Wildebeest Migration in East Africa – Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania.
Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti is one of the most celebrated annual wildlife events in the world. It involves the movement of over 2.5 Million Wildebeests, gazelles and Zebras across the endless plains of Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti National Park is widely regarded as one of the most famous and greatest wildlife destinations. It is Tanzania’s Oldest wildlife reserve with one of the most distinct ecosystems and home to the Big 5 which include Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo and Rhino. Serengeti National Park boasts of other animals like Giraffes, Baboons, Monkeys, elands, Topis, Impala, Hyenas, over 500 species of birds among other animals that can be frequently spotted.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park covers 5,700 square miles on the Norther boarder with Kenya. The concentration of wildlife and Serengeti’s unique vast open grasslands makes it a unique location for animal documentaries and a top wildlife destination in Africa.
While Serengeti National Park boasts of the Big Five, Endless plains, Rocky outcrops, rivers, diverse and abundant wildlife, Serengeti is famed for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. The Journey of the great Wildebeest Migration starts in the Southern Serengeti when wildebeest Calves are born. The calving season of the Great Migration occurs every year between January and February.
The mass movement of wildebeest accompanied by large numbers of Zebra, eland and Thomson gazelle through the landscape and open plains is a truly breathtaking experience.
The Great Migration Schedule
January To March – Wildebeest Calving in Ndutu Area
During this period, the wildebeests arrive in Ndutu Area. During this period, the migration in the south of the Serengeti begins. There is Massive herds grazing on open plains and during this season thousands of calves are born. Between February and March, it is a peak calving season and baby grazing animals with lots of predator activity. The presence of food and water creates a conducive environment for wildebeest calving.
April to May – Central Serengeti
During this season, the wildebeest herds begin mass movement to Northwest for fresher pastures across the eastern and central Serengeti. The movement is done together with thousands of Zebras and some antelopes. For the clients travelling between April and May, this is the best time to enjoy the wildest Migration in Central Serengeti.
June – Western Corridor
It is during this period that the herds are moving towards the western Serengeti also known as the Western corridor. This area is known to be the starting point of the annual Wildebeest Migration River Crossing. The June is a good time to watch Grumeti River crossing and this river presents a challenge for the herds. Many animals attempt to cross the crocodile-infested waters and the herds which succeed in the crossing continue with grazing towards the northern Serengeti.
July to September – Wildebeest Migration and Crossings in North Serengeti
This is the best time and most interesting for Wildebeest migration in Serengeti. The popular Kogatende and Lobo areas form part of the Northern Serengeti. This region of the Serengeti National Park is close to the Kenyan border. And during this time of the year, the wildebeests are in Millions in both Serengeti and Masai Mara. The Migration continues northwards of Serengeti and the herds move from Tanzania into the grasslands of Masai Mara in Kenya.
October-November – Northern Seronera, Loliondo, Lobo Area
The marks the beginning of short rains and the herds start making their way back to Serengeti. The wildebeest face challenges of heavy waters of the Mara River as they prepare to cross again.