The Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti, Tanzania
Selecting your campsite and comprehending the herd movements is essential for maximizing your experience of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Assume your positions for the most extraordinary animal spectacle on the planet. The ‘Great Migration’ is one of the most remarkable animal phenomena on Earth. Extensive populations of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles migrate from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in pursuit of fresh grasses. The Serengeti is the quintessential safari park, characterized by its vast open grasslands that serve as the backdrop for the Great Migration and host the highest density of predators in Africa.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a recurring phenomenon that occurs throughout the year. Visiting the appropriate region of the Serengeti throughout any month ensures observations of the herds. Below, we provide an overview of the herds’ movements and the optimal camps at various pricing points.
The Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration
The Serengeti wildebeest migration is a round expedition involving over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, in pursuit of fresh pastures and water sources. This natural phenomenon generally transpires in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Great Wildebeest migration occurs year-round, with the herds traversing in a circular manner, in pursuit of rainfall and accessible grass.
Serengeti National Park, translating to “endless plains” in the Maasai language, is undeniably one of the most renowned wilderness regions globally and serves as a continual source of inspiration for writers, filmmakers, and photographers.
Tanzania’s oldest game reserve is known for hosting the annual Great Migration, during which over three million animals, predominantly wildebeest, migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
The Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti
January – March: Predators of the Serengeti & Wildebeest Calving Season
During these months, there is a significant accumulation of predators in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. This is likely the optimal season to observe cheetahs throughout Africa. February is the calving season for the herds, with roughly 500,000 wildebeest being born during this month.
Location: southern Serengeti, Ndutu
Camps: Nasikia Luxury Mobile, Olakira, Alex Walker’s Serian
April & May: Wildebeest herds move towards central Serengeti
The current influx of newborn wildebeest has resulted in an exceptionally large herd size. The central and southern Serengeti is the optimal location as the herds progress northward, preparing for the significant migration towards Lobo and the northern regions.
Location: central Serengeti
Camps: Naona Moru, Dunia, Serengeti Safari Camp, Singita Faru Faru
June: Wildebeest herds cross the Grumeti River
In June, the herd frequently divides into two substantial groups. Some commence their migration directly north, while the largest ‘mega’ herd navigates towards the western corridor. This month marks a significant migration period as the herds advance northward. This is the season when the herds traverse the Grumeti River.
Location: central Serengeti, Serengeti western corridor
Camps: Naona Moru, Ubuntu, Serengeti Safari Camp, Singita Faru Faru
Mid-August – October: Daily Herd Crossings of the Mara River
This is an excellent season for the river crossings of the Mara, which occur nearly every day during this time. This tranquil location features a limited number of campers, creating a premier game-viewing environment that is possibly the finest in the entire park.
Location: Kogatende (the north)
Camps: Nasikia Luxury Mobile, Olakira, Alex Walker’s Serian and Serengeti Lamai
November & December: Unpredictable Wildebeest Herd Movements
This is a challenging period for forecasting the migration of the herds as they advance southward. Some migrate east to Loliondo, while others traverse the core of the park.
Location: central Serengeti, Loliondo, south central Serengeti
Camps: Naona Moru, Dunia, Serengeti Safari Camp or Pioneer
