The Great Wildebeest Migration

Often described as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, the annual migration of over a million wildebeest is a natural phenomenon like no other. The wildebeest’s nomadic lifestyle follows the rains, which provide them with the lush grass and nutrients that they need to survive. The herd moves in a clockwise rotation up through the Serengeti, spending a couple of months in the Masai Mara, before heading back to Tanzania in time for calving season – the whole time trying to evade the many predators en route! This handy guide shows you where the best seat in the house will be throughout the year, to make the most of this breath-taking spectacle, showcasing the largest movement of mammals on Earth.

If you’re itching to experience the wildebeest migration first hand call our Tanzania and Kenya specialists now on 020 3141 2810 to start creating your own tailor-made itinerary.

Baby Bonanza: January – February
The wildebeest start their year in the south of the Serengeti National Park in an area called Ndutu. It is here that you can witness a birthing event like no other. Collecting within the centre of a herd, female wildebeests tend to give birth in the same 2-3 week period. This behaviour of calving en masse gives an individual calf a higher chance of surviving its first few weeks.

Of course, this event does not go unnoticed by the surrounding predators; jackals, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas to name a few are often seen prowling around the herd, hoping to take advantage of a wobbly-legged bambi!

“Seeing hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of wildebeest is an amazing sight that really has to be seen to be believed.” - Anna, our Tanzania specialist

This is one of the few times of year the wildebeest remain in one place. It is a great opportunity to see the herd all together and to take advantage of the excellent game-viewing in the area, including the birth of zebra calves that also tend to follow the wildebeest’s movements.

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ – Lake Masek Tented Camp
£££ – Serengeti Under Canvas

The Emerald Season: March – May
During these months, the wildebeest move towards the centre of the Serengeti and settle before heading North West to start their great migration. The seasonal rain means the grazing is plentiful, allowing calves to grow stronger before their big journey. The herd separates and spreads, making the most of the food available to them. It is usually not until May that the herd begins to form the long characteristic marching columns of the migration as they make their way north. As suggested by the name, the Emerald season is when the Serengeti is at its most green and abundant. A fantastic time of year to explore the Big 5 reserve; view awesome game whilst enjoying the quieter and less expensive off-peak season!

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ - Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
£££ – Soroi Serengeti Lodge

Conquering the Western Corridor – the river crossings: June – July
With the rainy season over, the wildebeest head north west in search of new grazing areas. This is a brilliant time to watch the famous river-crossings as the herd begins to attempt to reach the opposite bank of the notorious Grumeti River. A good opportunity to catch a glimpse of the giant Nile crocodiles that take advantage of the influx of prey… Also a great chance to watch the wildebeest moving together as a herd, using their ‘rocking-horse’ running stance to reach speeds of up to 40MPH!

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ – Grumeti Migration Camp
£££ – Singita Sabora

Northern Serengeti – frontier river crossings: August – early September
With the migration well underway, the herds are powering up towards the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Expect to see more spectacular crossings as the herd is faced with the Mara River, as well as enjoying the fantastic holiday weather.

We would advise to book early as this once in a lifetime experience is sought out by many, eager to see this remarkable exhibition of animal behaviour.

“I will never forget the afternoon spent on the banks of the Mara River in northern Tanzania, watching plucky zebra and wildebeest embark on crossing over into Kenya. It was real heart in your mouth stuff – with the number of crocodiles around we certainly wouldn’t have attempted it!” - Annie, our Tanzania specialist

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ – Serengeti Wilderness Camp
£££ – Lamai Serengeti

Masai Mara, Kenya – the river crossings: September – October
By this time the herd have usually crossed over to the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The plentiful grazing and fresh water here usually keeps the herd satisfied until the end of October. The perfect holiday weather and promise of breath-taking game viewing again makes this a popular time of year for the surrounding lodges, so book in advance! Remember to keep a sharp eye out for any hungry lions trying to pick off any wildebeest that wander from the safety of the herd!

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ – Kilima Camp
£££ – Naibor Camp

The Short Rains: November – December
The herd begin to head back south to feast on the fresh green shoots of the Serengeti, once again forming the long columns characteristic of the migration. They will continue to the southern reaches of Ndutu ready to calf and start the life cycle and migration all over again.

Here’s a couple of good places to stay:
££ – Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp
£££ – Klein’s Camp

Of course, as a natural phenomenon, the exact route of the migration cannot be truly predicted. The wildebeest’s movements depend entirely on the quality of grass, standing water and weather conditions of a given area. These factors are unpredictable at the best of times, even more so with the effect of climate change. This guide is here to give you an idea of what the wildebeest do throughout the year and why they make their epic journey. However, it is important to remember that the migration is only one aspect of the amazing Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Even if you miss the herd you will still be in an area offering some spectacular game viewing!