Wildebeest Migration Timing and Routes

Best Time for the Wildebeest Migration Safari | Tanzania Safari Routes.

Wildebeest Migration Timing and Routes: Wildebeest migration refers to the migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles, across the oldest ecosystem on earth, the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

The wildebeest migration begins with the birth of the calves in the Ndutu Plains in the southern Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area; the herds then move in a clockwise pattern towards the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya following the rains. By the end of the year, they are back again in the south.

The herds move following an old route, on which they face predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, many of whom fall victim to them.

This natural phenomenon was named “wildebeests” by the Dutch colonialists following their first glimpse at these immense creatures, translating to “wild beasts”, and if you have ever seen their shaggy, unkempt appearance, you can see why.

As per the fossil evidence suggestions, the wildebeests began grazing on the savannah grasslands in the region more than a million years ago. Countless hooves have trodden this earth across a dizzying number of generations, and while they may not appear to be the most intelligent creatures, like chimpanzees, they come with an innate drive to undertake one of the greatest journeys in nature each year.

Wildebeest Migration Map

The wildebeest are on an all-year-round journey for a better Kenya safari and Tanzania tour, with the herds moving through the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year. They move following an old route, though there might be slight changes, mainly because of weather and the amount of food and water available. Here are general clues of where the migrating herds are at a given time of year.

• January – The calving season begins in the Southern Serengeti
• February – Thousands of wildebeests give birth while predators roam the grassy southern plains
• March – The herds remain in Ndutu Plains, feeding and preparing for the journey north
• April – The heavy rains spread across the plains as the herds graze widely in Ndutu Plains, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• May – The migration gains momentum as the animals start moving toward the west
• June – Wildebeests gather at the Grumeti River, facing their first dangerous river crossings.
• July – The herds move through the Grumeti Reserve, heading toward the northern Serengeti.
• August – The River Crossings peak at the Mara River as herds fill the north of the Serengeti, attempting to make their way to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
• September – Wildebeests graze in the Maasai Mara, with some crossing back to Tanzania
• October – The migration shifts slowly south, with a few late Mara River Crossings
• November: The beginning of the short rains draws herds into the Lobo region
• December – Wildebeests return to the Southern Serengeti, where new grasslands begin to grow.

Wildebeest Migration Timing

Considering the wildebeest migration is a year-round occurrence, the herds move, following a time-honoured pattern as explained below.

January – March – Calving Season

At the start of the year, January, the wildebeest migration is in the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation. This region features wide open grasslands and acacia trees and is rich with nutritious grasses, and the conditions are ideal for birthing and raising their newborn calves. It is a short rainy season in Tanzania, and the colour contrast of the green grass serving as the foreground to blue skies and thousands of animals in your view is astonishing, providing excellent photography opportunities.

During the calving season, female wildebeests carry calves as they make their way to the birthing plains, and when they reach their destination, up to 8000 calves are born each day for a period of 2-3 weeks.

February sees the herds crossing over into the area around Lake Maek and Lake Ndutu, and by March, the herds can be found in the Ndutu and Kusini Maswa regions, in the southwest of the park, and they are moving at a much slower pace, as they have given birth and need to accommodate their vulnerable calves. Predators of the Ndutu Plains have a feast on their doorstep, making for incredible but sad sightings.

April – June  – Long Rains

The migration starts gaining momentum, and the movement of the migration starts to head northwest towards the Western Corridor. Around May, the masses arrive in the area and start to push towards the Grumeti River, which they must cross to continue their journey northward.

The arrival of the heavy rains triggers the herds to move through the Ndutu Region, past Simba Kopje, in the direction of Moru, splitting into large groups instead of a single herd, where the Serengeti plays host to the lions and the lesser cats, serval and caracal. In May, the big rains continue into the Serengeti, and the herds move between Moru and Mokoma and toward Lake Magadi.

By June, the herds are rearranging themselves into a long line. The rains have settled down somewhat, and the herds have spread out. When the leading herd reaches the Mbalageti River, those who form the tail end can be found as far back as Lake Magadi or in the southern parts of the Simiti and Nyamamu Hills.

July –  October – Western Serengeti

The migration continues its journey northeast towards the northern Serengeti’s Mara Sector and the nearby Lamai Wedge around July, spilling into the Masai Mara to the north. The wildebeests remain in this area, grazing for much of August through October. Also, this is the time of year most associated with Mara River crossings. The wildebeests face their biggest challenge: the Mara River. This fast-flowing river connects the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the Serengeti National Park, and it is where the highest death toll of the migration occurs.

September presents the last of the Mara Crossings, and by October, the grass is plentiful in Maasai Mara National Reserve, a feast well deserved by the migrating herds.

November – December – Grumeti and Mara River Crossings

The arrival of the long rains by November triggers the wildebeests to make their way south, passing through some of the most spectacular areas of the Serengeti, including the Central Seronera Area. The massive granite outcrops known as ‘kopjes’ are a visual stunner, and if you are okay with the rains, this time of year will allow you to experience both the wildebeest migration and the most beautiful areas of the park. With your experienced guides for the Tanzania safari, the Central Serengeti in November can be magical.

The migration circle ends around December with the arrival of the herds into the Southern Serengeti’s short grassland and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, preparing for the calving season.

Start planning your wildebeest migration safari with Chopper Safaris today.