Mapping The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration With Our Monthly Guide!
Written By
African Scenic Safaris
20/07/2023
Safaris
Few sights in the world compete with the grandeur of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. Every year, over a million wildebeests, zebras, and other antelope species brave the harshest of conditions and keep on migrating in search of the best water and food.
Rains play a crucial role in mapping the great migration. These wildebeests and other species trust their instincts and keep on moving following the rains. Even though they follow a similar circular route each year, the exact time always varies depending on the rain.
In this blog, we will guide you through this mesmerizing migration month-by-month, and talk about Mara River crossings. We will also give you handy tips on avoiding tourists, and conclude with the best tips to witness this natural spectacle on your next Tanzania Safari Tours. So, let’s begin!
The journey of the wildebeest, a key spectacle of the Serengeti Migration, is dictated by the availability of food. The wildebeest follow the patterns of rainfall and growth of grass, moving in a clockwise direction through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
JANUARY
In January, the first rains of the year fall on the southern Serengeti plains. This draws the herds to the Ndutu area.
The herds gather around Naabi Hill and Lobo, the Best Place to See Wildebeest Migration at this time.
Many females are heavily pregnant and eager to reach the greener pastures.
Serengeti Safari during this time is marked by the anticipation of the calving season.
FEBRUARY
As February rolls in, the calving season is in full swing. Nearly half a million wildebeest calves are born in the Serengeti plains alone.
The areas around Lake Maek and Lake Ndutu buzz with newborns learning to stand and walk within minutes of their birth – an essential survival skill in the predator-rich Serengeti.
This spectacle offers a great opportunity to see a different side of The Great Migration Serengeti.
It is often believed that sometimes around 8000 calves are born every single day. Quite an astonishing number!
The herds stay in the southeast Ndutu area for a while after the wildebeests give birth. Afterward, they start their clockwise journey up north.
African Scenic Suggestions: If you want to spot young and wobbly babies, it is best to go out on Serengeti Safari Tour at midday. This is when most wildebeests are expected to give birth. You will have an amazing time watching the tender young ones get to their feet in just two or three minutes of giving birth. In no time, they can outrun a lion!
MARCH
By March, the mobile camps in the Serengeti Safari are a vantage point to witness the migration.
The herds can be found in the Ndutu and Kusini Maswa regions in the southwest of the park.
The presence of newborns means the movement of the herds is slow, adding a unique rhythm to the Serengeti Migration Safari.
It does rain in the afternoons in March. Be prepared!
APRIL
April in the Serengeti is characterized by heavy rainfall. The herds move from the Ndutu region, past the Simba kopje, towards Moru.
Unlike the massive concentrations seen in the earlier months, the herds are now dispersed into large groups.
If lion sightings are on your wish list, Simba Kopje is the place to be!
African Scenic Suggestions: Pack your rain jacket if you are planning for Serengeti Tours in April. Also, the rains can make the plains slippery. Also, it will be difficult for your vehicle to travel anywhere due to mud and rain unless it is a 4×4 vehicle.
MAY
By May, the long rains continue, but the wildebeest keep on moving. As the calves grow stronger, the herd covers longer distances.
During this month, they are usually found moving between Moru and Mokoma, heading towards Lake Magadi.
This period offers a perfect setting for wildlife photographers during their Serengeti Migration Tours. You are going to get those action shots of prey-predator action which are worth a million bucks!
JUNE
The rainy season ends by June and the herds spread out even more. The front-runners reach the Mbalageti River, while the rest can still be found as far back as Lake Magadi or even the southernmost corner of the Simiti and Nyamuma Hills.
The rutting season (mating season) usually begins in June.
You can anticipate witnessing intense clashes among rival males as they strive to capture the attention of females.
JULY
By July, the wildebeest have made it to the western Serengeti and the Grumeti Reserve, moving past Fort Ikoma.
One of the most dramatic river crossings, the Grumeti River crossing usually takes place in July. But the exact time will depend on the rain.
The wildebeest and zebra merge into a massive collective before attempting to cross the Grumeti River in their northern journey.
With treacherous water currents and the Nile crocodiles hidden in the muddy waters, and lions, cheetahs, and hyenas anticipating their arrival, only the fittest survive.
Though the Grumeti River crossings may not be as spectacular as the Mara River crossings, it’s still an event to behold in the Great Migration Serengeti. This is because the Grumeti River does not have as much volume of water as the Mara River.
AUGUST
August brings the biggest challenge for the herds – the crossing of the fast-flowing Mara River.
This crossing causes one of the highest death tolls during the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The deadly river claims many lives, but those who cross it continue their journey into the Maasai Mara.
Nevertheless, it is an adrenaline-pumping spectacle where every death represents nature’s ruthless bounty for crocodiles, birds, and fish.
SEPTEMBER
September presents an opportunity to see the herds in the vast open plains of the Maasai Mara.
It is the tail-end of the Mara River crossing and the start of the grazing season.
With hot and dry weather, don’t forget your hat for this safari.
OCTOBER
October is a relatively relaxed month for the herds.
They enjoy grazing in the Maasai Mara after surviving the treacherous Mara River crossing.
The migration appears calm but the anticipation of the upcoming short rains keeps the herds and the spectators on their toes.
In November, the ‘short rains’ trigger the next big move. The herds head south towards western Loliondo and the Lobo area in Serengeti National Park.
This time is marked by smaller family groups seriously engaging in grazing.
November Serengeti Migration Safari Tours can be unpredictable, but it’s all part of the experience.
DECEMBER
By December, the herds return to the southern part of the Serengeti, and the cycle begins again.
The Mara River Crossings
The Mara River Crossings are the most dramatic moments of the Serengeti Migration Safari. These crossings depict the raw struggle for survival as the wildebeest and other antelopes face turbulent waters, crocodiles, and opportunistic predators on the banks. The anticipation, chaos, and drama of this event can be hard to capture but is sure to leave an everlasting impression in the mind of every safari-goer.
How to Avoid the Crowds?
While the Serengeti Migration is a popular spectacle, you can avoid the tourist crowds by timing your visit during the rainy season, between late March and late June.
Opting for a Serengeti Safari Tour during the off-peak season not only promises prime viewing but also provides the opportunity to follow a pride of lions in relative solitude.
The Best Tips for Seeing the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
Choosing the right time for your Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari is essential. Decide what you want to witness – river crossings, massive herds, or calving – and plan accordingly.
Opt for lodges that offer easy access to the herds and consider booking Tanzania Safari Packages that align with your preferences.
Celebrating the Rhythm of Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
In the end, don’t forget that the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration happens at its own pace. It doesn’t rush or pause – it just follows the rhythm of life, guided by nature. Each moment of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration offers a unique glimpse into the raw and untamed magic of the wilderness. It turns your Serengeti Safari into a truly deep experience.
At African Scenic Safaris, we offer the best Tanzania Safari Tours. We’ll take you right to the heart of the action, where you can witness this remarkable natural spectacle in all its glory. Contact us today and let’s start planning your unforgettable African adventure. We can’t wait to share the magic of Tanzania with you!
