April 19, 2024

The Great Wildebeest Migration occurs every year, involving millions of wildebeests, zebras, Gazelles and other wildlife. These animals take on an incredible clockwise journey usually starting from the Ngorongoro Conservation area in southern Serengeti.

They move northwards crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers in July – August. This migration is naturally caused by the need for fresh grass, across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

This makes the great migration one of the most sought-after safari experiences in the world.

As the herds traverse vast landscapes in search of fresh grazing areas, they must navigate treacherous river crossings and evade predators lurking in the shadows.

Witnessing this epic migration up close is a truly unforgettable experience, as the sights and sounds of thousands of animals on the move are unlike anything else on Earth.

Join us on a journey through the Serengeti national park, and Masai Mara national reserve. Where nature’s drama unfolds in it’s untamed glory.

Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania: Safari in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park

Witness the incredible great wildebeest migration on a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure in Tanzania and Kenya.
You will experience the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara – a wildlife spectacle like no other.
Discover the wonders of the Serengeti wildebeest migration with over 1.5 million animals on the move.
Join us on a migration safari to witness the iconic great migration. Of wildebeests, Zebras and many other animals following, and crisscrossing the Mara River in Tanzania and Kenya.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual event, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra migrate across east Africa. Moving between the southern Serengeti in Tanzania and the northern Serengeti in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

This massive movement of animals involves crossing the Grumeti River and the Mara River as they search for greener pastures. Visitors to the region can witness this spectacle, with herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the rivers and migrating across the plains of the Serengeti.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a sight to behold, with thousands of wildebeest making their journey in search of food and water. The migration is in fact a circular clockwise route, as the animals will eventually make their way back into the central Serengeti and the western Serengeti.

The Masai Mara and Talek Rivers also play a role in the migration, with the animals braving the waters to continue their journey. This phenomenon is guided by nature, with wildebeest calves following their mothers and herds moving together in a synchronized manner.

During the Great Wildebeest Migration, the herds will travel through various areas. Passing through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The waters of the Mara River can be dangerous, as crocodiles lie in wait for the migrating animals.

For those interested in seeing the migration up close, Our guides are experienced in the Great Migration. They will provide insight into this natural phenomenon. Witnessing the Serengeti Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the beauty and power of nature.

Why do wildebeest migrate?

The Annual Wildebeest migration of over a million wildebeest is a natural phenomenon. It takes place between the Serengeti Plains and Kenya’s Masai Mara. The wildebeest know they must cross the Mara River to reach the lush grazing grounds in the Mara area.

Thousands of wildebeests and zebras bravely attack the dangerous waters, facing crocodiles and strong currents in the process. After crossing the Mara, the animals continue their journey back into the Serengeti, completing their epic trek that spans both countries.

Where to see the Great Migration East Africa

The Great Wildebeest migration mainly occurs in 2 countries in the East African Safari region,

In Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara conservation areas.

The onset of the migration is Usually in Ngorogoro Conservation Area. A crater south of the Serengeti and moves clockwise to the North of Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It continues through out the year, as large herds of wildebeests are on the move to the plains of the Masai Mara and return.

Migration Routes and Timing: Where and when to encounter the migration?

Migration routes and timing: When planning to witness the great migration explained.
It is important to understand the timing of the migration and the best season for the wildebeest movement. The start of the migration typically begins in the grassy plains south of the Serengeti. Where the need for fresh grazing sees the wildebeest start their journey towards the Maasai Mara. This migration route is often seen as the wildebeest funnel, drawing thousands of these animals towards the lush grasslands of the Maasai Mara.

Many people think that the best time to see the migration is during the dry season, when the wildebeest are forced to seek out new feeding grounds.

To truly experience this natural phenomenon, we invite you to come with us on a migration safari and witness the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of wildebeests on the move towards the Maasai Mara.

Here below is the annual wildebeest migration pattern;

January to March: Calving season

At the beginning of the year, there lush grasslands south of the Serengeti with rainfall. For this reason, millions of wildebeests, zebras and other grazers are attracted to move here as the migration finishes the southward trail.

The great migration cycle is continuous as it is the onset of the calving season. Over 500,000 calves are given birth in a month’s yet many of those born ahead of time do not survive.

Honestly there is no actual beginning or end of the migration cycle. Therefore we choose to to call the birth of calves the start of the cycle. The plains in Ngorongoro conservation area are rich in palatable grass during this time, hence the best conditions newborn calves to grow.

In February, the herds tend to concentrate in the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater. As well as the areas near Olduvai Gorge.

April to May: Rutting Season

In April, wildebeests migrate northwest to the central Serengeti, joined by zebras and gazelles alike. By May, start to gather near the Moru Kopjes at the onset of the mating season. Male wildebeests engage in head-to-head battles, through the migration is one of the amazing displays.

The journey continues leisurely with grazing along the way for wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle.

In May the migration slowly pick momentum as the animals move to the western corridor, here they cross the grummet river.

While this may not be as dramatic as the Mara crossings, the herds gather in large numbers along the riverbanks.

May, being low season, safaris during this time offer value with fewer tourists but excellent wildlife sightings

June to July: The Grumeti River Crossing

At the onset of the high season in June, the wildebeest gather in the Western Serengeti and along the southern banks of River Grumeti. Here they face challenging crocodile-infested river crossings.

In July, the herds of wildebeests move northward along the park’s western border, braving the treacherous Mara River crossings. These sightings often starting in July, which marks the start of the peak season.

By the end of July, only animals that have successfully crossed the Mara River, will be found in the Masai Mara in Kenya. During this time, daily river crossings can be witnessed at the Mara and Talek rivers.

August to October: The Mara River Crossing Spectacle

By August, the herds scatter across the northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Despite varying river conditions, the crossing is very challenging. This leads to significant loss of life to predators which await on both sides of the river.

The the exhausted animals, the sick the young and the unlucky ones do not survive. Crossings vary from clusters of a few individuals to some times large herds crossing, lasting hours.

As October arrives, the major frenzy has subsided and the herds of migrating animals have started heading towards the east.

Nonetheless, the animals will face the formidable Mara River once more as they traverse it on their way back to the south.

November to December: On the move

East Africa receives short rains towards the end of October and the November. After which the wildebeests migrate from the grasslands of the Masai mara in Kenya. Crossing to the eastern areas of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Including the Namiri Plains which are renowned for exceptional sightings of the cheetahs.

By December, the wildebeest population disperses across the eastern and southern parts of the Serengeti..

Where to stay for The Great Migration Tanzania and Kenya

Great Migration Safari: For an unforgettable experience of the Great Migration Tanzania, it is essential to choose the right accommodation. One of the best places to stay for the Great Migration is the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. This area is located north of the Serengeti and is known for its spectacular crossings of the Mara River. The Masai Mara Migration is part of the annual migration, where thousands of wildebeest move from the plains of the southern Serengeti into the Masai Mara.

The Greater Masai Mara region offers a prime vantage point to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa. The best places to stay are lodges by the river Grumeti and the Mara river. Some of these include; Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas, Nyasi Migrational Camp, Lamai Serengeti, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp, Asilia Olakira Migration Camp and many others.

While in the Mara Kenya; Angama Mara Camp, Bateleur Camp, Sanctuary Olonana, Governors’ Il Moran Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Sand River Masai Mara, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Little Governor’s Camp, and many others.

In June at the onset of the migration, accommodation in southern Serengeti is ideal, while those in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara are ideal in July-August season.

However Migration camps are an added advantage as they follow along the animals on the move. Following the Wildebeest Funnel, crossing the rivers in July and August. As they migrate from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

For the best experience, consider getting in touch with our experts to start planning you safari. They will chose the best accommodation depending on the season, for you to be able to witness the migration up close.

How to Plan for a Wildebeest Migration Safari?

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara and Serengeti for the great migration

The best time to visit Masai Mara and Serengeti for the great migration, to watch the awe-inspiring wildebeest herds during peak season.

Consider planning your trip between July and October. Stay at camps in the Serengeti from June to August as you witness the herds make their way towards the Masai Mara. Yet staying in the Mara is ideal July to October if you intend to go on a migration safari.

Tips for Watching River Crossings

1. Stay Safe: Be cautious and avoid getting too close to the water’s edge. Dangerous predators are in the area awaiting for meal.

2. Use Binoculars: Bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the animals crossing the river without disturbing them.

3. Be Patient: River crossings can take time to occur, so be prepared to wait for the animals to make their move.

4. Respect the Environment: Remember to respect the animals and their natural habitat, observing from a distance and not interfering with their movements is ideal.