The Wildebeest Migration is a popular safari experience in East Africa, primarily taking place in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The wildebeest migration is one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on the planet, attracting thousands of travelers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. 

What is the Wildebeest Migration?

The wildebeest migration is an annual movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles in search of fresh grazing lands and water. It is a continuous cycle that occurs throughout the year as the herds follow the rains and the growth of new grass. The migration is driven by the need for the animals to find adequate food and water, making it one of the most significant natural events in the world.

When Does the Migration Occur?

The timing of the migration varies each year, depending on the rains and the growth of grass in different regions. Generally, the migration follows the following cycle:

January

At the start of the year, the wildebeests are spread out across the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. This is the calving season, and around 8,000 wildebeests are born each day. The abundance of newborns attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

February

The wildebeest continues to give birth, and the herds start moving towards the Ndutu Plains in the southern Serengeti. The grass here is rich and nutritious, providing much-needed sustenance for the mothers and their young calves.

March

As the rainy season begins, the herds start moving towards the western Serengeti and the Grumeti River. This is a dangerous time for the wildebeest, as they have to cross the crocodile-infested river. Many do not make it, but it is a crucial part of their journey to reach the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara.

April

The herds continue to move north, and by mid-April, they have reached the central Serengeti. The grass here is still green and lush, providing an abundance of food for the wildebeest. This is also the time when the migration splits into smaller groups, making it easier for predators to hunt.

May

The wildebeests start crossing the Grumeti River again on their way to the Maasai Mara. This time, the river is higher and more challenging to cross, making it a spectacle for tourists to witness. The herds reach the western corridor of the Serengeti by the end of the month.

June

The wildebeest finally enters the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and this marks the start of the dry season. The grass here is still green, providing ample food for the herds. This is also the time when the wildebeests start their annual mating season.

July

The herds continue to move north, and by the end of the month, they will have reached the northern Serengeti and the Mara River. This is another dangerous crossing, as the river is full of hungry crocodiles waiting for their next meal.

August

The wildebeest starts to cross the Mara River, a spectacle that draws thousands of tourists each year. The herds then spread out across the Maasai Mara, providing an excellent opportunity for predators to hunt.

September

The wildebeest starts to move back towards the Serengeti as the dry season comes to an end. The herds follow the rain and the fresh grass, and the cycle of the migration begins again.

October

The herds start to gather in the central Serengeti, preparing for their journey back south. This is also the time when the first rains start and the grass begins to grow again.

November

The herds continue to move back towards the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is also the time when the first wildebeest starts giving birth, and the cycle begins again.

December

The wildebeest have reached their starting point, and the cycle of the Great Migration is complete. The herds will continue to give birth and graze in the southern Serengeti until next year when the journey begins again.

What to Expect on a Migration Tour?

A wildebeest migration tour offers an incredible opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon up close. During the peak migration months (June to September), you can witness dramatic river crossings as the herds brave crocodile-infested rivers to reach greener pastures. The tour allows you to see not only the massive herds of wildebeests but also other predators and wildlife that follow the migration, such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and vultures.

Our experienced safari guides will take you on game drives to strategic locations to optimize your chances of witnessing these awe-inspiring moments. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to stay in comfortable safari lodges or tented camps, providing an authentic and immersive experience in the African wilderness.

Book your migration tour.

To experience the wildebeest migration, it’s essential to plan your tour well in advance, especially if you want to visit during the peak months. Contact Precious Safaris, we are familiar with the migration patterns and can provide you with a memorable and safe safari experience. Witnessing the wildebeest migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it remains etched in the memories of travelers as one of the most remarkable natural events on the planet.

5 Facts about Wildebeest

• Wildebeest are highly social animals and live in herds, which can range from a few animals to thousands.
• Wildebeest, also known as gnus, are large antelopes found in the grasslands and savannas of Africa.
• They are herbivores, feeding on grasses and other vegetation, and are an important part of the ecosystem as they help maintain the balance between plant growth and herbivore populations.
• Wildebeest have a distinct appearance with a large, muscular body, a shaggy mane, and curved horns.
• They are also known for their unique behaviour of “pronking,” where they jump up and down with all four legs in the air, believed to be a way to communicate with other herd members.