What is the Wildebeest Migration?
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
The Wildebeest Migration in Africa is considered one of the greatest wildlife events on Earth. To witness the Great Migration – one of the world’s last mass wildlife movements – is the ultimate safari experience.
We’ve been helping safari enthusiasts enjoy the wonder of this spectacular event for more than 70 years. Read on if you want to learn more about the Great Wildebeest Migration.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
What is the purpose of the Wildebeest Migration?
The Wildebeest Migration is a natural survival mechanism primarily driven by the search for fresh grazing land and water. It is closely related to the East African rainy seasons, as the wildebeest and other animals follow the rains in search of fresh, nutrient-rich grass and water. The migration route is the same each year, moving clockwise from the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya and back again.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is central to the ecosystem; as the herds migrate, they consume grass and trample the land, which helps fertilize the soil and encourage new grass growth, ensuring the survival of numerous species.
What is the journey of the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The journey of the Great Wildebeest Migration spans over 1,000 miles across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The migration begins in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu regions of Tanzania near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with the wildebeest enjoying the fresh green grass from January to March. This period also coincides with the calving season, when around 500,000 calves are born.
From March, the wildebeest move towards the western Serengeti in search of fresh grazing land, moving through the Seronera region towards the Grumeti River. The herds typically reach the Grumeti River in June, when thousands of animals make the treacherous river crossing.
In July and August, the wildebeest continue their journey north into the northern Serengeti and the Mara River, which forms a natural border between Tanzania and Kenya. The crossing of the Mara River is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet and is a highlight of a Great Migration safari experience.
After crossing the Mara River, the herds spread across the fertile grasslands of the Masai Mara in Kenya, where the abundance of fresh grass and water in the Mara sustains the wildebeest for a few months, before starting their journey back south towards the Serengeti in October.
In November and December, the herds gradually move back into the eastern and southern Serengeti, completing their circular route and preparing for the next calving season.
What month is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round migration, with the herds constantly moving in search of fresh grass and water. However, there are key points during the Great Migration that make for a fantastic wildlife viewing experience. This includes the Mara River crossing, which typically takes place in July and August.
The calving season, from January to March also offers a wonderful time to witness these spectacular creatures with their young.
While not as famous as the Mara River crossing, the Grumeti River crossing in June and July is also considered a Wildebeest Migration safari highlight.
The Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and travelers worldwide.
What other animals join the Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not just a spectacle of millions of wildebeest but also other majestic species that travel alongside them. On a Great Migration safari, you can also expect to see zebras, gazelles, and other antelope species that accompany the wildebeest on their annual migration journey and rely on the vast herd size as a form of protection from predators, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles.
What is special about the Mara River crossing?
The Mara River crossing is considered the climax of the Great Migration when the vast herds of wildebeest make the treacherous crossing across the Mara River in Tanzania and Kenya, East Africa. The peak season for the Mara River crossings is July and August, when millions of wildebeest and other migratory animals cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. Spectators can watch this magnificent spectacle from key points along the banks of the River Mara in the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Park. If you want to witness one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth as the wildebeest make the epic crossing across the Mara River, contact us today.
Why do wildebeest migrate?
Wildebeest migrate primarily in search of fresh grazing and water. The migration is a survival strategy driven by seasonal changes, particularly the availability of rain and the resulting lush grasslands. During the dry season, food and water become scarce, prompting the wildebeest to move en masse to areas with better grazing conditions in a clockwise movement. The Great Migration in East Africa sees over 1.5 million wildebeest traveling between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, following the rain patterns. This movement ensures they have constant access to food and water, essential for survival.
What type of safari experiences can I enjoy during a Great Wildebeest Migration?
When you book a Great Migration safari with us, you can enjoy a superb selection of safari experiences tailored to your precise liking. Some of our safari experiences in Kenya and Tanzania, home of the Great Migration, include:
- Bush walks & walking safaris
- Hot air balloon safaris
- River safaris
- Game drives
If you want to experience the greatest show on Earth in the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve, contact us today.
How can I experience a Great Wildebeest safari?
The best way to experience a Great Wildebeest safari and witness the largest overland migration is to work with a leading luxury safari company like us. We have in-depth knowledge of the best way to enjoy the Great Wildebeest Migration and have access to the most luxurious lodges and tented camps on the Great Migration route. Whether you want to experience one of the migration’s dramatic river crossings, the calving season, or witness large herds moving across the Serengeti plains, we can create a bespoke safari experience. Now you know the answer to ‘What is the Wildebeest Migration’ book your Great Migration safari. Contact our team today to witness this epic wildlife spectacle.
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