Wildebeest Migration – An Epic Journey

January 

The herds are moving south from Serengeti National Park in the north-east region of Tanzania into the area close to Lake Ndutu. They are free to roam the plains of the Serengeti, where they can find grazing since it’s not a fenced area.

Keep in mind that despite the Serengeti Migration consisting of up to two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope, they are not all congregated in one herd. Mega-herds of thousands or hundreds of animals separate and disperse across the plains.

February to March

This is the calving season, with an estimated 8,000 or more wildebeest calves born each day (400,000 calves within a period of two to three weeks)! So, get ready for lots of shaky calves and heartbreak as terrifying predators close in.

Despite the fact that this migratory circuit has no actual beginning or finish other than birth and death, it seems logical to refer to the wildebeests’ birthing season as the migration’s beginning.

In late January or early February, the vast herds move into the short-grass savannah plains surrounding Olduvai Gorge and the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands.

Big cats dominate the Serengeti, but jackals that hit-and-run, hyena clans, and wild dog packs also contribute to the display. The circle of life played out as a live-action drama is a bittersweet ballad to witness.

The herds feed agitatedly and remain on the southern plains of the Serengeti if the brief wet season between November and December yields excellent grazing until they slowly begin moving west in March.

April

The long rains start in April or May, and the vast herds generally move north-west towards the Moru and Simba Kopjes. At the same time, it is the breeding season associated with testosterone-fueled jousts between males competing for the right to mate with receptive females.

May

Wagons roll! The enormous herds begin moving, and as the ungulates funnel up into the center of the Serengeti, massive columns up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) in length form. The calves are picking up speed, and everyone’s moving a little quicker now.

June

The ungulates are normally staged in the central Serengeti, getting ready for the most challenging part of their odyssey. Some herds are splitting up and are already crossing the Grumeti River.

July

The ungulates have reached the Grumeti region and north Serengeti and are peering closely at the treacherous waters of the Mara River they have to cross into Kenya. Why? Notoriously huge Nile crocodiles lie in wait!

As was previously said, it is impossible to anticipate with any degree of accuracy when a river crossing will occur because it depends only on the rain and the frequently unpredictable wildebeest.

To cut down on travel time to lookout locations on your wildebeest migration safari, we recommend booking up to a year in advance to get a lodge as close to the river as possible.

Alternatively, you can choose a mobile safari camp that moves with the migration to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time. There are known crossing points for the wildebeest, and you may need to set up camp for days in order to catch a glimpse of this epic phenomenon.

August

Most people agree that August is the best month to witness the impressive river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara. You should, however, note that you’ll need a passport to cross into Kenya; the wildebeest are exempt. For a more private safari experience, we recommend heading for the private conservancies that are adjacent to the reserve, as Masai Mara is open to the general public.

September

Not all the wildebeest migrate into Kenya, so the herds break up into smaller groups. In the northern Serengeti, fewer than half of the animals are still present; the others are swapping war stories in the Masai Mara.

So, you could still see wildebeest in the Serengeti, although not in the vast herds. As it always is, the Masai Mara is the more convenient place to witness the migration in September.

October

The Masai Mara remains your best option, but keep in mind that it is a much smaller reserve than the Serengeti and that there can be a lot of other visitors there. You may still witness the Great Migration at the nearby private conservancies because they are far less crowded, and by doing so, you’ll be directly benefiting the Maasai communities who have lived there for generations.

The private conservancies usually offer night drives, walking safaris, and off-road game viewing—activities that are not permitted in the national reserve.

November

The beginning of the short rains has caused the wildebeest to return to the Serengeti after leaving the now-depleted grass of the Masai Mara. Remember that rain is unpredictable and may come early or late.

The herds are typically moving, but they can be spotted in the Serengeti’s north-eastern regions, where they may separate into smaller groups on their journey south.

Note: Although many people think of Africa as a hot place, the rain can significantly reduce temperatures. You’ll be out on early morning and late afternoon game drives when the sun is at its weakest. Bring at least one pair of mud-resistant closed shoes, a fleece or waterproof jacket, and at least one pair of pants.

December

The ungulates move back south for fresh grazing, covering the northern and eastern Serengeti to feast and prepare for yet another death-defying, 3 000 km (1 900 mi) annual trek.