How the migration works is something very important to understand before you start planning your trip to witness the natural wonder of thousands of animals migrate and cross the crocodile-infested Mara River.
Wildebeest Migration is a cycle that takes part throughout the Serengeti and Masai Mara plains and is arguably one of the most fascinating events on the wildlife calendar. we like to call it the “the greatest animal Exodus”.
The migration route can change from year to year, and the movements depend on rainfall and grazing.
… so predicting when to see the Great Migration in Africa can be quite challenging but the team at Realm Africa Safaris™ is getting better at this.
Of course with due credit to our guides on the ground in both Tanzania and Kenya, we have been documenting the migration over the last 10 years. All through this period, there have not been many instances when the Great Migration has been in the exact same location during the same dates as the previous year, as this is a natural phenomenon of the wilderness and dependent on numerous seasonal factors. This means there is a lot more expertise involved in Planning & Booking a Wildebeest migration safari than simply falling victim of the previous years’ movements.
Below we explain the movement(s) of the Great Migration between Tanzania and Kenya throughout the year.
Note: We kindly advise that you treat all information herein provided as a guideline.
DECEMBER TO MARCH:
Depending on the rainfall in the previous year in the Maasai Mara, the large-herds will make their way down into Tanzania and further south during December. By January, expect the migrating herds to be situated in the Southern Serengeti Plains or Southern Loliondo in Tanzania, grazing on the green, lush grass recently revitalized by good rains.
Calving usually occurs in a 3 week period during the month of February, when over 500,000 young Wildebeest will be born on the open plains, ready to join the bigger-herds.
There is fascinating interaction at this time of year following the arrival of the newborns and predators lie in wait for a chance to take advantage of the innocent and inexperienced younger ones. The wildebeest herds are constantly on the move and calving does not disturb this rhythm in the slightest. Upon delivery, and within minutes, calves are able to stand and walk with the herd, and in a few days are even able to outrun predators. The flowers in bloom on the plains during this period and the dust-free air, make it the perfect time for any passionate photographer to visit.
By March the southern plains begin to thin out as the wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move north towards Seronera and the western Ngorongoro area.
APRIL & MAY:
The long rains are falling in Tanzania and the herds begin to migrate to grass-filled plains, and woodlands of the Serengeti Western Corridor. The rain can, at times, make it quite a challenge to follow the herds during this time as roads become slippery and difficult to navigate. A number of camps will often close down for annual maintenance during this period. That being said, if you are on safari it is an incredible time to visit, and although it is wet, there are few tourists and you may experience the migration and have the Serengeti almost exclusively to yourself.
The end of May marks the end of long rains in the Eastern Serengeti and Northern Ngorongoro, and as the rain ceases, the herds gradually move north. By this time the calves have matured and migration time starts again; scattered herds gather and begin to move westwards. Individual groups congregate and form larger herds and mating season begins. At this time, the Western Serengeti is the best area to see the migration and to watch the action unfold.
JUNE & JULY:
See the arrival of the Wildebeest to the Serengeti’s Western Corridor and onwards to the Grumeti Reserve. During this period, the herds reach their first high-risk point, the Grumeti River. This is the first of the breath-taking river crossings you will see. The depth of the river due to the rain makes drowning a high risk for many wildebeest, not to mention the crocodiles ready and waiting to take advantage of the herd’s distress.
Where to Stay: We prefer staying at camps and lodges along the river. These make for an incredible safari experience to see the migration.
JULY TO SEPTEMBER:
Both sides of the Mara River are important during this period. The herds begin to cross central Serengeti into the Western Corridor, then through the Ngurumet River into northern plains of the Serengeti. Come late July/early August, the grasses of the western Serengeti die and the herds move on north seeking further grazing.
However, before they are able to reach the succulent grassy plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they are faced with the yet another dangerous river crossing, the Mara River crossing. Wildebeest roam between the Kenyan and Tanzanian side of the Mara River. This is where the dramatic events unfold as huge Nile crocodiles wait while the herds attempt crossing the river in hope of getting to enjoy the tastier grass on the into the other side. And by September, the last of the herds will be crossing the Mara River into Kenya.
OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER:
At this stage, the herds move through the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara plains should be scattered with large herds, naturally followed by the Predators”. From October onwards, the herds will slowly begin their journey south, back to the Serengeti in search of better grazing.
DECEMBER:
Migrations in December are even trickier. If the short rains start early and if there has been rainfall in the south of Tanzania, then the herds would move down to the Serengeti quickly and there could be few wildebeest left in Kenya’s’ Maasai Mara. If there has been a lack of rain in the south of Tanzania, then the herds would opt for permanent water in the central Serengeti or Lobo areas and move less quickly to the southern plains.
