Wildebeest Migration
Also called the Great Migration, it is one of the most exciting natural wonders of the world.
The Wildebeest Migration is an ever-moving cycle in which over 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by large numbers of zebras and gazelles, migrate between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water.
Every year, with the changing of the season, the Serengeti Masai Mara ecosystem sees over 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate through the Serengeti and Masai Mara in search of food and water. The herds move in a clockwise circle and cover around 2,000 kilometres from the southern expanse of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro conservation area over the border of Kenya to the Maasai Mara, back down to south Serengeti. During this time, they give birth in brave crocodile-infested waters and fend off hungry predators like lions, cheetahs and leopards.
It is the world’s largest and furthest migration of land mammals, and this natural phenomenon is listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Best Time to See The Migration In The Serengeti?
The great wildebeest migration takes place throughout the year. As the seasons change, the wildebeest continually seeks fresh grazing and water. It generally follows a similar, relatively predictable path. The precise timing of the wildebeest migration depends on the yearly rainfall patterns.
The Wildebeest Migration Cycle
Find herewith a very general breakdown of more or less where the herds are during the year, bearing in mind that the entire migration is triggered by rain, which can be early, late or “on time”.
We’ve been planning migration safaris since 2004 and have the experience to put you in the best place at the time of travel for the best migration tours and experiences!
The grass in these areas is highly nutritious, making it the ideal feeding grounds. February is the calving season, and you can witness approximately 400,000 wildebeest calves delivered throughout a few weeks.
The migration moves through the central Serengeti and towards the west during this time. This is a beautiful time to travel with very few people around at this time of the year. May is the time of the annual rut, with half a million Wildebeest mates in less than a month.
The migration moves northwest through the Serengeti, reaching the crocodile-infested Grumeti River, where the crocodiles wait for an easy meal.
Wildebeest gather at the Mara River in their tens of thousands, waiting to cross. For days, their numbers build, and anticipation grows. But often, they turn and wander away from the water’s edge for no apparent reason.
During this time, the wildebeest regularly cross the Mara River, moving between the Northern Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
October, when the first of the short rains are falling on the Serengeti’s short grass plains, the wildebeest starts heading south again. The herds trek down through the eastern woodlands of the Serengeti, some 90% of the cows heavy with the new season’s young. The wildebeest start arriving back at the Southern Serengeti in December.
The migration is rarely precisely the same regarding timing and direction, as local conditions influence grass growth. Thus, the wildebeest may move off the open plains earlier in some years and remain in the northern woodlands for longer in others.
Why Explore Plus for Your Migration Safari?
- With our wildebeest migration safaris, we aim to position you in the best location within the Serengeti, based on your travel date.
- We offer unlimited kilometres, offering you the benefit of game drives from sunrise to sunset!
- Our experienced guides are permanently employed and have a true understanding of the migration and a wealth of knowledge about the area.
- Most importantly, we use a fleet of high-end safari vehicles. Each of our vehicles undergo an extensive pre-safari inspection to ensure the safety of our clients and thereby guaranteeing the service quality of our ground operations. Our safari vehicles take up to 6 clients in 3 rows of seating (guaranteed window seat for all) with a pop-up roof, that can raise for wildlife viewing.
eXplore Plus Travel & Tours ensure the ultimate safari experience!
*** It is important to note that while the migration follows the same route each year, the precise timing of the migration is entirely dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns.
TANZANIA SAFARIS
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration
