The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration
Everything you need to know for an incredible migration safari experience
Throughout the year, huge herds of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and antelopes embark a journey around the Serengeti in Tanzania and into Maasai Mara. The animals follow the pattern of the rains avoiding the waiting predators as they go.
In this article, we have collected everything you need to know about what the Great Migration is, where it takes place, when it can be seen and how you can plan a Great Wildebeest Migration Safari with Explore Eco Safaris.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles and other antelopes between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. On their journey, the animals face predators including lions, cheetahs and Nile crocodiles.
Named as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the Serengeti Migration is undoubtedly one of the most incredible natural occurrences there is. Around 1.5 million wildebeests, 400,000 zebras and 200,000 gazelles follow the rain throughout the year embarking on a relentless migration that moves in a clockwise direction around Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.
How many wildebeest migrate each year?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest take part in the Great Serengeti Migration every year. Around 400,000 of these wildebeest are born during the migration between January and March. There are other herds in the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara that do not migrate.
Why Do the Wildebeest Migrate?
During the Great Serengeti Migration, the wildebeest migrate to follow the rain. The herds move through the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem in search of water and fresh grass, as seasons change during the year they travel in a clockwise direction following the best grazing.
How Far Do Wildebeest Migration?
The approximate route of the Great Serengeti Migration is a 400 – mile loop, the migrating wildebeest do not move in a linear way. However, and so many travel up to 1,500 miles during the year. Sometimes even doubling back on themselves.
How Many Wildebeest Survive the Migration?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest take part in the Serengeti Migration and around 250,000 die each year. Many are killed by predators that follow the migrating animals or fall foul of crocodiles during river crossings. Others die from natural causes like thirst or exhaustion.
What Animals Can I See in the Great Migration?
Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras and 200,000 gazelles migrate each year. During the migration you can see Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelle and other antelopes. Predators to watch out for include lions, cheetahs, hyenas and crocodiles.
Not all of the animals can be seen at once, different species prefer slightly different grazing conditions. So you can expect to find them at slightly different points on their route. The predators tend to be active at certain times of the day, avoiding the full heat of the sun.
River Crossing During the Great Migration
Catching a sight of thousands of animals crashing through the waters of the Mara River is incredible, for many, what the Great Wildebeest Migration is all about. To get to the fertile ground on the other side, they must avoid jaws of the waiting Nile Crocodiles.
River Crossings are an incredible sight but notoriously difficult to predict. The herds arrive at different times each year depending on the rains, sometimes the animals arrive at the bank and cross almost immediately while at other times they may wait or even retreat.
There can be no guarantee that you will see a crossing on your Great Migration Safari, but the best way to maximize your chances is to plan your trip with an experienced team
Where Does the Great Migration Take Place?
The Great African Migration spans the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, the herds trace a roughly clockwise circuit, from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area through the Serengeti National Park over the Mara River and into Kenya before returning south.
The Great Migration Map
The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration: This map of the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya shows the movement of main herds throughout the year, the migration has followed the same pattern for thousands of years but the exact route and timing changes due to a natural weather variations.
Should I see the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?
The Great Wildebeest Migration can be seen from both Tanzania and Kenya, the herds spend most of the year in Tanzania but the dramatic Mara River Crossings can be seen from both Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara in Kenya.
The choice between countries depends on many factors, for personalized expert advice speak to one of our travel designers about what would be best for you.
Highlights of the Great Migration in Kenya
The Migration passes through Kenya’s Maasai Mara between August and October, it is easily accessible from Nairobi and you are perfectly positioned to see the herds crossing the Mara River and to spot the Big Five (lions, buffalo, leopards, elephants and rhino).
Highlights of the Great Migration in Tanzania
The migrating herds spend most of the year in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, from January to March the herds are in the South, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here up to 400,000 calves are born before the herds head west and north towards the Mara River.
On a Great Migration in Tanzania you are likely to be further from the crowds. If planned right you may even be the only party to a river crossing or experience one with just one other vehicle in the area. The camps in Tanzania are often less accessible than those in Kenya, so make sure to speak to one of our travel designers to find out what the best option is for you.
Where are the best river crossings in the Great Migration?
During the Great Migration, the most dramatic river crossings take place across the Mara River in both Kenya and Tanzania. Wildebeests plunge down the banks and cross the waters sometimes in their thousands in hopes of avoiding the jaws of the waiting crocodiles.
Mara River Crossings in the Great Migration
The Mara River flows between Kenya and Tanzania and animals may cross it multiple times on their migration route, usually between August and October. There are several known crossing points where animals team down the craggy banks and forge across the rushing water.
Most of the camps are strategically placed to give visitors the best chance to see a crossing close up.
A part from the Mara River, the wildebeest herds also cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania, the crossings are phenomenal to watch as the river has a large population of Nile crocodiles. Depending on the timing of your trip, this may be a good option.
When is The Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Serengeti Migration is a continuous pattern that progresses through the year, around 400,00 wildebeest are born at the start of the year. The herds then move north crossing the Mara River from August to October before returning south to the plains.
When is the best time to See the Great Migration?
The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration: The Migration is a continuous phenomenon but there are key events through the year, the iconic river crossings take place from August to October and calves are born at the start of the year with up to 8000 born daily during February.
When Can I See a Wildebeest River Crossing?
The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration: River crossings at the Mara River take place from August to October, but there is no guarantee to seeing one. Even if you arrive at Mara River as the herds gather on the bank they might linger for a couple of days before the first wildebeest takes the leap.
How To Plan a Great Migration Safari
The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration: A Great Migration Safari is one of the most spectacular safaris you will ever take in Africa, the migration can be unpredictable however with careful planning. Be sure to have the best chance of being in the right place at the right time.
This is where Explore Eco Safari’s expert travel designers come in. Our team has a wealth of experience planning and executing these trips and we know how to help you get the most of your Great Migration Safari.
We create bespoke luxury safaris crafted for your individual needs and using our own first-hand experience to recommended the locations, lodges and camps that we know you will love
Where Can I Stay to See the Great Migration?
There are a variety of accommodation options in both Tanzania and Kenya.
In Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is easily accessible from Nairobi and there are many luxury permanent camps near the Mara River. In more remote Tanzania seasonal camps are fantastic option.
Choosing Accommodation for the Great Migration
To see the Great Migration you have a choice between permanent and seasonal or mobile camps. Seasonal camps move between different locations throughout the year, following the pattern of the migration. These camps have no permanent buildings but can still be incredibly luxurious and offer a great service.
Because seasonal camps are not permanent structures, they are often best placed to catch the action, we recommend booking into one for at least part of your safari, to see the migration up close and experience the magic of a more traditional safari.
How Can I Make Sure to See a River Crossing?
River crossings during the Great Migration are one of the most dramatic events you will see, wildebeest thunder across the water sometimes by the thousands as predators wait to catch stragglers. The crossings are not predictable, however and there is no guarantee that you will catch one.
The best way to maximize your chances of experiencing these iconic Mara River crossings is to plan your timing and accommodation strategically with one of our expert travel designers. They will be able to advise you on where to stay based on your preferences and time of travel.
Our recommended camps include
Singita Mara Camp
Rekero Camp
Nyasi Migrational Camp
The Great Migration: Month By Month
The Ultimate Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration: The Great Migration is a true representation of the circle of life, the circle continues throughout the year as the herds follow the rains in search of food, water and a safe place to give birth. What you can expect to see varies month by month.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in January, February and March
During the “green season” of January, February and March the migrating herds congregate in the Serengeti where around 400,000 wildebeest are born each year. During peak birth season in February several thousands of calves are born each day. The short nutrient – rich grass keeps the calves safe from predators.
The Great Migration in April and May
By April and May the “long rains” begin and the Great Migration is on the move. The grass has begun to dry out and the herds start to move west and north. They move through the longer grass and towards the Ndoha and Dutwa Plains.
The Great Migration in June and July
In June and July the herds are heading north through the Grumeti Private Reserve towards the Maasai Mara where it is starting to rain. During these months you can see the Great River Crossings, the first for the youngest members are the herd.
The Great Migration in August, September and October
From August until October is when most Mara River Crossings take place and is the peak season for migration safaris. Many of the herds cross the border from Tanzania and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park. They face threats from crocodiles, lions and people.
The Great Migration in November and December
As the year comes to a close, the wildebeest, zebras and antelopes start to move south and curve back into Tanzania, once again following the rain. They head to the area around Ngorongoro and prepare to begin the cycle all over again with birthing season.
