Huge herds of approximately 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move thousands of kilometres  in a circle from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara and back during the wildebeest migration, which is known as the “great show on earth.” The migration is a common safari experience that draws tourists from all over the world to witness this breathtaking spectacle throughout the year. Through the jaws of numerous awaiting predators, the herds travel through the full circle, from mating to calving to death.

These magnificent animals migrate across the grassy plains in search of greener pastures, starting in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in June. They encounter several challenges on their journey north to Masai Mara, such as the harsh conditions of the savannah, the constant threat of predators, and perilous river crossings packed with crocodiles and huge cats.

This endless journey includes herds splitting off and coming back together, going back and forth before continuing, and other variations that could make the entire situation seem chaotic. Furthermore, it is impossible to tell when additional herds will arrive at a specific spot, even though they often follow the rains. It is hard to predict where the migration will take place because the dates and routes change yearly.

Staying in a mobile camp boost your chances of seeing the migrating herds because these facilities shift seasonally to follow the migration pattern.

The time of the year you plan you visit and the length of your stay on safari will determine your sightings and satisfaction when witnessing the great migration.

Where to see the wildebeest migration?

Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area.

In January, February, and March, wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles gather in the Ndutu area and southern Serengeti for the calving season.

Thousands of wildebeest calves are being born on the fields; this is a miracle of life. The herds move to the short-grass fields that cover the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and the area around Olduvai Gorge in late January or early February. Every two to three weeks, about 400,000 calves are born here, that is about 8,000 new calves every day.       It’s a great time to see predators and their food because there are lots of lions, cheetahs, and hyenas around. The lush green surroundings make a beautiful background for this amazing cycle of life.

Western Serengeti and the Central Corridor.

After the calving period in late March and early April, the wildebeests together with the zebras and smaller groups of antelopes, start relocating northwest towards the fresh grass in central Serengeti. By May, the wildebeest start to gather by the Moru Kopjes, and lines of them run for several kilometres. The herds start their journey northward, going through the Seronera area and into the Western Corridor.

The Seronera River and its opposite valley are the center of the park. These areas provide all-year-round wildlife sightings due to the presence of animals that come for water. Some of the animals that can be spotted in this area include leopards, lions,  cheetahs, zebras, reedbuck, and Grant’s gazelles, among others.

This area has several kopjes that are a result of volcanic activity. The kopjes are common resting points for  the big cats to spot their prey. They were also being used for communication to vast plains. Close to the Kopjes are caverns that were used by the Masai to complete with rock painting.  Near the Moru Kopjes, you can spot the remaining black rhinos in Serengeti, south of Seronera.

 During this time, witness the exciting Grumeti River crossings as the wildebeests negotiate the dangerous waterways while battling crocodiles. Even though it’s not as exciting as the famous Mara crossings, there are still plenty of wildebeest for the Grumeti crocs to feast on. This time is good for safaris because there aren’t many tourists in the Serengeti National Park, safari prices are a bit lower, but the wildlife watching is still great.

Northern Serengeti and Mara River.

As the dry season approaches in June, large concentrations of wildebeests and zebras in western Serengeti and the southern banks of the Grumeti River continue to move north along the western edge of the park. They are proceeding to the Mara River in the north of the Serengeti, which is an even more dangerous barrier. They usually start in July, when the hot season starts, but the exact date depends on nature. In mid-July, the migration gets to the northern Serengeti, and some groups go as far as the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

This is the peak time for tourism safaris, the wildebeests are busy battling with the swift water currents, and the hungry crocodiles and other predators can be sighted.

The wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara

 The Masai Mara reserve in Kenya partially consists of the northern rim of the Serengeti ecosystem.

 June to October provides the most spectacular wildebeest migration experience throughout the year. Large herds crisscross the Mara River with violent motion, trying to avoid the crocodiles hiding in the water.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a popular safari destination and is always overcrowded during the peak migrations. Has affordable accommodations and camping sites for  all travellers.

Northern Serengeti, across the Mara River and back to the Southern Serengeti

This is a journey from August to October. y August, the herds had successfully crossed the Mara River and were spread out across the northern part of the Maasai Mara. Many of them were still in the northern Serengeti. One crossing doesn’t happen all the time; sometimes, only a few animals are crossing, and other times there are a lot of animals going back and forth for hours on end. By September or October, the main disorder is over, and the moving columns have slowly made their way eastward. However, the wildebeest will have to cross the Mara River again, this time with the high water, as they plan to go back south.

You can again witness the impressive Mara River crossings, expect to encounter resident predators close o the wildebeest migration trails. This period usually attracts few tourists indicating the beginning of the low season.

Wildebeest migration in Eastern Serengeti.

The eastern Serengeti comprises a vast grassland with acacia and   rocky areas with recognised Gol Kopjes. This place is an excellent place for spotting large predators such as cats that wait to spot prey on the Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles.

In October, through November to December, the wildebeest herds trek to the south through the Loliondo and Lobo areas.   Concentrating on the wildebeests is not easy because there are several wild animal species to see. During this time, the wildebeests also start converging to prepare for the calving season.

What is the best place to see the wildebeest migration?

Even with a shorter migratory season,  Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya offers most flights, more visitors, and higher competition among travellers, but there is also a wide range of cheap places to stay, such as lodges and camping sites.

 Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is far larger than Masai Mara, with more private hotels and camping grounds, but less populated places. So, as a traveller, you must be careful when selecting a camp or hotel for your stay on your safari. however, the hotels and camps can be full during the peak season.

Though the migration follows a general pattern,  timing varies due to rainfall availability in a particular area and grazing conditions.  It is also important to plan your travel dates in line with your budget. The peak season from June to September attracts more tourists and raised accommodation and safari costs.

If you come to learn where the wildebeest migration happens and what makes it special each month, you can plan your trip for this amazing natural event and enjoy it to the maximum. Every part of the trip, from the calving season, crossing rivers to the return voyage, it s different and amazing, leaving you with lasting memories of the mighty African wilderness.