Ultimate Guide to Great Wildebeest Migration

Ultimate Guide to Great Wildebeest Migration

Also known as the annual wildebeest migration, the Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest mammal migration in the world and is one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa”. This phenomenon is a true spectacle of nature, with millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thundering across the endless plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara throughout the year in search of fresh grazing and higher-quality water.

For many travelers on an Africa safari, the epic crossing of the Grumeti and Mara River is the ultimate highlight.

Therefore, it is no surprise that this unforgettable wildlife occurrence is one of the primary reasons for tourists to go on a safari to Tanzania and Kenya everyone. If seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park is on top of your to see-list, it is important to know where the herds are as detailed by this itinerary.

Quick Facts About the Great Wildebeest Migration

• The Great WiIdebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world, with almost two million animals crossing the plains of Mara – Serengeti Ecosystem each year.
• Although the migration is named after wildebeests, which make the majority of animals, the migrating herds also include zebras, topi, gazelles and other animals
• The migration typically begins in December and lasts until November, although its beginning depends on the start of the rainy season in Tanzania
• The herds cover approximately 1,000 kilometers during the migration cycle
• Up to 250,000 wildebeests are killed by predators during the migration
• Migrating wildebeests divide into herds of hundreds of thousands of animals

When and Where is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Knowing the exact timing of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration depends upon the rainfall patterns each year which makes predicting where and when the migration begins. It is something not even wildebeests known.

Due to climate changes, the rainy seasons haven’t been occurring regularly, nor are they easily predictable. That is also why the migration has been through out of synch in the recent years. However, thanks to our experienced guides, we are able to make a fairly accurate prediction of when and where the migration is at different times of the year.

A Month-by-Month Breakdown

December to April

The migration begins in the late November or early December when the herds arrive in the Southern parts of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in the Ndutu Area. When in the Serengeti, the herds are free to move wherever they want. It is a truly incredible sight of almost two million wildebeests and zebras dispersed throughout Tanzania’s plains, enjoying fresh and nutritious grasses.

In February, the calving season begins, with half a million calves born on these southern plains. Also, you can see a lot of predators at this time who are waiting for easy prey.

Around April, the herds head for the central and western part of the Serengeti in search of fresh, long grass. The rains start, and the mating season begins.

May to June

In May and June, the herds of wildebeests and zebras migrate further north to get ready for the dangerous Grumeti River Crossing full of giant crocodiles. It is a scary sight as you watch thousands of these magnificent creatures struggle against the forces of nature and predators. Unfortunately, not all animals survive the crossing.

The survivors continue their journey, with some herds heading through the Grumeti Game Reserve and Ikorongo Game Reserve while others choose the path piercing through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.

July to September

From July till September, you will find the herds around the Mara River, which they need to cross to get to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The sights are impressive as well as dramatic around this time. The fast-flowing water and crocodiles make this crossing extremely dangerous for the migrating herds.

The Mara River Crossing is the most serious obstacle during the migration, creating a spectacular yet often nerve-wrecking spectacle of panic and confusion as herds consisting of hundreds of thousands of animals try to get through the gushing river.

Interestingly, in the last two years, almost two-thirds of the migration did not cross the Mara River since there was enough fresh grass left in the Northern Serengeti.

October to December

From October till November, the wildebeest migration leaves the Northern Serengeti and makes its way back to the Southern region of Serengeti –Ndutu via the Central Seronera Region. The herds remain there until late November/early December, and the annual cycle starts all over again.

When is the Best Time to See the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania?

It is hard to say what the best time is to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration as it all depends on what you wish to witness. Also, given how unpredictable the rain seasons have become, pinpointing the exact date is mighty difficult.

Generally, we can divided the Great Wildebeest Migration into five events/seasons.

Approximate Period	Event	Place
December to January	Beginning of the migration	Southern Serengeti
February to April	Calving & breeding season	Southern Serengeti
May to June	Grumeti River crossing	Western Serengeti
July to September	Mara River crossing	Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
October to November	The trek south	Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti to Southern Serengeti

Most travelers who want to see the Migration plan their safari trip between July and September. That is mostly because of the Mara River Crossing, which is by far is the most exciting and spectacular event of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

What is the Best Place to See the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Just like the best time, the best place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration depends on what you want to see. For instance, from December to April, it is the best time to book for your accommodation in the Southern and Central Serengeti.

This is the period during which the herds cover the plains of Southern Serengeti and stay there for the calving and breeding season. The calving season is very popular among tourists who want to witness the dance of life and death as predators try to take advantage of young calves and find easy prey.

There are multiple tented camps located in key areas that are perfect for witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania in all its glory.

The Best Accommodation to stay to Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Baobab Mara Luxury Camp

Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps & Lodges

Nimali Mara

Serengeti Sound of Silence Tented Camp

How to plan the Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

After knowing when, where and with whom to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania, the remaining question is how to plain the great wildebeest migration safari

Planning a wildebeest migration safari can take some time, and it is not something that you should take lightly. While we can make this adventure even more magical once you are here, there are still several things you should do before you leave for Tanzania.

Here are some tips on how to plan the wildebeest migration safari

Book Early

Planning and booking a safari is not something you should do on short notice, this rule also applies to any sort of safari and it is especially important during the peak wildebeest migration season from June to October.

This is when most tourists visit Tanzania to witness the migration, which means that camps and lodges fill up fast. Therefore, if you want to see the river crossings, be sure to book your trip early, at least a year in advance.

Know When to Go

There is no shortage of tourists in Tanzania during the peak season, especially in the Serengeti National Park, where most of the migration occurs. If you would like to avoid the crowds, it might be better to consider another time of the year to experience the migration on your own terms, without the hordes of tourists fighting for the best spots.

One of the major advantages of booking a migration safari through Salt Holidays is that our camps are located a bit further away from the hot spots. This allows you to enjoy your safari in a more tranquil environment allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Diversify your experience

Although witnessing the Great Migration is incredibly amazing on its own, there are multiple ways to intensify your safari experience. At Salt Holidays, each safari we offer comes with a list of additional activities you can book to make your trip even more personal.

For more safari planning tips, refer to our complete guide on how to plan your first safari. This article provides you with a better overview of key considerations to keep in mind when planning your safari adventure in Tanzania.

In conclusion – As one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Africa”, the Great Wildebeest Migration is not something to avoid when planning your safari to Tanzania. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be with you forever, and a spectacle that doesn’t disappoint.