The Great Wildebeest Migration - when, where and how

One of the world’s most exhilarating wildlife spectacles, the annual Great Wildebeest Migration sees more than a million wildebeest traverse 3,000 kilometres across Eastern Africa. These lumbering beasts are accompanied by huge numbers of zebra, eland and Thompson’s gazelle, not to mention the opportunistic predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs that follow on their trail.

The Great Wildebeest Migration takes place annually across the magnificent Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, together with a number of other private wildlife reserves and conservancies that hug the Tanzania/Kenya border. The herds move in pursuit of the rains as they search for fresh water and new shoots of grass where they can feed and birth their young. The sheer number of animals moving and the spectacular encounters that result have seen the migration hailed as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”

When and where to Go For Wildebeest Migration

Being in the right place at the right time is essential if you want to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration. But it’s important to keep in mind that as this is a wild, natural event and the movement of the herds does vary slightly each year depending on rainfall patterns.

Generally speaking, the herds begin moving from the grassy plains of the Serengeti and the western highlands of Ngorongoro Conservation Area around April, with momentum building in May. Large columns of zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles can be seen passing through Moru Kopjes and Seronera in the central Serengeti before moving through the Western Corridor’s rock kopjes.

Wildebeest Calving Season Safari

This Safari trip will let you see the migration in their home country and one of the most remarkable segments of the Great Migration:

Great Migration Safari - January to April

Serengeti National ParkTarangire National ParkNgorongoro CraterArusha National Park

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In June they congregate on the banks of the Grumeti River and slowly attempt to cross this crocodile-infested body of water. This is one of the most popular spots for photography, with some visually spectacular “kills” as crocodiles lurch to grab the weakest animals. After crossing the river, some of the animals will head north through the Grumeti Reserve and the Ikorongo Controlled Area during July and August while others will venture east through the open woodlands of the northern Serengeti.

Wildebeest Mating Season Migration Safari

Following the rains in May, the migration animals are in the mood for love. The annual rut (mating season) takes place between May and July, following the rainy season, when the wildebeest can feed on lush, healthy greens.

Great Migration Safari - June to Early July

Serengeti National ParkLake Manyara National ParkTarangire National ParkNgorongoro CraterArusha National Park

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September brings about another river crossing, this time on the mighty Mara River, as the herds cross from the Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here they’ll graze throughout October before making the return journey south through the eastern Serengeti and Loliondo Game Controlled Area, arriving back on the plains of the southern Serengeti in December.

Mighty Mara River Crossing Safari

This 9 days safari tour package will take you to the best places in the northern circuit to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, the one of a kind largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world.

Great Migration Safari - July to October

Serengeti National ParkTarangire National ParkNgorongoro CraterArusha National Park

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While it sounds like a logical, loop-like journey that should be easy to follow, in reality, the herds can spread out significantly and will sometimes even backtrack on themselves. That’s why investing in the services of a local expert is essential, harnessing their on-the-ground knowledge and local connections to track the herds and help you plan an unforgettable adventure experiencing this wildlife phenomenon.

How

While many travellers want to tick the Great Wildebeest Migration off their list, it’s not something you can do as a one-day safari. This once-in-a-lifetime experience should be given at least a few days of your time so you can really get a sense of the movement and the sheer number of animals involved, as well as get up close to all the action.

Accomodation

Serengeti,Tanzania. Serengeti Bushtops From $2800 per person sharing 7 nights + 8 Days Safari

Boasting a majestic setting with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Bushtops is one of the northern region’s most celebrated camps...

When it comes to accommodation, you can base yourself at one of the many permanent lodges that are situated throughout the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve or opt for a Great Wildebeest Migration mobile tented safari. A mobile safari in East Africa follows the migration as it moves throughout the region, allowing you to be right on top of the action each and every day. Wake with the herds right on your doorstep, without the need to travel long distances to find them.

Accomodation

Central, Serengeti Roving Bushtops Tented Camp From $1980 per person sharing 7 nights + 8 Days Safari

Some camps are set in magnificent surroundings but fixed: others offer game viewing on the move, at the expense of five star facilities. As its name implies, Roving Bushtops offers the best of both worlds. Rate start from $790 per person..

While mobile tented safaris do offer a truly immersive experience, you will have to compromise on some of the modern conveniences that are available at permanent lodges. But if you can forego the swimming pool and air-conditioned suite, you’ll still be treated to gourmet cuisine served under the stars and some of the little luxuries that make an East African safari so special.

Accomodation

Masai Mara, Kenya Angama Mara Tented Camp From $1250 per person sharing 7 nights + 8 Days Safari

Welcome to the Real World! A remarkable new safari lodge balanced on the rim of Africa's Great Rift Valley, where the sky melts into the endless plains in a vista so wide it takes your breath away. ..

Remember that the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are on the doorstep of other wildlife destinations worth exploring, including the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Olduvai Gorge where human remains dating back 2.5 million years are on display. After witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, you can also visit the little-visited Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks or discover the fascinating culture of the Masai tribesmen during a village visit.

Accomodation

Central Serengeti One Nature Nyaruswiga Serengeti Tented Camp From $1500 per person sharing 7 nights + 8 Days Safari

Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury at One Nature Nyaruswiga, Serengeti's premier safari camp. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration while indulging in sophisticated comfort...

Planning your Great Wildebeest Migration trip

For nature lovers and wildlife photographers, the Great Wildebeest Migration is an experience that you’ll never forget, provided you time it right. With a little planning and insider knowledge from local safari tour operators, you can put yourself in the middle of all the action while also having time to explore some of East Africa’s other natural and cultural highlights.

Accomodation

Central Serengeti, Tanzania Four Seasons Safari Lodge From $1200 per person sharing 7 nights + 8 Days Safari

Deep within Africa's finest game reserve, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti welcomes you to a sanctuary of Four Seasons comfort. Get up close and intimate with lions, leopards and elephants yet always feel safe and pampered. ..

Want help planning a once-in-a-lifetime safari to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration? Check out our selection of luxury lodges and camps where you can make it happen.

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Topics: Great Wildebeest Migration