The Great wildebeest migration safari in Serengeti
The Serengeti wildebeest migration is one of nature's most amazing sights, often called "The Greatest Show on Earth." It’s a long journey where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, move across the wide plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This migration follows a circular path, driven by rainfall and the search for fresh grass, attracting visitors from all over the world. This guide will help you plan your trip to see this incredible event.
Understanding the Wildebeest Migration
What is the Migration?
The Serengeti wildebeest migration is a natural event that unfolds over the course of the year. It is driven by the instinctual need for the wildebeest and other herbivores to find fresh pasture and water. The migration is a continuous journey that covers approximately 1,800 miles, as the animals move in a circular pattern through the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania and into the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
The migration is not just about wildebeest; it also involves over 200,000 zebras and 400,000 gazelles. These animals travel together in search of food and water, and their movement plays a crucial role in the Serengeti’s ecosystem. The migration also attracts a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles, making it a dynamic and thrilling wildlife spectacle.
An Overview of the Annual Wildebeest Migration: the best times to visit The Wildebeest in Tanzania
-
January to March (Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti)
From January to March, the wildebeest herds settle in the southern Serengeti, particularly in the Ndutu Plains, which lie on the edge of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region offers lush grazing opportunities after the short rains, making it an ideal location for the wildebeest to give birth. During this time, more than 500,000 calves are born, with February being the peak of the calving season. The abundance of newborns attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, resulting in intense predator-prey interactions. Although life is precarious for the young wildebeest, the sheer number of births ensures that most calves survive. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is a fantastic time to visit, as the chances of witnessing dramatic hunts and the beginning of new life are high. The open plains, teeming with life, create unforgettable safari experiences.
-
April to May (The Herds Start Moving North)
As the wet season comes to an end, the wildebeest begin their long journey northward. April and May see the herds moving from the southern plains to the central Serengeti, passing through Seronera. This area is known for its excellent wildlife viewing year-round, and during this period, visitors can enjoy sightings of the migration alongside many other resident animals. The rainy season also keeps the crowds at bay, offering a more peaceful safari experience. Though travel can be more challenging due to muddy roads, it’s a rewarding time for those looking for great photographic opportunities of vast wildebeest columns making their way across the Serengeti’s dramatic landscapes. The green scenery adds to the beauty of the experience, and while river crossings haven't yet begun, the sheer number of animals on the move is awe-inspiring.
-
June (Grumeti River Crossing)
By June, the migration reaches the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, where the Grumeti River presents the first significant water obstacle for the herds. The Grumeti River is not as wide or dramatic as the Mara River, but it is home to large Nile crocodiles, which lie in wait for the crossing wildebeest. The Grumeti crossings provide a more intimate and less crowded alternative to the famous Mara River crossings, making it a great option for travelers looking to avoid peak tourist times. As the herds move through the western Serengeti, the landscape shifts from open plains to woodland, adding variety to the safari experience. June is also the beginning of the dry season, which ensures better travel conditions and more reliable wildlife sightings around water sources as animals congregate to drink.
-
July to August (Mara River Crossing)
July and August are the months when the migration reaches its most famous and dramatic stage: the Mara River crossing. The Mara River, located in the northern Serengeti and forming part of the border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara, is renowned for the heart-stopping spectacle of thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving the strong currents and waiting crocodiles. These crossings are the most iconic moments of the Great Migration, drawing visitors from all over the world. During this time, the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara become hotspots for safari-goers, eager to witness the perilous crossings and the survival struggles of the herds. The sheer unpredictability of the crossings—timed by the wildebeest’s instinct and not the clock—makes it all the more thrilling. Aside from the river crossings, the northern Serengeti offers fantastic game viewing with abundant wildlife and fewer crowds compared to the Maasai Mara.
-
September to October (Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara)
As the herds settle into the lush northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara during September and October, the migration enters a less frantic but equally spectacular phase. The wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles spread out across the plains, enjoying the plentiful grazing. While some river crossings still occur, they are not as intense as in July and August. This period provides visitors with excellent game viewing opportunities as the animals are more dispersed, and the scenery is stunning. Predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas, are still actively hunting, and the open landscape allows for great photographic moments. One advantage of visiting during these months is the slightly smaller crowds compared to the peak Mara River crossing season, allowing for a more relaxed safari experience. In both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, camps and lodges offer luxurious accommodations and a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows.
-
November (Return South)
By November, the short rains begin, signaling the start of the herds’ return journey southward. The wildebeest begin moving from the northern Serengeti back toward the central and eastern plains, following the rains and the promise of fresh grazing. The migration is more spread out during this time, but the central Serengeti still offers excellent game viewing. The scenery begins to turn green again as the rains rejuvenate the land, creating picturesque landscapes for photography. November is also considered a shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists, more affordable rates, and a more peaceful safari experience. For those wanting to avoid the crowds and still see part of the migration, this is a wonderful time to visit.
-
December (Southern Serengeti)
By December, the herds have completed their circular migration and return to the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu Plains. The landscape is green and rich in nutrients, setting the stage for the next calving season, which begins in the early months of the new year. The wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, prepare for another cycle of life as the females are heavily pregnant, and predators once again begin to gather in anticipation of the calving. December is an excellent time to visit the southern Serengeti, as the plains are teeming with wildlife, and the area is less crowded compared to the peak river crossing months. The rains enhance the beauty of the landscape, and the vast herds grazing against the backdrop of lush plains create a stunning, tranquil safari experience.
Great Migration Safari Holidays: where to stay for The Great Migration Tanzania
If you want to experience the heart of the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, the best option is to book one of the Serengeti's well-known mobile camps. These camps are set up in different locations throughout the year and usually move two or three times, depending on where the herds are at that time.
Two mobile camps stand out for their dedication to following the herds: Nomad Tanzania's Serengeti Safari Camp and &Beyond's Serengeti Under Canvas. These are considered truly mobile camps, always located near or among the herds as they move through multiple locations each year, more than most other mobile camps.
Other excellent mobile camps like Alex Walker's Serian, Asilia's Olakira, Ubuntu, and Kimondo move twice a year, offering a great safari experience from July to November, and from December to March. These camps are closed during the rest of the year.
If mobile camps seem too adventurous for you, the Serengeti also has permanent lodges that offer comfort and a good location to see the herds during your Tanzania safari. Here is an overview of the herds' movements and the best permanent lodges to stay at during different times of the year.
Our Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages
Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Wildebeest Migration
1. What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Migration is an annual, circular journey of millions of wildebeest and other ungulates (zebras, gazelles) through the Serengeti in Tanzania and into the Masai Mara in Kenya. The wildebeest follow the seasonal rains, which provide fresh grass for grazing. It is a continuous journey that is driven by survival—the animals are constantly on the move, searching for food, water, and breeding grounds.
2. When does the migration take place?
The migration is a year-round event, but different stages occur at different times of the year. The movement of the herds is tied to the region’s rain patterns. The typical timeline is as follows:
- January to March: The herds gather in the southern Serengeti plains and the Ndutu region, where they give birth to hundreds of thousands of calves. This is the calving season, and it is a great time for witnessing newborn animals, as well as the predators that are drawn to this abundant source of food. This is also a prime time for photography, as the wide-open plains and baby wildebeests create stunning scenes.
- April to June: As the dry season approaches, the herds begin moving northwards through the central Serengeti and into the Western Corridor, heading toward the Grumeti River. This period is marked by dramatic rainstorms, and the landscape is lush with grass, perfect for grazing. The herds tend to form long lines that stretch across the plains, a breathtaking sight.
- July to October: This is the most famous and dramatic part of the migration, with the herds attempting to cross the Grumeti River and later the Mara River in the northern Serengeti and into the Masai Mara in Kenya. These river crossings are fraught with danger, as large numbers of wildebeest often die due to drowning, exhaustion, or falling prey to waiting crocodiles. Watching the migration at the Mara River crossing is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. Thousands of wildebeest will brave the rushing waters, and only the strongest will survive.
- November to December: After spending a few months in the fertile Masai Mara during the rainy season, the herds begin their journey back to the southern Serengeti. By December, they return to the plains where the cycle starts all over again with the calving season in January.
3. What is the best time to witness the river crossings?
The river crossings are one of the migration’s highlights and typically occur between July and October, depending on rainfall and the movement of the herds. The Mara River crossing, in particular, is a dramatic scene, as the wildebeest face powerful currents and the threat of crocodiles. However, it's important to note that river crossings are unpredictable. Timing is crucial, and while it can be hit-or-miss, many visitors spend multiple days near the river to increase their chances of witnessing a crossing.
4. Why do the wildebeest migrate?
The primary reason the wildebeest migrate is to follow the rains and find fresh grasslands for grazing. As the dry season approaches, the herds must move to areas with more abundant food and water sources. The migration is a natural response to seasonal changes in the ecosystem, and it has been occurring for centuries. This constant search for sustenance is crucial for their survival, especially since their population is so large.
5. What wildlife can I see during the Great Migration?
In addition to the wildebeest, the migration includes large numbers of zebras, gazelles, and elands, which travel with the herds. The migration also attracts many predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles, all of which follow the herds, seeking easy prey. Other animals commonly seen include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various bird species.