THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
one of the most coveted experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. This remarkable natural phenomenon involves the continuous movement of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
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one of the most coveted experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. This remarkable natural phenomenon involves the continuous movement of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on Earth, showcasing the largest animal movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Over 1.2 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebra, and numerous gazelles embark on an arduous journey in search of sustenance—grass and water—across vast distances of 800 to 1,000 kilometers. Their path stretches from the Serengeti through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Masai Mara in Kenya and back. This relentless quest for survival is fraught with dangers, as predators lay in wait, ready to target the vulnerable members of the herd.
The migration follows a cyclical rhythm, driven by environmental cues such as rainfall and the growth of fresh grass, with the animals demonstrating remarkable instinctual navigation. While the precise mechanisms guiding their journey remain unclear, it is believed they may even sense distant thunderstorms, a testament to their heightened sensitivity to their surroundings. Along the way, the herds leave behind a trail of grazed vegetation, symbolizing their synchronized movement and grazing habits. This ongoing cycle of survival highlights the resilience and adaptability of wildlife as they navigate the challenges of predators, treacherous river crossings, and the constant pursuit of greener pastures.
The Great Migration from January to March (calving season)
Each January, the migration completes its southward journey along the Serengeti’s eastern edge, reaching the nutrient-rich plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This area’s grasslands offer ideal conditions for wildebeests as they enter their calving season, making it the perfect setting for nurturing newborn calves.
While the migration is an endless cycle without a true start or finish—aside from birth and death—many consider the calving season a natural beginning of the journey. By late January or February, the herds gather on the short grass plains across the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge. Within just two to three weeks, about 400,000 calves are born—nearly 8,000 calves each day. With so many vulnerable young calves, predator activity surges as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the easy prey.Â
The Great Migration in April and May (mating season)
After the birthing season peaks in February and March, the wildebeest herds begin their journey northwest around April, moving toward the fresh grass of the central Serengeti. They are joined by thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelope in this remarkable migration. By May, vast columns of wildebeest stretch for kilometers, gradually congregating around the Moru Kopjes. As the mating season begins in late May, male wildebeest can often be seen sparring in head-to-head battles, while the herds continue their leisurely pace, grazing as they migrate.
The momentum builds as the herds gather in Serengeti’s Western Corridor, where they prepare to cross the Grumeti River. Here, wildebeest numbers surge along the river’s pools and channels, and they must navigate these waters to continue their migration. Although this crossing may not match the dramatic Mara River crossings in fame, the large numbers of wildebeest still make it a spectacle—and a feast for the river’s resident crocodiles. May also bring an additional benefit: it is low season in the Serengeti, offering excellent wildlife viewing with fewer tourists, making this a fantastic time for those seeking value and an intimate safari experience.
The Great Migration in June and July (River Crossing)
In June, as the dry season begins, vast herds of wildebeest gather in the Western Serengeti and along the southern banks of the Grumeti River. Each animal in the migration faces its first significant challenge: crossing the crocodile-laden river, marking the start of many tense and formidable river encounters.
As June transitions into July, the immense herds of wildebeest and zebra press onward, traveling north along the park’s western edge toward an even greater obstacle—the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. The Mara River crossings, anticipated each year, are among the most exhilarating wildlife spectacles on Earth. Typically starting in July’s high season, these crossings are a breathtaking reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
By July, the herds are often found in the Northern Serengeti, where they gather before attempting the perilous crossing. Later in the month, those that successfully traverse the Mara River also appear in the Masai Mara. Here, visitors can witness daily crossings at both the Mara and Talek rivers, scenes that are central to the drama and beauty of the migration.
The Great Migration: August to October
In August, the herds have typically crossed the Mara River, spreading across Kenya’s northern Masai Mara and the northern reaches of Tanzania’s Serengeti. When the river is at its strongest, powerful currents and lurking predators create a deadly mix, leading to high losses for the migrating animals. Even in calmer sections, crocodiles claim their share, while lions and other predators lie in wait along the banks, ready to ambush any wildebeest that makes it across. Crossings range widely, from a few animals braving the waters to massive, unbroken lines moving for hours.
As September and October approach, the peak of the crossing activity tapers off, with the herds gradually moving eastward. Yet, they must eventually face the Mara River once more to begin their southward journey.
The Great Migration: November to December
With the short rains of late October and early November, the herds begin moving southward from Kenya, entering the eastern Serengeti, the hotspot for spectacular cheetah sightings. By December, the herds spread across the eastern and southern Serengeti.
As the new year nears, rains transform the southern Serengeti’s grasslands, inviting vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras, and other plains animals. This marks the beginning of the calving season and the start of another awe-inspiring cycle in the Great Migration.
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The Great Migration is a year-round event. However, specific highlights occur throughout the year, such as calving season from January to March, rutting season in April and May, and the popular river crossings between June and October. The herds begin their journey south again in November and December. Travelers seeking to witness river crossings should plan for July to September, while those interested in calving can aim for early in the year.
No, river crossings are observed in multiple locations as part of the migration path, particularly at the Mara and Sand Rivers. These crossings primarily occur as the herds travel between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, with movement based on rainfall patterns and grazing availability. The crossing points depend on the season and the movement of the herds.
The Great Migration includes an estimated 1.3 million wildebeest, 300,000 zebras, and many gazelles that follow the rain in search of fresh grazing land. Additionally, predators such as lions, crocodiles, and other big cats follow the herds, making for intense and dramatic encounters. Various other species, like elephants and antelopes, may also interact with the migration as they move across the plains.
The river crossings are driven by the need for food and survival. Wildebeest instinctively follow rain patterns, which bring fresh grazing opportunities. Despite the dangers posed by crocodiles, swift currents, and steep banks, these animals undertake the crossing to reach richer grazing areas, essential for sustaining the herds’ health and numbers.
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While observing the migration, visitors are often able to get quite close to the herds from designated viewing areas or safari vehicles. Experienced guides and strict regulations ensure safe distances to protect both animals and people. Camps and lodges near key migration routes allow travelers to witness these events safely, sometimes even directly from their accommodations.
