Everything you need to know about Serengeti Migration
One of the most sought-after experiences for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, Serengeti Migration is the ever-moving circular migration of over a million animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The ever-moving columns of wildebeest, joined by a host of companions, follow an age-old route in search of grazing and water. This journey takes them across the plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya, all the way south into Tanzania, through the Serengeti to the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, before circling up and around in a clockwise direction. Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators, and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life.
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The Great Wildebeest Migration: Serengeti Migration Guide
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife events in the world. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate in a circular pattern through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve in search of fresh grazing land. The migration is driven by seasonal rainfall and takes place over a 1,200-mile journey.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the Serengeti Migration, the best time to witness key events, and where to go to experience this remarkable natural spectacle.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a continuous cycle of movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The migration follows the rains, as animals move in search of lush pastures. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles follow the herds, creating dramatic wildlife encounters along the way.
| Species Involved | Population |
|---|---|
| Wildebeest | Over 1.5 million |
| Zebras | 200,000+ |
| Thomson’s Gazelles | 500,000+ |
Key Points:
- The migration is a continuous, circular movement that happens all year, but the specific locations of the herds vary depending on the time of year.
- The wildebeest migration is closely followed by predators, making for spectacular wildlife interactions.
The Migration Calendar: Key Events by Month
The migration follows a general pattern, but the exact timing of events can vary due to rainfall. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the migration’s movements and where to witness key events.
| Month | Location | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| January – February | Southern Serengeti, Ndutu Region | Calving Season: Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, attracting predators. |
| March – April | Southern to Central Serengeti | Herds prepare to move north as the rains begin. |
| May – June | Central to Western Serengeti, Grumeti Reserve | Grumeti River Crossings: Wildebeest begins crossing the Grumeti River. |
| July – September | Northern Serengeti, Maasai Mara (Kenya) | Mara River Crossings: The most dramatic river crossings occur, with crocodile ambushes. |
| October – November | Northern Serengeti, Maasai Mara | Herds begin their return south toward the Serengeti. |
| December | Southern Serengeti, Ndutu Region | The herds settle in the southern Serengeti to feed on the lush grass. |
Key Points:
- Calving season (January to February) is an excellent time to visit the southern Serengeti to witness the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves and intense predator action.
- River crossings (June to September) are the most dramatic moments of the migration, with wildebeest braving crocodile-infested rivers like the Grumeti and Mara.
- The herds begin their journey back south toward the end of the year.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
The best time to witness the migration depends on what specific event you want to see, such as calving, river crossings, or predator-prey interactions. Here are some recommendations:
| Event | Best Time to Visit | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calving Season | January to February | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu and Ngorongoro regions) |
| Grumeti River Crossings | May to June | Western Serengeti, Grumeti Reserve |
| Mara River Crossings | July to September | Northern Serengeti, Maasai Mara (Kenya) |
| Return to Serengeti | October to November | Northern to Central Serengeti |
Key Points:
- The calving season (January to February) is one of the best times to visit if you want to see new life and predator action in the southern Serengeti.
- For those wanting to witness the iconic and dramatic Mara River crossings, July to September is the best time to visit the Northern Serengeti or Maasai Mara.
Where to Stay: Best Safari Camps and Lodges
To fully experience the Great Migration, staying in strategically located camps and lodges is crucial. Depending on the time of year and where the herds are, here are some recommended accommodations.
A. Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Region (January – March)
| Lodge/Camp | Details |
|---|---|
| Ndutu Safari Lodge | Located in the heart of the Ndutu region, perfect for witnessing the calving season. |
| Lake Masek Tented Camp | Luxury tented camp overlooking Lake Masek, near prime calving grounds. |
B. Western Serengeti (May – June)
| Lodge/Camp | Details |
|---|---|
| Singita Grumeti Reserve | Luxury lodge offering exclusive access to the Grumeti River crossings. |
| Kirawira Serena Camp | Upscale tented camp with excellent views of the migration’s path. |
C. Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July – September)
| Lodge/Camp | Details |
|---|---|
| Sayari Camp | Located in the Northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River for prime river crossing views. |
| Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Offers stunning views of the Mara River in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, perfect for witnessing the dramatic crossings. |
D. Central and Southern Serengeti (October – December)
| Lodge/Camp | Details |
|---|---|
| Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge | Centrally located, perfect for catching the herds as they return south. |
| Four Seasons Serengeti | A luxury option offering exceptional service and a central location to track the herds. |
Predator Action During the Migration
The migration is not only famous for the movement of the wildebeest but also for the predator-prey interactions it triggers. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles closely follow the herds, taking advantage of the abundance of prey.
| Predator | Key Hunting Grounds | Best Time to See |
|---|---|---|
| Lions | Southern Serengeti during calving season, Central and Northern Serengeti near river crossings. | Year-round, with peak activity during calving and river crossings. |
| Cheetahs | Southern Serengeti plains (Ndutu) and Central Serengeti (Seronera). | Calving season (January to February). |
| Hyenas | Throughout Serengeti, scavenging along the migration route. | Best seen near large herds during the dry season. |
| Crocodiles | Grumeti and Mara Rivers, waiting for wildebeest during river crossings. | June to September (river crossings). |
Key Points:
- Lions and hyenas can often be seen hunting calves during the calving season.
- The Grumeti and Mara rivers are prime spots to see crocodiles waiting for the wildebeest to cross, particularly from July to September.
FAQs About the Great Migration
Q1. Can I see the migration year-round?
Yes, migration is a continuous cycle, and you can see different aspects of it throughout the year. The herds move in response to rainfall and pasture availability, so it’s important to plan your trip around what part of the migration you want to witness.
Q2. When is the best time to see river crossings?
The best time to witness river crossings is between July and September when the herds cross the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara. The Grumeti River crossings take place earlier, between May and June.
Q3. Is the migration the same every year?
The general pattern of the migration is consistent, but the exact timing and movement of the herds can vary depending on rainfall patterns. It’s important to stay flexible and work with experienced guides and safari operators who can adjust to the herds’ movements.
Q4. Do I need to visit both Tanzania and Kenya to see the migration?
No, you don’t need to visit both countries, as the herds move between Tanzania and Kenya. If you visit the Northern Serengeti between July and September, you can see the Mara River crossings without leaving Tanzania. However, visiting the Maasai Mara in Kenya at the same time offers an additional perspective.
Q5. How long do the river crossings last?
The river crossings happen over several weeks but are unpredictable. Wildebeest can wait on the riverbank for hours before deciding to cross, and the crossings themselves can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Multiple crossings may happen over several days.
Planning Your Migration Safari
To maximize your chances of witnessing key migration events, it’s essential to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak migration months (June to September). A well-planned safari should include:
- Flexible itinerary: The herds can be unpredictable, so a flexible schedule allows you to follow the migration.
- Experienced guides: Knowledgeable guides can track the movement of the herds and take you to the right places at the right times.
- Staying in mobile camps: Mobile camps follow the herds, providing a closer, more immersive migration experience.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle that offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, predator-prey interactions, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re witnessing the birth of wildebeest calves in southern Serengeti, watching dramatic river crossings in the north, or following the herds across the plains, this iconic migration is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. By understanding the timing, locations, and key events of the migration, you can plan the perfect safari to experience the best of Tanzania’s natural wonders.