Tag: Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

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 mesmerising 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!

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Month-Wise Guide

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 the Wildebeest Migration at this time.
• Many females are heavily pregnant and eager to reach 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 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. Afterwards, they start their clockwise journey to up north.  

African Scenic Suggestions: If you want to spot young and wobbly babies, it is best to go out on a 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 after 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 characterised 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 volume 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.

NOVEMBER

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.

One moment it’s calm, the next it’s chaos—watch hooves thunder, predators lurk, and nature’s most dramatic show unfold across the Serengeti stage where instinct writes the script and survival steals the scene.

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 it is sure to leave an everlasting impression on the minds 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!

Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.

Director, African Scenic Safaris

Welcome to the home of the Greatest Spectacle on our planet – Serengeti National Park, where migration and predator-prey action go hand-in-hand. This migration is one of the most enthralling phenomena that you’ll get to experience.

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is not only an awe-inducing spectacle but also a vital part of the ecosystem. This is because it shapes the lives of both prey and predators in the area.

A Wildebeest Migration safari creates an incredible opportunity to witness the delicate balance of the food chain in the natural world. It also offers a rare opportunity to observe the raw and dramatic interactions between predator and prey.

The Wildebeest Migration

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is the sprint of life for the herbivore population of the park. This natural phenomenon is referred to as the greatest show on the planet and you can witness the show in all its glory on Tanzania Safari Tours.

This 800 km journey begins in the Southern region of the Serengeti. This natural marvel occurs just after the mass calving season (between January and March). The ambience during this period is filled with new life and enthralling action.

Predators are seen constantly on the lookout for prey and this predator-prey interaction is one of the focal points of the Serengeti Migration. The drought arrives in May and the migrating herds move north, towards the Masai Mara in Kenya.

• Migration isn’t just a smooth journey. It comes with a risk factor, too, and crossing the Mara and Grumeti rivers is no cakewalk.
• First of all, the herds are confronted by more than 3000 crocodiles waiting patiently below the waters.
• Then, the lion population comes in. Despite the abundance of hooved wildlife in the region, life doesn’t come easy for these big cats in this unforgiving landscape.
• Seeing a group of lions cooperating to hunt down a wildebeest is a sight that few will ever get to see.

With the beginning of the short rains in late October, the herds make their way back to the Serengeti. Finally, by December, the migrating herds trek past the Seronera region to return to their calving grounds. Thus, the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration comes full circle.

Reason For the Migration

The timing of the wildebeest migration matches the wet season (from November to May) in Tanzania. This is the time when the nutritious grasses of the plains are at their longest.

• Though this doesn’t last long! The grasses soon turn dry and short, and the wildebeests have to move to the Western Corridor in search of greener pastures.
• The northern section of Serengeti’s ecosystem receives the highest amount of rainfall. Though the grasses are the least nutritious for the herds.
• This makes for a retreat for the herds during the dry season, at least until the southern region transforms green again.

The result at the end is a clockwise movement of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration herds from the south, west, north, and again back to the south.

When wildebeests run and crocs wait in silence, the Serengeti doesn’t just entertain, it educates, showing you the wild syllabus of survival written in hoofprints and claw marks.

The Predators of The Serengeti

Among the larger carnivores, cheetahs, hyenas, and lions can be seen in almost all of the Serengeti Safari Areas. The number of leopards in the park is largely unknown, mainly due to their elusive nature.

Spotted hyenas are a common sight in the Serengeti. Canidae species like bat-eared foxes and golden jackals can also be seen around the Seronera plains. Whereas, black-backed jackals are seen around the Lobo region. Other predator populations of the park include servals, civets, African wild cats, and African wild dogs.

The predators of Serengeti play a vital role in the ecosystem. This is because they control the herbivore population, which maintains balance in the food chain. When on a Tanzania Safari in the Serengeti, you can see these predators up close. But keep in mind that you shouldn’t disturb their natural habitat.

This can only be achieved when you have an invaluable asset in your arsenal. These are the safari guides, they will help you maximize your viewing chances while also making sure that you don’t leave an impact on their habitat.

The Circle of Life Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

Serengeti National Park not only represents the ultimate Tanzania Safari spectacle, but it’s also the display of the circle of life. First of all, the migration itself is a rite of passage from birth to death. This is where millions of wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, fight for their ultimate survival against the predators.

• This may seem harsh and cruel at first glance, but this is just the natural course of life.
• The weaker ones in the ecosystem get taken out, and the strong prevail.
• This predator-prey relationship contributes to the delicate balance of the Serengeti ecosystem and balances out the natural food chain.

Life in the most literal sense begins where humans began – right back to the Earth. Then, through decomposition, the nutrients get absorbed into the soil that feeds the entire ecosystem. Witnessing the circle of life in the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration will let you reflect on the complexities of life.

Conservation And Sustainability

An equally important part of Safaris in Tanzania that most travellers don’t think about is conservation. The survival of wildlife is a matter of extreme concern! And one that should never be taken lightly. Proper conservation methods will make sure that future generations will enjoy these treasured inheritances.

• Tourism helps to generate international awareness of conservation issues.
• Contributing to the local economy and reducing poverty and inequality are other impacts that tourism has also had in Tanzania.
• The presence of tourists also helps prevent illegal poaching activities and helps park management with game management work.

All the Tanzania National Parks are governed and managed by TANAPA. In Serengeti, TANAPA works closely with the Serengeti Conservation Project organisation. Their primary goal is conservation. They are dedicated to the preservation of the rich natural heritage of Serengeti National Park. They also provide secure breeding grounds where the diverse flora and fauna of the Serengeti can flourish.

You can choose one of our sustainable Tanzania Safari Packages to see how the conservation efforts in the Serengeti have made great strides for the wildlife population.

Moreover, dive into more information regarding Serengeti National Park by clicking the links below:

• https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/corner-of-serengeti-national-ecosystem-a-safari-in-ndutu-plains/
• https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/make-your-way-to-serengeti-for-a-longer-and-remote-stay-experience/

Witness Wildebeest & Predators Today!

Finally, the  Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is an incredible natural spectacle that offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the delicate balance of nature.

It also offers insights into the power of the predator-prey relationship and the raw beauty of the natural world. This is an experience that will leave an unforgettable mark on any safari enthusiast’s memory.

You can experience this wonder of nature through various safari packages and tours that cater to your interests. This is where African Scenic Safaris come in! We have a range of Tanzania Safari Packages that include Serengeti National Park.

Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.

Director, African Scenic Safaris

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural events. Every year, millions of wildebeest and other animals journey across the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water.

As the animals tend to navigate treacherous terrain, their endurance and survival tactics are put to the test. They have to evade predators and cross rivers infested with crocodiles. Despite the challenges, wildebeests continue their migration and narrate their epic story of survival.

This incredible journey is not only a spectacle for safari enthusiasts but a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature. Safaris to Tanzania are the only way to behold this drama.

So, for your next holiday trip, embark on Tanzania Safari Tours to witness the greatest natural spectacle- The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration.

The Great Migration

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration involves the movement of millions of animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. It is estimated that over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 350,000 gazelles take part in the migration each year.

These vast herds are an impressive sight to behold. They make their way across the Serengeti plains in search of food, water, and better grazing areas. The sheer number of animals involved in the migration is one of the reasons it is considered one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the world.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti is driven by several key factors.

• One of the main drivers is the availability of fresh grazing lands and water sources. As the seasons change, the grass in one area becomes depleted. This prompts the animals to move to another area in search of better feeding grounds.
• Additionally, the annual rainfall patterns in the Serengeti play a significant role in driving the migration too.  The areas that receive more rainfall are more likely to have better grazing lands.
• Finally, migration is also influenced by the presence of predators. The animals must balance the risk of encountering predators with their need to find food and water.

All of these factors work together to create one of the most remarkable natural events on the planet.

The Perils Of The Journey During the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration Serengeti is one of the largest and most impressive wildlife spectacles in the world. However, the journey these animals undertake is also full of perils and dangers. Let’s go through some of the risks involved.

• One of the biggest risks to the animals during the migration is predation. The herds are accompanied by lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators that prey on the weaker, older, or sick animals. In particular, the young wildebeest calves are vulnerable. Often, many do not survive the journey.
• Another significant challenge is the harsh weather conditions that the animals go through. During the migration, the herds must cross vast plains, rocky outcrops, and even rivers.

The animals are exposed to the scorching sun, intense heat, and even flash floods. The weak and slow animals have often washed away and are not able to survive the unpleasant conditions.

• Perhaps another dangerous part of the migration is the river crossings. The herds must cross crocodile-infested rivers like the Mara River. Here, the crocodiles wait patiently for their next meal.

Many animals are caught and killed by crocodiles. Others might drown or be trampled in the panicked stampede that often occurs during the crossing.

• Lastly, human activity has also posed a threat to the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. Habitat loss, hunting, and poaching have all taken a toll on the populations of these animals. This has led to a decline in the number of animals.

Significance Of Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

This migration cycle is a critical part of the ecosystem. It helps to disperse nutrients, control plant growth, and sustain predator populations. It is also a significant tourist attraction.

• Overall, the circle of life during the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is an awe-inspiring display of nature’s resilience and complexity.
• It highlights the delicate balance between predator and prey.
• Also, the intricate relationship between wildlife and the environment and the profound beauty of the natural world are on display at Serengeti National Park.

Check our Tanzania Safari Packages for the best Serengeti experiences during the peak season.

It’s not just a migration; it’s a thundering stampede of survival where every leap dodges jaws and every gallop rewrites nature’s rawest reality in real time.

Human Impact On The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

Human impact on the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration and the surrounding ecosystem has significant consequences for the long-term survival of the wildlife and the local communities.

• Habitat destruction, overgrazing, hunting, and poaching can negatively impact the natural balance and biodiversity of the Serengeti ecosystem.
• It can also lead to disruption of the circle of life during the wildebeest migration.

Fortunately, sustainable tourism can play a vital role in supporting conservation efforts in the Serengeti. By promoting responsible and ethical tourism practices, travellers to the Serengeti can help to protect the natural environment and the wildlife that depend on it.

• Small efforts such as reducing waste, conserving water, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable tourism can help protect the natural environment of the Serengeti.
• Additionally, sustainable tourism can provide economic benefits to local communities, incentivizing them to protect the wildlife and habitats in the area.

This, in turn, can help to reduce the pressure on the environment. Also, it can promote the long-term conservation of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Ready To Witness the Drama of Migration

The  Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a crucial part of the natural world. It highlights the beauty and complexity of the ecosystem. By supporting sustainable tourism practices, we can help to ensure the long-term survival of the wildebeest and other wildlife in the Serengeti.

It can also help in providing economic opportunities for local communities. African Scenic Safaris recognises the human impact on the environment.

Therefore, we have taken steps to support conservation by adopting sustainable tourism practices. We are committed to the protection of biodiversity so that future generations can continue to witness the incredible spectacle of the wildebeest migration.

Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.

Director, African Scenic Safaris