Guide to Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round phenomenon dictated by the rains, with the herds moving in a constant clockwise motion throughout the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
From December to April, wildebeest herds can be found on the Ndutu plains in the southern Serengeti, and the calving season occurs in late January to early February. The herds migrate to the Serengeti’s Western Corridor once the long rains arrive in April-May. The wildebeest then face perilous water currents and predators as they attempt to cross the Grumeti River and continue north to the lush pastures of the Masai Mara. Finally, the herd arrives in the Masai Mara, where they will stay for about three months before returning to Tanzania in November.
Here is a month-by-month guide to help you understand where in Kenya or Tanzania you should go and when if you want to maximize your chances of seeing the migration:
January, February & March Migration Patterns
Short rains begin in early November. A little later, in late November and December, herds of wildebeest migrate to the Serengeti’s short-grass plains. These are located south and east of Seronera, in the vicinity of Ndutu, and to the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Wildebeest and zebra can be found all over these plains, feeding on the fresh, nutritious grass.
The majority of wildebeest calves are born in the Serengeti in February, with around 500,000 new calves born in the Serengeti that month. As the Southern Plains are depleted, the herds begin to spread west in preparation for their spring migration north.
This makes for an incredible sight on game drives; expect to see newborn calves and, if you’re lucky, witness a birth, as well as plenty of predator action.
The southern Serengeti’s short-grass plains begin to dry out near the end of the short dry season (usually around the end of March), and the wildebeest and zebra begin to migrate to the western woodlands.
April & May Migration Patterns
Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest begin their arduous journey across the western plains and finally north in April, usually bringing the first signs of migration.
The herds pass through the Ndoha and Dutwa plains, near the Mbalagweti River. Herds may begin to congregate near the Mbalagweti and Gumeti Rivers in anticipation of the crossing, which is a dangerous obstacle for the animals.
June, July & August Migration Patterns
The rutting season (mating season) typically begins in June, and you can expect to witness fierce fighting between competitive males as they compete for the attention of females.
By July, the herds have made their way north to the fresh grass of the Masai Mara. To get there, they must overcome one of the most difficult challenges of their journey: crossing the Grumeti River.
The dramatic river crossings, one of the Great Migration’s most exciting events, usually begin in July, but the exact timing depends on the rains.
September & October Migration Patterns
The migration’s focus shifts to Kenya and the Masai Mara, while the beasts roam in search of new grass to graze.
It’s a fantastic time to go on safari in the Masai Mara. As the rains begin in October, the herds begin their long journey south, following the new grass, back to the Serengeti.
Of course, this does not mean that life is any easier, as danger lurks in the form of hunting prides of lion and packs of hyena.
November & December Migration Patterns
The short rains begin in Tanzania at the end of October or early November, attracting wildebeest and zebra back to the green and lush plains of the southern Serengeti.
The majority of the herd returns to the Serengeti for the rainy season. The wildebeest may begin to give birth and prepare to repeat the cycle the following year!
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