The Great Tanzania-Kenya Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual migration of giant herds of animals all through from Northern Tanzania to Kenya. Each wildebeest migration constitutes of over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles moving from Serengeti National Park of Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park of Kenya.
Wildebeest migration occurs in a regular pattern as thousands of the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Serengeti Masai Mara ecosystem in search of green pasture. With these large herds, this is the largest wildlife group you may ever see on an African safari, this is why it is one of the natural world’s greatest wonders.
Where to see the Wildebeest Migration per month annually
The wildebeest migrate all year round in circular motion around the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve ecosystem. Though it is an ongoing moment, here is where you will see the wildebeest during the different seasons of the year.
To see the wildebeest in Tanzania, between July – October the herds are in northern Serengeti plains. During this time you can have the chance to see the wildebeest crossing the dramatic Mara River as thousands are killed trying to cross. This is referred to as the most desirable time to see the wildebeest in Tanzania.
From December to March, the wildebeest in that time is in the southern part of Serengeti specifically in Ndutu which is actually in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During this time it’s the calving season as many calves are birthed.
February is the perfect month when the wildebeest can be seen in large herds altogether for the calving season. This is a highlight of the wildebeest migration along with the dramatic crossings of the Mara River.
Between the months of November, April, May, and June the herds are much more dispersed. This is because November experiences short rains and the months of April and May are the long rains season therefore the grass is green throughout and so are the herds that are dispersed.
Best time of the year to see the large herds of wildebeest migrating is during the months of July – October, and December – March.
Mulling in Kenya happens just as an extension to the grazing seasons of the herds since they spend most of their time in Serengeti. Between July – October is when the wildebeest can be seen in Kenya as they cross the Mara River. To catch the best moments of the dramatic crossings of the Mara River, it is best to base yourself in Serengeti on a Tanzania wildlife safari rather than wildlife safari in Kenya.
Why do the Wildebeest Migrate?
Annually migrating across the Serengeti Masai Mara ecosystem, the wildebeest migrate with a sole purpose of finding green pastures. When the rains are in the Serengeti region the wildebeest will be there to find pasture and when the rains are in Kenya’s Masai Mara, the herds will migrate to Kenya.
Though their cycle is a little predictable, where the wildebeest can be seen is dependent on where the rains fall.
It’s an annual event undertaken by the wildebeest as one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and numerous other antelope species move in search of greener pastures.
Choose to visit Tanzania or Kenya to have a wildebeest migration experience. With the airlines in the region, you can also tailor your trip with a Uganda safari or gorilla safari in Rwanda in a single safari. Contact us for details about wildebeest and customized safaris.
