The Seasonal Movement of Wildebeests in Kenya and Tanzania
Wildebeests seasonal movement takes a cyclical pattern covering about 1800 miles as the huge profusion of wildebeest herds. The seasonal movement of wildebeest is accompanied by gazelles and zebras moving between the Tanzania and Kenya ecosystems. This takes place between the main regions/sectors; Northern, Eastern, and Western areas in Serengeti then cross to Masai Mara National Reserve.
Witnessing the great migration/season movement is by far a lifetime wildlife experience that guarantees nature enthusiasts exceptional views of millions of wildebeest. The movement of wildebeest involves crossing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The Wildebeest movement consists of columns of wildebeest and is often joined by several grazers.
Timing the Tanzania and Kenya seasonal movement is essential for anyone with plans to experience the most successful holiday. The entire journey is dependent on the pattern of rainfall and we shall take a look at month-to-month great migration patterns.
January, February & March
The great wildebeest migration/movement often ends around the Southern side as the wildebeest head off and move on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park and then some enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The vast plains of the Serengeti plans tend to be nutritious from January to March. With available palatable pastures, taking of the infant or newly born wildebeest calves becomes easier. The wildebeest spread through the short grass plains from January to February. They spread further to the lower northern slopes of Ngorongoro Crater highlands and Olduvai Gorge.
In the space of about 2-3 weeks, about 400,000 claves are born and about 8000 calves are born each day. The diversity of wildebeest calves attracts several predators which also be spotted around the calving period.
If your focus is to experience the best of the great migration, then consider visiting Serengeti and Masai Mara National Game Reserve. These two destinations are the best places to visit for visitors to clearly observe the great migration and also the calving moment. Even the big cats can be observed in this area around the calving/birthing season. The ideal places to consider for overnight stays include the Asilias Migration Camp.
Seasonal movement of wildebeests in April and May
Following the calving season, the April and May movement is marked by 100s of 1000s of wildebeest moving northwest to where fresher grass is found in Central Serengeti. The large herd movement of wildebeest also attracts 1000s of zebras and some antelope families.
Around May, large wildebeest herds walk for many kilometers and later congregate at the Moru Kopjes. The Kopjes are found near Dunia Camp, and this makes May the best month to consider staying at Dunia Camp. The mating season commences around the end of May when males engage in serious head-to-head battles. The entire ‘rut’ journey proceeds gradually with herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles spotted on movement.
Slowly, the wildebeest migration begins to mass in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Game Park. During this period, Ubuntu Migration Camp is an ideal place for an overnight stay. The key highlight around the western corridor is the Grumeti River crossing where large herds of wildebeest cross the pool of Grumeti River water with crocodiles.
June to July seasonal movement
These are the peak dry months in the Serengeti National Park, the best time to find a huge concentration of wildlife in the Western part of the park and the Southern bank of the Grumeti River. From June to July, most of the crossing wildebeest encounter the crocodiles while they cross the river.
Several of wildebeest and zebras continue to the North via the western edge of Serengeti National Park till the Mara River to the Northern sector of Serengeti. Around July, visitors can experience the best of the great migration. The available accommodation options to consider for overnight stays around July include Asilia’s Mobile Migration, Sayari Camp, Rekero Camp, and more.
August-October seasonal movement
The August-October period often comes with huge challenges for wildebeest as they cross the Mara River. Once they have crossed the Mara River, they distribute themselves in the Northern section of the Maasai Mara and some remain in the Northern side of Serengeti. Besides the crocodiles, predators also pose a huge risk to the wildebeests. From September to October, the dramatic migration ends, and these mammals begin heading to the eastern side.
November –December seasonal movement
From November to December, the wildebeest begins moving to the eastern end of the Serengeti National Park. Around December, the majority of the wildebeest is distributed to the eastern and southern areas. When the New Year unfolds, the grass in the Southern Serengeti becomes lush once again due to rains. The majority of the wildebeest is accompanied by zebras and other mammals confined in this area. The cycle repeats itself marked by the calving or birthing season.
Overall, the constant seasonal movement of wildebeests attracts other grazers that embark on a journey to search for what to eat or water.
What is the Kenya & Tanzania Migration?
The Kenya and Tanzania great migration involves the movement of a huge wildebeest. It is the world’s most powerful and also dramatic highlight involving millions of wildebeest plus 1000s of other grazers. During the peak seasonal wildebeest migration, wildebeests mainly move in search of lush pastures and drinking water.
When to see Serengeti migration in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s Serengeti migration is best enjoyed in the Ndutu region from January to February. These months mark the start of peak calving or birthing season. June-July are the best months to explore the western corridor and August-September, the Northern section of Serengeti is the best to visit for the Mara river crossing.
Is August a good time to see the great migration in Kenya & Tanzania?
July and August are the best time to watch the powerful migration in Tanzania. This is when at least 1.5 million wildebeest can move together with other grazers crossing the crocodile-manifested Mara River.
Where to witness the seasonal movement of wildebeests in Kenya and Tanzania
There are only two powerful destinations to consider a must-visit for you to witness the great migration experience. They include Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Game Park. Masai Mara is found in Narok County in Southwestern Kenya and Serengeti lies in the Northern circuit.
The Mara Game Reserve is an extensive savanna reserve and measures 1510 sq.km. This reserve protects a diversity of animals including lions, leopards, wildebeests, hippos, African buffaloes, cheetahs, grevy’s zebras, mountain zebras, plain zebras, rhinos, and many others.
Serengeti in Tanzania is a powerful destination for witnessing the wildebeest migration. The popular sections/regions to visit for witnessing the great migration include the Southern plains, Ndutu; and the western sector when they cross the Grumeti River. The Northern section is best visited around July to September. The key spot to explore to witness the massive great migration is the Lamai triangle.
Top places to stay during the Kenya and Tanzania migration safaris
Tanzania and Kenya feature comfortable budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation options. Here are the top accommodations to spend a night include Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Governors II Moran Camp, Kati Kati Tented Camp, Saruni Mara Kenya, Ubuntu Migration Camp, Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp, Namiri Plains, Saruni Wild and more.
How to plan a successful migration tour
Talk to the local expert –Native Africa Tours to plan and book a remarkable migration expedition to Kenya and Tanzania. Reach now and plan the best wildebeest migration safari.
