The Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa, also baptized the Masai Mara Migration or Gnu Migration or the Serengeti Migration, is one of the world’s Wildlife migration. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the greatest Wildlife show where over 2 million wildebeests, alongside thousands of zebras and gazelles, moving over Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration is the major reason for the large number of safari enthusiasts on Kenya and Tanzania Migration Safaris, from June to October. The great Wildebeest is one of the most profound mysteries in nature where timing is critical, but it is impossible to foretell when wildlife will move. Although no one is certain of the precise time, we do know that the wildebeest (as well as some zebra and antelope) will cross the Mara River. The wildebeest will migrate to new grazing areas when it rains, but no one can foretell when this will happen.
Thankfully, Aloyo Safaris offers Wildebeest Migration safaris in Kenya & Tanzania every year. We have offer several Wildebeest Migration safaris each year at the most affordable rates. Go no farther if you’re seeking professional planning guidance. This comprehensive beginner’s guide to a Wildebeest Migration safari contains all of our expert advice.
What is the Best Time For Wildebeest Migration?
The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round phenomenon that continues in a cyclical pattern, defying popular belief that it occurs solely between July and October. The prominent river crossings typically take place between June and October, when safari is at its busiest. This leads to the belief that this is the only time of year when wildebeest are active or visible.
The Great Wildebeest Migration In January, February, March
In January each year, the migration concludes its southward journey, traveling along the eastern boundary of the Serengeti and entering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The plains are abundant with nutritious grass, offering the herds optimal conditions for nurturing their newborn calves.
While there is no definitive beginning or end to this migratory circuit — apart from birth and death — it appears logical to designate the wildebeests’ birthing season as the commencement of the migration. In late January or February, the herds inhabit the short-grass plains that extend across the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and the vicinity of Olduvai Gorge. Approximately 400,000 calves are born in this location over a span of two to three weeks, resulting in nearly 8,000 new calves each day.
The presence of numerous vulnerable young calves prompts surrounding predators to take action, hunting effortlessly thanks to the large populations of wildebeest. For those eager to experience calving and the thrilling pursuit of big cats, Asilia’s migration camps in the southern Serengeti offer direct access: Olakira, Kimondo, and Ubuntu.
Great Wildebeest Migration in April
In April, the long rains begin (Apr–May), and the herds typically migrate in a north-westerly direction towards the Moru and Simba Kopjes. The dynamic rutting season is underway, showcasing intense competitions among males driven by testosterone as they vie for the opportunity to mate with willing females.
Great Wildebeest Migration in May
In May, the wildebeest of the Serengeti appear to be heading north, migrating in search of fresh grass and water. Following that, the region surrounding Moru Kopjes and to the west of Seronera is filled with a series of moving columns, which frequently contain hundreds of thousands of animals. These columns are joined by a large number of zebras and a scattering of Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles on occasion
Great Wildebeest Migration in June
Some of the migration heads directly north of Seronera, while the majority typically travels further west. In June, the wildebeest migration frequently comes to a standstill on the southern banks of the Grumeti River, where certain channels impede or delay their journey northward. The wildebeest gather in the Western Corridor, frequently increasing in number before making their way across the river. The river in this area typically consists of a collection of pools and channels, lacking continuity. While these features consistently provide an annual banquet for the Grumeti River’s sizable crocodiles, they generally do not match the dramatic crossings seen at the Mara River, located further north.
Great Wildebeest Migration in July & August
In July and August, the wildebeest migration is going north, frequently across a wide front. Some of them are traveling through Ikorongo and Grumeti Reserve, while others are traveling through the center of Serengeti National Park.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in September
In September, the herds disperse throughout the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River showcase the biggest challenge to the migration. This river flows vigorously across the northern Serengeti, originating from Kenya’s neighboring Maasai Mara Game Reserve. There are frequently scenes of extreme panic and bewilderment as you watch the wildebeest herds make their frenzied crossing of the Mara River. Herds frequently travel north across the Mara River one day and then return south a few days later.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in October
In October, the wildebeest herds migrate southward with increased coordination, traversing western Loliondo and the Lobo region of Serengeti National Park. They return to the verdant growth that emerges after the rains on the short-grass plains of southern Serengeti in November.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in December
In December, the wildebeest move southward in search of fresh pasture, crossing the northern and eastern Serengeti to feed and prepare for another 3,000-kilometer (1,900-mile) journey that will test their courage.
Is it Possible to predict the Migration River Crossings?
No, The wildebeests themselves have no idea when they will cross! Some reach the water and swim over right away, while others spend days grazing there, while yet others return to their starting point. Although nobody is able to forecast the crossings, we wish we could. For this reason, if you want to see a river crossing, you should spend as much time on safari as you can.
Where Does The Wildebeest Migration Begin?
The Great Migration represents a continuous, year-round journey of approximately two million animals throughout the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, lacking specific beginning or end points. The Gnu Migration is initiated by the rains in East Africa, prompting the animals to follow a time-honored path in pursuit of fresh grass and water. This remarkable journey leads the wildebeest across the expansive Masai Mara plains in Kenya, continuing south into Tanzania’s Serengeti and the periphery of the Ngorongoro Crater, before making a clockwise loop back around.
Why Do Wildebeest Migrate?
The Great Migration in Africa is predominantly influenced by the wildebeest’s reaction to climatic conditions. They migrate subsequent to the precipitation and the emergence of fresh grass, instinctively pursuing sustenance for survival. Though there is no hard evidence, some scientists think that distant lightning and thunderstorms stimulate the migration of the wildebeest.
What Type of Pastures Does The Wildebeest Look For ?
The search for the nutritious pastures plus water is the key reason, for this tremendous migration. The grasses on the plains have the highest concentration of protein & calcium content.
The great wildebeest migration involves is made up of 3 migrant grazing groups which feed on different types of grasses, with the first on feeding on tallest grass, the middle size taking up the medium sized grass, and the last one finally summarizes the short grasses to the ground respectively.
How Do The Wildebeests Find Their Way Annually?
It is unpredictable how the wildebeest know which path to take, yet it is also believed the positive response to weather is the key determinant of their journey, although it is not scientifically proven. While others believe that the animals react to lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. Suggestions have also been put in place that wildebeest can detect rain from a further 50km away.
Wildlife Interactions Of The Great Migration
Predators
The Great Migration attracts a wide range of predators, making it a prime time for witnessing predator-prey interactions. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles are all highly active during this period. The abundance of prey means predators are well-fed and often display behaviors that are rarely seen during other times of the year.
Calving Season
The calving season in the southern Serengeti is particularly fascinating, not only for the large number of births but also for the intense predator action it attracts. Cheetah and lion cubs learn vital hunting skills during this period, and the dynamic between predator and prey can be closely observed.
River Crossings
The river crossings at the Grumeti and Mara rivers are among the most dramatic events of the migration. Crocodiles take advantage of the chaos to snatch their prey, while the strength and resilience of the migrating herds are on full display.
