Tour Guide, Kampala, Uganda
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The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti
Tanzania’s Great Migration in Serengeti is the largest annual movement of large numbers of wildebeests, Grant’s Zebras, Thomson’s gazelle, elands and the impala. Over two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti and Masaai Mara ecosystems in search of green pastures and fresh water in a nearly regular pattern. These wildebeests move in large numbers throughout the year from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masaai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti National Park, is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. It’s a natural phenomenon that involves the movement of millions of wildebeests, as well as zebras and other herbivores, across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
Timing: The migration is an annual event that doesn’t have fixed dates as it is dependent on the rain patterns and the availability of grass and water. Typically, it starts in the southern Serengeti around December and January and progresses in a clockwise fashion through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems, with the herds returning to the south around July to September.
Size: The migration involves an estimated 1.5 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores. This massive movement is driven by the need to find food and water.
Predator Activity: As the herds move, they attract numerous predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles, leading to dramatic wildlife encounters and thrilling predator-prey interactions.
River Crossings: One of the most iconic and dramatic aspects of the migration is the river crossings, particularly across the Grumeti and Mara rivers. These river crossings are perilous as crocodiles wait in the water to snatch prey. The wildebeests must overcome strong currents and crocodile attacks to continue their journey.
Serengeti Landscape: The Serengeti National Park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning landscapes, including vast grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops called kopjes.
Tourism: The Great Wildebeest Migration is a major draw for tourists from around the world. Safari companies offer tours and packages for visitors to witness this incredible natural spectacle.
Conservation: The Serengeti ecosystem and its wildlife are protected through conservation efforts, as this migration is crucial for maintaining the health of the region’s ecosystems.
Balloon Safaris: One popular way to experience the migration is through hot air balloon safaris. These allow visitors to get a unique aerial view of the herds and the Serengeti landscape.
Visiting the Serengeti during the Wildebeest Migration is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. It’s an awe-inspiring event that showcases the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as well as the delicate balance between predator and prey in one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. To ensure the best chance of witnessing this phenomenon, it’s advisable to plan your trip during the appropriate season and with the help of experienced safari guides.
Wildebeests traverse through a large ecosystem that includes Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masaai Mara. During their movement, features like the Grumeti and Mara rivers, Simiti, and Lobo hills hinder their smooth movement but they always manoeuvre around and go through them.
Wildebeests are usually in Tanzania for the time of the year. For about 10 months, they are in Tanzania and spend the other three months in Kenya. Therefore, when choosing where to see the wildebeest, beware of when to choose a Tanzania safari or a Kenya safari.
Why does the Great Migration occur?
The Great Migration is influenced by seasonal rains and the availability of grazing grass.
Best time/season for the Great Migration in Tanzania
The Great Migration happens all year round and has specific locations for the different times of the year. Travelers can, therefore decide to visit during the best time for Tanzania Wildlife Safaris or when they are interested in a specific occurrence.
Wildlife in Masai Mara National Reserve
Wildebeest crossing the in Mara River
Where the migration tends to be during the different times of the year;
January, February, and March
Around the start of the year, the animals are finishing the southward trek moving from Serengeti to Ngoro Ngoro with lush green grass. This period is also known as the birthing season (over 5000 calves are born every day) and the conditions are good for raising newborns. During this period, there were several predator encounters since the newborns are seen as targets.
April and May
Around April, large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, and gazelles move northwest to central Serengeti and by May, they start to convene at the Moru Kopjes. The end of May is the mating season and this goes on as the movement continues into the Serengeti western corridor. Here herds have to cross the Grumeti River in order to continue with the journey with a threat from the Grumeti river crocodiles.
June and July
June is a dry season and large numbers can be seen in Western Serengeti and the Southern banks of Grumeti River. As of July approaches, they move north towards Mara River, North of Serengeti. Seeing millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and antelopes crossing the river is the most magnificent sight. The ones that cross the river are seen in Masaai Mara later in July.
August, September, and October
Close to August, the herds are stretched out in the northern part of Masaai Mara after crossing the Mara River. There are no sightings of a single crossing, only a few animals and a mass of animals moving continuously without a break for a while.
By September – October, they would have steadily moved eastward.
November and December
In early November and late October, the wildebeests move from Kenya into Eastern Serengeti, and by December, they all over the Eastern and Southern parts. The cycle continues the next year with lush vegetation and rain. When planning to have a wildebeest safari in Tanzania, ensure to be mindful of booking with a tour operator who has expertise in the location of the wildebeests in the season you intend to visit. Tourists flock to Tanzania each year with an interest of watching the wildebeest migration, therefore it is important to book as early as possible. Tanzania is a great wildlife safari destination and good for other safaris. Some of the prominent wildlife parks in Tanzania include Serengeti National Park where you can see the wildebeests, Ngorongoro crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve and the popular beaches for relaxation.
After enjoying a great wildlife experience in Tanzania, East Africa offers other unique experiences, such as gorilla trekking. Tailor in a short gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda gorilla tour and have an encounter with the great mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. For gorilla safaris, there are no migrations but short movements through the tropical jungle. Charter flights can be organized to connect the Tanzania tour to either Uganda or Rwanda in the shortest time possible for such memorable lifetime experiences.