Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

How does the Serengeti Great Migration Work?

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a true spectacle of nature that captures the essence of survival and the beauty of life.

Key Highlights of the Great Migration

• The Great Migration begins in the southern Serengeti with the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves, igniting a season of new life.
• As dry season approaches in May, the herds head north to the lush Masai Mara, feasting on fresh grass along their way.
• Dangerous river crossings challenge the herds, with crocodiles lurking in the waters, ready to pounce.
• The Serengeti National Park is home to Africa’s largest lion population, which thrives during the migration by hunting the moving herds.
• The cycle concludes as the wildebeest return to the Serengeti with the start of the short rains in late October, rejuvenating their calving grounds by December.

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a dynamic event that sustains the entire ecosystem and supports a variety of wildlife. This annual journey represents nature’s relentless cycle and offers a deep dive into the raw, untamed life of these resilient animals.

Every element, from perilous river crossings to dramatic predator encounters, adds depth to this exciting Safari in Tanzania experience.

What Happens When in Serengeti Wildebeest Migration?

In this section, we have a detailed guide that explores the migration’s timing and pattern, influenced by rainfall and predator-prey dynamics. This detailed month-by-month breakdown provides a glimpse of what to expect during this incredible wildlife event.

December to April - The Calving Season

During these months, visitors to the Serengeti National Park are treated to the incredible sight of the wildebeest calving season. This phase starts off in the lush, grassy plains southeast of Seronera, extending to the Ndutu area near the Ngorongoro Crater. Triggered by the short rains in November and December, the area becomes a bustling nursery.

• The vast plains of Serengeti National Park turn into calving grounds where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth.
• The concentration of newborns attracts numerous predators, making it a prime time for observing natural wildlife interactions.
• February is one of the Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Serengeti Safaris, as the landscape is lush and teeming with newborn wildlife.
• Towards the end of this period, typically by March or April, the herds may begin moving in search of fresh grazing lands, following the end of the long rains in April or early May.

This time of year, offers the most picturesque views of the Serengeti Safaris, providing guests with a front-row seat to the dramatic, early stages of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

May to July - The Trek Begins

During these months, the Serengeti come alive as wildebeest rejuvenated by the abundant grasses of the southeastern plains start their arduous journey. This marks the beginning of a long migration northwards, spanning about 800 kilometres.

• Post calving, the herds bulk up on the lush short grasses, gearing up for the long trek ahead.
• The migration typically kicks off between late April and early June, presenting a spectacle of over a million animals moving in a massive, organized column that can stretch up to 40 kilometres.
• As the wildebeest heads towards the Western Corridor, they encounter the Grumeti River, a formidable barrier where many fall prey to large crocodiles lying in wait.
• Before attempting the perilous river crossing, the herds often gather on the southern banks, pausing for up to two weeks in preparation.

This period gives a breathtaking view of the migration which you should enjoy on Safaris in Tanzania.  It displays nature’s raw beauty and the stark realities of survival as the herds navigate their first major obstacle on their monumental journey.

August to September - Mara River Crossings

During these months, the migration sees the herds move northward, facing the challenging Mara River crossing.

• The Mara River Crossings usually happen in July or August. The Mara River, filled with crocodiles, presents a dramatic and dangerous hurdle for the migrating herds.
• This event is famous for offering stunning visuals that attract photographers from around the world.
• Most of the wildebeest migrate into Kenya's Masai Mara, making sightings in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park less common during this time.
• About half of the wildebeest remain on the Tanzanian side, often crossing the Mara River back and forth without clear reason.

This period in the Tanzania Safari calendar can be fascinating, especially in the Mara Serengeti area where smaller herds continue to move unpredictably, providing unique wildlife-watching experiences away from the larger crowds. 

October to November - The Return Journey

As the Serengeti wildebeest migration turns back south, the wildebeest face another crossing of the Mara River, usually in October, initiating their return to Tanzania.

• The return happens in early October. The wildebeest navigates back across the Mara River, heading towards Tanzania.
• After crossing the river, the herd moves through the northern plains and the lesser-known Lobo area of the Serengeti National Park.
• This less frequented region offers a chance to observe the migration without the crowds.
• By late November, the wildebeest reach the short-grass plains near Ndutu, setting the stage for the calving season and completing the annual migration cycle.

This period is ideal for those seeking a more secluded Safari in Tanzania, witnessing the tail end of the migration as it prepares for the cycle to begin anew.

In the end, we can say that the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon that offers a unique spectacle each year. Understanding its phases will only help safari-goers plan their Safari in Serengeti to maximize their experience of this natural wonder.

When is the Best Time to Go on a Migration Safari?

Here's how you can plan your visit to witness the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, depending on the natural events you wish to experience:

Please note that these are estimated dates. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a continuous, circular journey, making it unpredictable.

The migration might pause unexpectedly, or you might witness several crossings in a single day due to changing environmental conditions.

his dynamic ensures that Serengeti National Park remain thrilling safari spots throughout the year, no matter when you visit.