Wildebeest Migration

Every year in mid-February, roughly a million wildebeest gather on the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti to give birth. extraordinarily all 400,000 calves are born in the space of a few weeks.

Anytime from December, the herds time their arrival with the return of the rains and linger on this nutrient-rich grass, stretching from the southern extreme of the Serengeti National Park (SNP) and into the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA). The plains cover many thousands of square miles, so the sense of space is overwhelming. You can drive for hours and never be out of sight – or sound – of wildebeest.

What to expect?

The wildebeest are only one part of the experience. Aside from the newborn wildebeest calves, the plains are alive with young animals of all kinds from plains game, to the numerous predators that follow the migrating herds; lion, leopard, cheetah and in particular hyenas that thrive at this time of year.

For many people, safaris are synonymous with the dry season, but the scale of this event puts most wildlife spectacles in the shade. And compared to the harshness of the dry, this is a time of vivid green, and plenty.

Where to stay

Both seasonal camps that move when the migration moves and will get you into the best, most remote parts of the Serengeti National Park.

One of our favourite times is late May when the herds in their hundreds of thousands begin to move off the southern plains on their long journey north.

May and June see a period of transition as the herds start to move north heading for the Mara River. May usually sees the herds move into the Moru kopjes and central Seronera Valley areas of the Serengeti National Park, but depending on the rains, we may also see herds further south still, or approaching the western corridor.

What to expect?

After a period of plenty, spent happily grazing on the mineral-rich grasses of the southern Serengeti the wildebeest are feeling a little bit frisky and are ready for action. Expect cavorting, showmanship, standoffs, the odd head to head tussle and long, long lines of wildebeest, looking purposeful, but heading in totally different directions. Also, at this time of year, you can expect not to see too many other tourists, which we really like.

Where to stay

These seasonal camps move into the Central/Western Serengeti as the migration starts to make their way north.

Each dry season between July and October on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest brave the torrent of the Mara River and its fearsome crocodiles on their annual migration.

The Mara River runs more or less along the border of Tanzania and Kenya, separating the Serengeti National Park from the Masai Mara. This is where the main crossings happen in Tanzania and the majority of visitors to the Serengeti aim for the Kogatende area. This is partly because there are a number of well-used (wildebeest) crossing points here and partly because this is the only place where you can cross the Mara River by vehicle to the north bank (and the stunning Lamai Wedge). It’s also where the airstrip is.

On the other side of the river in Kenya’s Masai Mara there are crossings not only of the Mara River but also the Talek and other tributaries of the main channel. While visitor numbers to the Northern Serengeti have increased significantly in recent years, in our experience the greatest chance to experience a crossing without being surrounded by hordes of other vehicles is still on the Serengeti side of the border.  An experienced, patient guide is essential to give the best chance of catching a crossing.

What to expect?

Unlike the Israelites crossing of The Red Sea, the Mara River crossings are not a single event, rather crossings happen throughout the dry season, as herds criss-cross back and forth chasing the clouds; but they are elusive, rapid and unforgettable experiences. Groups varying in size from a few hundred to tens of thousand cross the river and what’s amazing is that the vast majority of animals make it across unscathed, but their troubles rarely end there; lions frequently wait in ambush to greet the swimmers. If you’re after an action packed safari, this is it.

Where to stay

These two wonderful properties in position A for the river crossing. They are perfect for families looking for flexibility and comfort during their time in the Northern Serengeti.

As the short rains fall, renewing more fertile grazing further south, the herds begin to move south.

November is an unpredictable month when herds can be as far south as Ndutu or remain in the north for much of the month.

What to expect?

The herds will often split and take several different routes to the south and central Serengeti/Moru kopjes can be an excellent base to reach large herds. Combining locations or seasonal camps over this period is often a smart way to keep up with nature.