Experience the Majestic Wildebeest Migration
Each year, the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place, as immense herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. With over two million animals on the move, this incredible journey unfolds across the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems, where they seek lush pastures in a mesmerizing, synchronized pattern. It’s a spectacle that stands as one of the greatest marvels in the natural world.
Year-Round Migration in Serengeti
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round event in Tanzania. The herds follow a circular route within Serengeti National Park, making it a continuous spectacle. Let’s delve into where you can witness these magnificent creatures at different times of the year.
Seasonal Highlights
July – October: Witness the Drama of River Crossings
During this period, the wildebeest grace the northern Serengeti plains. It’s the ideal time to witness thousands of them crossing the Mara River, a breathtaking and dramatic spectacle. Many consider this the peak time for observing the migration.
December – March: Experience the Miracle of Calving Season
From December to March, the wildebeest gather in the southern region of the Serengeti, particularly in Ndutu within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is their calving season and, coupled with river crossings, offers a unique opportunity to see the herds congregating on the sweeping plains of the south. February, in particular, is the best time to witness the massive herds during calving season.
The Rest of the Year: Transitional Periods
In November, April, May, and June, the migration is in transition. These months, with their varying rain patterns, lead to dispersed herds across the Serengeti. You’ll encounter fewer massive herds during these months compared to the prime times of July – October and December – March.
Why Do They Migrate?
The wildebeest undertake their epic migration to follow the rainfall and access greener pastures. From December to March, their journey begins in the Southern Serengeti’s Ndutu region, and they zigzag according to rainfall. Their unpredictability makes it challenging to pinpoint their exact location at any given time.
Witness One of Africa’s Most Extraordinary Events
The annual migration of one and a half million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and other antelope species, is a truly extraordinary event. These animals follow a clockwise route through the Serengeti, chasing the rains for the richest grazing lands. Their 500-kilometer journey is fraught with danger, as predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles lurk. It’s a spectacle of unmatched beauty.
Throughout the Year: Tanzania’s Continuous Presence
Tanzania hosts the wildebeest herds all year round. However, for a short period, some herds venture into Kenya. This window is from July to October when they cross the Mara River between Kogatende and the Lamai wedge in Tanzania, occasionally venturing into the Masai Mara in Kenya. The famous river crossings are most likely observed in Tanzania, where you’ll also find fewer tourists during each crossing.
Explore the Wildebeest’s Migration Route
Take a look at our migration map along the Tanzania/Kenya border and the path of the Mara River through both countries. It’s a common misconception that the river serves as a border, but as our map reveals, this is not the case. The wildebeest primarily crosses between Kogatende and the Lamai Wedge in Tanzania or from the Masai Mara into the Masai Mara in Kenya.
For a True Migration Experience: Choose Mobile Camps
To immerse yourself in the heart of the Great Migration, consider booking one of the renowned mobile camps in the Serengeti. These camps relocate several times a year to align with the herds’ movements, ensuring you’re close to the action.
Two mobile camps, in particular, stand out: Nomad Tanzania’s Serengeti Safari Camp and &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas. These camps are truly mobile, following the herds year-round, and they are your best bet for an authentic migration experience. Additionally, camps like Alex Walker’s Serian, Asilia’s Olakira, Ubuntu, and Kimondo move twice a year and offer exceptional mobile operations from July to November and December through March, while they are closed for the rest of the year.
If mobile camping isn’t your style, the Serengeti boasts permanent lodges that provide all the comforts you need and offer excellent locations to witness the herds during your Tanzania safari. Consider the movement of the herds and the best permanent lodges to stay at during each season.
The Annual Wildebeest Migration: Month by Month
December to March: The Miracle of Calving
During this period, the Serengeti Migration congregates in the southern Serengeti, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This time marks the calving season, where the herds spread out extensively, creating a breathtaking sight. Notable lodges for this season include Ndutu Lodge, Kusini, and Asilia’s Dunia Camp.
April to May: Rainy Season Trek
April and May bring the rainy season to Tanzania. The wildebeest migration moves north into the southern Serengeti plains, with some front runners extending to the Western Corridor and the park’s center at Seronera. Notable accommodations for this period include Asilia’s Dunia Camp and central Serengeti hotels like Serena and Sopa. Early herds may venture as far as the Grumeti River Camp, Kirawira, and Mbalageti Lodge in the Western Corridor.
June and July: Mating Season
June marks the mating season for the wildebeest, with herds spreading from the Western Corridor through the heart of the park. Some head west into the Western Corridor and cross the Grumeti River, while others journey northward through Seronera, Lobo, and up to the Bologonja River area near the eastern border. Herds can be found in various locations during this time, with splinter herds covering vast areas in their quest for fresh grass. Notable accommodations include Grumeti River Camp, Faru Faru, Sasakwa, Sabora, Singita Explore, Mbalageti Lodge, Kirawira, and Migration Camp in the Northern Lobo area.
August through October: The Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
From August to October, the herds inhabit the Northern Serengeti at Kogatende and venture into Kenya’s Masai Mara. River crossings are frequent and occur daily in this region. With significantly fewer tourists than the Mara, Kogatende offers an exceptional experience. The herds, guided by local rainfall, move in various directions, making this an excellent time to witness the migration.
It is time to TRAVEL!
The wildebeest migration is as unpredictable as it is mesmerizing. It depends on rainfall, making it challenging to predict their location with certainty. While choosing a camp in the right area for the time of year increases your chances of seeing the herds, there are no guarantees. Witnessing this incredible phenomenon is a matter of being in the right place at the right time and embracing the untamed spirit of the wildebeest.
