If there are a few experiences not to be missed on an African safari, then it is Wildebeest Migration. For any enthusiastic wildlife and nature lover, witnessing the wildebeest migration on African holiday should be a must-do. This is one of the lifetime wildlife experiences, perfectly enjoyed in Kenya and Tanzania. The Great Wildebeest Migration is listed among the 7 Natural Wonders of the world.
What is the Wildebeest Migration?
Wildebeest Migration is a powerful annual movement where approximately 2 million wildebeest, accompanied by huge group of other animal species can be witnessed having a circular movement from Serengeti Plains to the Maasai Mara Reserve of Kenya. The wildebeest migrate clockwise for about 180 miles each year and this is one factor that makes it unpredictable event.
Other than wildebeest, during the Wildebeest Migration, other species of animals that come along include thousands of the Grant’s gazelles, zebras, elands, impala and Thompson gazelles. This is one of the most mesmerizing wildlife experiences enthusiastic nature travelers shouldn’t miss while in Africa for a holiday. The Wildebeest Migration is experienced annually for a reason that is, the wildebeest move in search for fresh grazing areas and places with water for them to drink.
Thousands of wildebeest and zebras begin confining into the lush savannas of Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya from July, August, and September.
They start moving from the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania and the climax of the event is marked by the Mara River wildebeest crossing. This is amazingly the most dramatic experience worth your safari in Africa. It is an emotional event especially as some of them can be witnessed rushing into the Mara River where numerous crocodiles thrive.
Why the Wildebeest Migration happens?
Wildebeest Migration occurs in a unique pattern. Wildebeests migrate following the rain pattern. The circle begins from the Serengeti National Park in the section sector at Ndutu, taking a Zigzag pattern. The Southern Serengeti ecosystem is noted for its palatable grass especially during the beginning of the Wildebeest Migration circle. The short rains commence from November and go up to Mid-December, and as a result, wildebeest make a return movement to the South-western side.
Short grass plains in the Southern Serengeti N/Park (Ndutu area) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) begin to grow from Mid-December after the quick rains. This means, wildebeest and other several grazers have something to feed on.
From January to March, majority of the wildebeest give birth and over 80% calves are born during this period. This is the period when there is also abundant water. The long rainy/wet season commences from April, May to early June and wildebeest migrated to Seronera Area. This is the time when the open plains can be amazingly spectacular and holidaymakers can have a clear view of a huge concentration of wildebeest.
If photography is your thing, then consider taking the Wildebeest Migration safari from April to early June. During these months, you stand a chance to take the best pictures. This is the time when the grass is short, though this is not sustainable considering the huge population of wildebeest and many other grazers. As a result, they are forced to migrate to the North & West.
Serengeti becomes a strong hold to the beautiful wildebeest from April, May to June. A large population of wildebeest start moving to the Seronera and then confine in Grumeti River. Most of the predators (including among others hyenas, lions, leopards and cheetahs) can be trailing wildebeest movement.
Seronera area Serengeti N/Park also features the beautiful Kopjes. There are also countless species of resident animals to keep an eye while enjoying the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti National Park. A significant population of migrating grazers can clearly be sighted during the wildebeest movement from April to May.
Starting June, the Wildebeest Migration commences but wildebeest head towards the North to Grumeti. The Grumeti area is an amazing spot to witness wildebeest and interestingly, there are several camps for holidaymakers to retire for the night. The area is also endowed with many zebras and other animal species.
The Serengeti wildebeest migration commences from July heading to the Northern, an area lying between Seronera and Kenya border. From late July to September, holidaymakers enjoy the exceptional River wildebeest migration, accompanied by zebras. They cross via Grumeti and Mara Rivers to enjoy the fresh pastures of the Maasai Mara National Park, Southern Kenya.
The Wildebeest Migration towards the Southern side begins from November to December. These are drier months in the Southern side and because during these months, the wildebeest begin to cross again to Tanzania considering no greener pastures.
Maasai Mara National Reserve great migration.
The Maasai Mara migration is experienced when herds of wildebeest begin migrating towards the North from the Western side of Serengeti National Park Tanzania crossing over to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. The Masai Mara is geographically positioned in the Southwestern Kenya, expanding 1510sq.kms of land area.
Wildebeest from Western Serengeti cross over to Masai Mara via Grumeti and Mara Rivers prior to getting to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Crossing the Mara and Grumeti Rivers can at times be easier though it can also be challenging as some of them get killed. The 2 rivers host crocodiles and these wait for wildebeest. Grumeti and Mara rivers feature dense vegetation cover where most of the reserve’s predators hide themselves and unfortunately, the wildebeest rarely or even never change their movement course.
Regardless of the challenges wildebeest encounter, the crossing the Mara and Grumeti Rivers can amazingly be mesmerizing and such unmissable wildlife encounter.
Upon arrival at Mara River, wildebeest assemble themselves as they wait for the number to increase. When the number increases, they cross over at the same time to the Mara Reserve. The wildebeest crossing points vary each year and as a result, most of them also get drowned when they take a suicidal point.
Wildebeest movement begins to the south in October via the whole Southern side of Loliondo to the Lobo side of Serengeti National Park Tanzania. They return to Serengeti in November and the Wildebeest Migration starts once again.
A repeated cycle of Wildebeest Migration occurs with wildebeest accompanied by various species of animals. Their movement generally occurs according to the weather and the wildebeest take particular routes since they rarely change routes. The Masai Mara Reserve features a unique terrain with scenic hills sprawling on the eastern side and to the west, the area is characterized by short bushes, Siria escarpment.
Also, while on Mara Reserve tour, don’t miss to explore the Mara Triangle at the border with the Mara River, featuring a lush grassland area which is also occupied by acacia trees where you can have sightings of wildebeest.
During a Masai Mara Reserve holiday safari, travelers have several accommodation options to choose for overnight. These include budget, moderate and luxury or up market including among others, The Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Mara Serengeti Safari Lodge, Little Governor’s Camp or check into Kichwa Tembo Camp.
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration occurs in the Northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park which expands for over 15000sq.kms. The park is one of the biggest East Africa safari parks, comprising of 3 sectors. Besides wildebeest, the Serengeti N/Park is a host to countless other species including birds, leopards, lions, baboons, cheetahs.
HOW THE MASAI MARA/SERENGETI WILDEBEEST MIGRATION TAKES PLACE.
The one factor which influences the Wildebeest Migration in Africa is usually the weather pattern. It is not easy to predict the annual migration of wildebeest. The kind of the season can have an influence on wildebeest movement, their location.
Wildebeest caving season.
During calving season, over 300,000 to 400,000 calves can be born and calving or birthing season usually falls from January, to February. Wildebeest give birth in short grass areas and in Tanzania, around the Southern part and move towards the lower Northern Ngorongoro Crater. Wildebeest stay in the southern Serengeti from January to March considering the abundant pastures and each day, over 8000 calves are born.
During the birthing/calving period, predators can be spotted feasting on the calves. Lions and hyenas can be spotted waiting to hurt down wildebeest. But generally, calving experience is one of a kind and shouldn’t be missed on Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania or Kenya. Interestingly, a newly born wildebeest can stand on its feet in just 2-3 minutes after being born and can run after 5 minutes of being born.
Wildebeest migration to the North.
The journey to the north usually starts in April. In May, holidaymakers can come across a long chain of wildebeest 40kms while they migrate to the North and from late May, the dry spell starts making them to move to the Mara River for water.
The wildebeest move towards western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserve around July. This is the period when they can gather ready to cross the river and they first wait for the number to increase considering the many crocodiles that also attack them when crossing.
Crossing the Mara River.
Mara River crossing begins in August. This is the best month to spot those that managed to cross over and they begin moving to the Maasai Mara Reserve to graze. In October, most holidaymakers come to enjoy the Wildebeest Migration in the Mara Reserve and incredibly, visitor experience can be incorporated with the Maasai Community tours.
When does the migration make a return journey?
It is possible to see several of wildebeest and other wildlife while on a game drive. The vegetation cover in the Masai or Serengeti can be short. The huge population of wildebeest can be spotted making a return movement to the Serengeti in the late December and this is when rains also start.
Places to stay / accommodation options.
Wildebeest Migration tour in Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti never disappoints. Holidaymakers choose from the many budget, moderate/mid-range or luxury/up market accommodation options.
Within Masai Mara Reserve alone, the best places to book for your overnight stay on Wildebeest Migration include The Mara Bush Camp, Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp, Elewana Sand River, Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Tembo Tented Camp, Maasai Serena Safari lodge.
The Serengeti National Park accommodation options include Seronera Wildlife Lodge, Serengeti Migration Camp, Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti Lodge, Ikoma Tented Camp and others.
KENYA VS TANZANIA WILDEBEEST MIGRATION.
Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania or Kenya all offer exceptional game experiences to holidaymakers. It is challenging to make a choice between the 2 countries when it comes to Wildebeest Migration. Most essentially, contact our experts to book your Wildebeest Migration in Kenya or Tanzania and you won’t regret in life.
What is interesting is that each of the Wildebeest Migration destination is distinct on its own way. Besides, they experience the migration during different periods of the year. In Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park Migration is active for a period of about 9 months. In Kenya, the Masai Mara Migration is active for 3 months from August, September and October.
African wildebeests.
The African wildebeests are popularly referred to as “the gnu”. They are part of the antelope families but slightly bigger than some of the antelope species in the wild. The wildebeest have box like heads, curved horns with heavy end bodies. They are distinct creatures with grey coat and black mane, thriving mainly in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania in particular.
African wildebeest can weigh from 118 to 270kgs. Female wildebeest like humans have gestation of 8.5 months. When standing, wildebeest is 5 to 8 feet long and tails stretch 14 to 22 inches. Wildebeest depend on grass one reason they move to find areas with fresh grass to feed and they prefer stocky grass.
If there are social creatures on land then wildebeest are some of them. The mating period or season for wildebeest is best termed as rut. Female wildebeest can be sexually mature when they turn 16 months and they can start mate at 28 months old. Female wildebeest are generally fertile and they are noted for their high conceiving rate.
WHEN TO GO FOR WILDEBEEST MIGRATION IN KENYA AND TANZANIA?
The best months of the year to enjoy the Wildebeest Migration fall within December, March, May and November. The movement of African wildebeests is entirely influenced by the rains and rains are generally unpredictable.
This means that the wildebeest migration doesn’t have a specific schedule. Several of the wildebeests and other grazers tend to take various routes but all leading to the same place.
Choosing the best Wildebeest Migration package.
Wildebeest Migration experience is one of the kind or lifetime wildlife encounters anyone on African safari shouldn’t miss. A safari to enjoy the Great Migration is best arranged in Kenya or Tanzania. In Kenya, Wildebeest Migration safari packages are available for only the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which expands 1510sq.kms of land area or Serengeti National Park Tanzania which stretches 15000sq.kms.
Your choice of Wildebeest Migration packages can be determined by what your travel interest is. There are various events which attract different holidaymakers on Wildebeest Migration safari. They include the actual Wildebeest Migration, calving (specifically occurring from January, February to March), or you are interested in experiencing the breeding habits of wildebeest usually experienced from April, May in the western or Central Serengeti Tanzania or witnessing the Mara River crossing from July, August or Grumeti River crossing normally takes places from May, June in Central Serengeti National Park Tanzania-East Africa.
There are several packages to book for in order to enjoy the Wildebeest Migration, you can take 6 days Masai Mara safari, 3 days Masai Mara or 3 days Serengeti safari and 6 days Serengeti safari.
The best months to enjoy the Mara Migration include July, August, September and October. These are the best months to sight over 1.5million wildebeest in the Mara National Reserve. The Serengeti Migration is best enjoyed beginning from July to November, and this is when most of these creatures move to the Northern Serengeti National Park Tanzania.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION IN KENYA AND TANZANIA.
A huge migration of wildebeests and other mammals is a magical experience in Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania.
- Wildebeests take a circular journey during the Great Migration.
- It isn’t easy to predict the river crossing of wildebeests.
- Wildebeests are joined by variety of other grazers like zebras and gazelles.
- Visitors’ best chance to sight river crossing may mean spending long day at the site.
- Over 2 million wildebeests can embark on a circular movement each year.
- Book for your dream accommodation early provided you know when you want to travel to Masai Mara or Serengeti. Consider the nearby comfortable accommodation, close to where the migration takes place – lodges or camps are available ranging from budget to luxury.
- Different wildebeest destinations reward differently and you can book one at a time since they experience migration not during the same time of the year. Booking Serengeti migration safari is a great opportunity to also visit the Zanzibar Island.
- Plan your timing carefully – wildebeest migration is unpredictable.
- Wildebeest Migration is far distinct from the normal big five safari. The wildebeest migration is a dramatic event of its own.
