle to cross the Mara River, spreading out across the northern Masai Mara. Many stay in the northern Serengeti. When the river has a lot of water, crocodiles and large predators wait on the banks to ambush wildebeest that reach the other side, causing many deaths. The crossings vary; some areas have few animals crossing, while others see large groups moving for hours. By September and October, the chaos lessens, and the herds move east, preparing to face the Mara River again on their return south.
November and December
In a typical year, the onset of short rains in November signals the great wildebeest migration to depart from the now barren grasslands of the Masai Mara and return to the revitalized Serengeti. It is important to note that the timing of the rains can vary, arriving either earlier or later than expected, adding an element of unpredictability to the migration.
As the herds continue their journey, they are primarily found in the north-eastern regions of the Serengeti, where they may break into smaller groups as they progress southward.
By December, the availability of fresh grazing prompts the wildebeest to move further south. They traverse the northern and eastern parts of the Serengeti to feed. This prepares them for their perilous 3,000-kilometer (1,900-mile) migration.
FAQS About the Great Wildebeest Migration
Can the Great Migration Mara River be Predictable?
The timing of the wildebeest crossings remains a mystery, even to the animals themselves. Some individuals reach the water and promptly swim across. However, others may linger for days, grazing nearby. There are also those that choose to retreat to their original location. Although it would be advantageous to predict these crossings, such foresight is unattainable. Therefore, it is advisable to allocate ample time for a safari if one hopes to witness a river crossing.
What Time of the Year do the Great Migration Happens?
Many individuals believe that the Wildebeest Migration occurs solely from July to October. However, it is, in fact, a continuous, circular migration characterized by a range of equally thrilling events throughout the entire year. The well-known river crossings typically align with the peak safari season, which runs from June to October. This leads to the misconception that this is the exclusive period during which the wildebeest are active or visible.
Why Wildebeest Migrate?
It is widely accepted that the Great Migration in Africa is largely influenced by the behavioral patterns of the wildebeest in relation to climatic conditions. These animals embark on their journey in pursuit of fresh grass that emerges following rainfall, driven by an innate instinct to secure sustenance for survival. While some researchers propose that the wildebeest may be prompted by the sight of distant lightning and the sound of thunderstorms, this hypothesis lacks empirical validation.
Where Does the Great Migration Begins?
The Great Migration involves about two million animals moving throughout the year across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, with no specific start or end points. Triggered by East Africa’s rains, wildebeest follow an ancient route seeking fresh grazing and water. Their journey spans the Masai Mara in Kenya, south to Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Planning a Wildebeest Migration Safari
The Great Migration Safaris – Tanzania Vs Kenya
Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve offers a more budget-friendly way to see the great wildebeest migration. It has a shorter migration season but better flight options and a greater variety of affordable places to stay compared to Tanzania.
In contrast, Tanzania’s larger size means reaching parks outside the Northern Circuit often needs costly internal flights. However, its Serengeti National Park has larger and more exclusive lodges, though busy areas exist.
Kenya is better for families, budget travelers, and those with limited time, while Tanzania suits those wanting to spend more and explore multiple locations away from crowds.
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