Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration in January, February, and March

Each year around January, the Great Migration concludes its southward journey, moving along the eastern edge of the Serengeti into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This region boasts nutrient-rich grass plains, offering ideal conditions for the herds to raise their newborn calves.

While there is no definitive beginning or end to this migratory cycle—marked only by birth and death—the birthing season can be considered the start of the migration. By late January or February, the herds gather on the short-grass plains that extend over the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge. During this time, approximately 400,000 calves are born over two to three weeks, equating to nearly 8,000 new calves daily.

The abundance of vulnerable young calves attracts predators, which take advantage of the easy prey. Those interested in observing the calving season and the predatory activities of big cats can visit Asilia’s migration camps in the southern Serengeti. These camps—Olakira, Kimondo, and Ubuntu—offer direct access to this spectacular event.

The Great Migration in April and May

After giving birth in February and March, the wildebeest herds begin to move northwest in April, seeking the fresher grass of the central Serengeti. Accompanying them are thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelopes. By May, columns of wildebeest stretch for several kilometers as they start to gather around the Moru Kopjes, near Dunia Camp, one of the few camps in the Serengeti that offers migration viewing at this time. The mating season starts towards the end of May, with male wildebeests engaging in head-to-head battles. During this period, the journey continues at a leisurely pace, with wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles grazing along the way.

Gradually, the movement gains momentum, and the wildebeest begin to mass in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor. At this time of year, Ubuntu Migration Camp relocates to follow the migration and provide access to watch the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River. The herds gather in large numbers along the river’s pools and channels, which they must cross to continue their journey. Although this crossing may not be as famous as the Mara River crossings, it still offers a dramatic spectacle, with plenty of wildebeests providing a feast for the Grumeti crocodiles.

It’s worth noting that May is the low season at Ubuntu. Safaris during this time offer excellent value, with fewer tourists in the Serengeti and superb wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Great Migration in June and July

In June, the dry season begins, bringing large concentrations of wildebeest to the Western Serengeti and the southern banks of the Grumeti River. Each migrating animal faces the daunting challenge of crossing this crocodile-infested river, marking the first of many tense and perilous river encounters.

As June transitions into July, hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras continue their northward journey along the western edge of the park, approaching an even riskier barrier: the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. These river crossings are among the most thrilling wildlife events on Earth. They usually commence at the onset of the high season in July, though their exact timing depends on nature.

In July, the herds typically gather in the Northern Serengeti. Asilia’s mobile migration camps and Sayari Camp offer access to this spectacle for those seeking a bit more luxury. By late July, the animals that successfully cross the Mara River can also be found in the Masai Mara, where guests at Rekero Camp can watch river crossings right from the camp’s main deck during their Kenyan safari. At this time, daily river crossings can be observed at both the Mara and Talek rivers, often featuring incredible scenes.

The Great Migration in August, September, and October

By August, the herds have faced the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread throughout the northern region of the Masai Mara, with many remaining in the northern Serengeti. When the river is in full flow, the panic and confusion at the crossings—combined with waiting predators and surging currents—can cause significant loss of life. Even in years with relatively gentle water flow, crocodiles, lions, and other large predators take their toll, ambushing wildebeest that make it to the other side. The crossings vary greatly; some spots see just a few individuals crossing, while others witness a continuous mass of animals for hours.

By September and October, the main chaos has subsided, and the migrating columns gradually move eastward. However, the wildebeests will face the heavy waters of the Mara River once more as they prepare to cross again for their return journey southward.

The Great Migration in November and December

Following the East African short rains in late October and early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya into the eastern Serengeti, passing through the Namiri Plains, renowned for its exceptional cheetah sightings. By December, they spread throughout the eastern and southern regions of the Serengeti.

As the new year begins, the rains make the grasses in the deep south of the Serengeti lush and abundant. This attracts the herds of wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and other plains animals. The cycle continues as the calving season begins once again.

When to Visit?

Choosing to plan your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration is entirely up to you. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing across its vast area. While the chances of witnessing a river crossing at the Grumeti or Mara River are slim and the timing of herd movements cannot be guaranteed, selecting the right part of the Serengeti can increase your chances of seeing large herds of wildebeest and their companions.

For optimal viewing:

• Visit the southeast and Ndutu from December through May.
• Explore the Western Corridor from May to July.
• Head to the Serengeti Mara area from July through October.
• Check out the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November.

By doing so, you should be able to locate the large herds more easily.

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