Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

Wildebeest migration is one of the most sought-after by most travelers and a major highlight of a Tanzania safari holiday Tour besides the Big Five safari. This natural phenomenon is a thrill to watch during Tanzania Safaris holidays and a must include on your bucket list for Tanzania. What is the Great wildebeest migration? The Great Wildebeest Migration is a mass movement of mammal grazers including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the Serengeti and Masai Mara Ecosystems in Tanzania and Kenya Respectively. The great migration involves the movement of over 2 million wildebeest and their entourage in a circular pattern, following an age-old route between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Witnessing this iconic migration is a life-changing experience. Before you embark on your wildebeest migration journey, knowing the Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania will give you an extra edge to having the best safari experience.

Although generally safaris in Tanzania can be conducted all year round, specific months of the year are known to offer the most ideal conditions for Safaris. Unlike the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) that can be spotted within the same areas of the park, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees large numbers of mammal grazers move from place to place. Knowing the Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania or when to go for a wildebeest migration tour is important before you book your tour. This complete guide is designed to show you where to see wildebeest in Tanzania each month of the year, the Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and the different seasons in Tanzania.

 

When to go for a wildebeest migration safari in Tanzania – The Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

Tanzania experiences two seasons, the dry season and the wet season. There are two dry seasons, the long dry season that lasts between June to September and the short dry season that lasts between December to mid-February. In between these two dry seasons are the wet seasons; April and May and then October and November.

Although wildebeest safaris can be conducted year-round in Tanzania, the long dry season that extends from June to September is the Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania. These months experience warm and stable weather with limited or no rainfall, suitable for safaris. The average temperatures in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania between June to September range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), which is ideal for safaris.

This dry season also comes with a number of other perfect conditions for wildebeest migration safaris in Tanzania including; dry and accessible driveways in the park, little or no rain to interrupt during safaris, and opportunities to join groups of other travelers during safaris. During the dry season, animals in Serengeti National Park are abundant since they usually congregate near water sources, giving you an opportunity to spot all the top African wildlife species including, top predators like; lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and African wild dogs that usually follow the migrating wildebeest to prey on the weak ones and vulnerable young borns. During this time spotting all other wildlife including giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and several antelope species is guaranteed in Serengeti National Park.

 

Where is the wildebeest migration now? – Best time to see wildebeest each month in Tanzania & where to visit?

 

December to March (Wildebeest Calving Season)

The wildebeests start arriving in the southern Serengeti plains in December, in areas that extend to the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As they arrive in the areas around Lake Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they spread across the vast savannas. All through December, January, February, and March, large herds of wildebeest graze in the southern plains of Serengeti National Park. During this time of the year, the southern part of Serengeti is associated with lush grassy plains that are nutrient rich and crucial for the nourishment of the calving wildebeests.

This season is also the wildebeest calving season where over half a million wildebeest are born, replenishing life lost during the long round trek. The air in the southern plains is filled with new life as the young born calves add to the excitement of this natural phenomenon here. For those planning to visit or a wildebeest safari between these months of the year, the best place to see the wildebeest is the Southern Serengeti plains. Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania during this months of the year is popular on those interested in witnessing the spectacular calving of the wildebeest in Tanzania.

There are various accommodation facilities within the southern Serengeti plains where you can stay during Safaris. Among the permanent accommodations during the wildebeest calving season are Ndutu Lodge and Kusini, located just conveniently to where you will be exploring during your Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania Safari Holiday.

 

Where to see wildebeest in April and May

This period of the year is associated with rain in Tanzania. During these months, the herds of grazer mammals are still within the Southern plains of Serengeti. These months of the year is associated with heavy rains in this region of the park however a few accommodation facilities remain open, offering accommodation to visitors willing to venture into the Serengeti during this period of the month. Among the places where you can stay during these months are Serena or Sopa Lodge. The early herds will have moved to the areas near the Grumeti River where they gather for a few weeks before they proceed with their northward movement into the central Serengeti National Park.

 

Where to see wildebeest in June and July

This is also the best time to go on a wildebeest migration Safari as the short rains in April and May stop and the herds generally are mostly found in the central Serengeti area. This season is popular and noisy since it is also the high season for safari in Serengeti National Park and Tanzania in general. The herds usually split while here, one group follows the western corridor from where they cross over to the Singita Grumeti Reserve.

The splinter herds then move through the Ikorongo game reserve on the Serengeti’s Western corridor, arriving in the Kogatende area in July.

The other group of herds moves directly to the north of the Serengeti, Seronera, and Lobo, and up to the Bolognja River area near the Eastern border with the Loliondo Reserve. Wildebeest herds at this time can be seen anywhere from the western corridor through the Eastern side of Serengeti National Park.

The best place to witness these mega herds during these months include; Grumeti River Camp, Faru Faru, Sasakwwa, and Singita Explore among others.

 

Where to see wildebeest in August and October

In most cases, the wildebeest are still within the northern Serengeti National Park. Most travelers however assume that by this time, the wildebeest are now in Kenya which can logically sound well but the reality is different. From July to October, there are more wildebeest herds within the northern Serengeti, and only a few herds have yet crossed to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

These months are also associated with the spectacle Mara River crossing that sees wildebeest battle crossing the crocodile Mara River. The river crossing in Tanzania is magnificent with several crossing points allowing for multiple river crossing sightseeing opportunities. It all starts with one wildebeest taking a leap of faith, followed by the remaining wildebeest. By the end of October, most herds will have crossed to the neighboring Masai Mara National Reserve.

Where to see wildebeest in November

In late November, the wildebeest herds start their second migration southwards to the Serengeti National Park. They retrace their way back to Masai Mara National Park, and once more cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, an equally exciting spectacle to watch. They will crossover and proceed with their migration to the southern part of Serengeti National Park in the areas near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.