Great Migration

The wildebeest migration is one of Africa’s great wildlife events, taking place each year across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Around 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, move in a slow, circular pattern across the plains of East Africa, following the rains and the fresh grazing they bring.

It isn’t an easy journey. The herds cross crocodile-inhabited rivers like the Mara, where many don’t make it, and face lion, hyena and cheetah along the way. What you’re watching is the natural cycle in full — animals moving, feeding, calving and being hunted across a single vast landscape — and it’s what draws people from around the world to come and see it for themselves.

Despite these dangers, the wildebeests press on, driven by an instinctual urge. The spectacle of the wildebeest migration serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility and resilience of life in the wild, captivating the hearts and minds of spectators from around the world.

What is the best time to see the wildebeest migration?

In general the best time to see the wildebeest migration is from July to October. During this time, the herds are typically in the northern part of the Serengeti, crossing the Mara River into the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This is a particularly exciting time to witness the migration, as the river crossings can be quite dramatic.

It’s important to note that the exact timing and location of the migration can vary from year to year depending on rainfall patterns. It’s always a good idea to check with local guides or tour operators to get the most up-to-date information on the whereabouts of the herds.

Additionally, the months of January to March can also be a good time to see the migration, as the herds are usually in the southern part of the Serengeti, where they give birth to their young. This can be a particularly fascinating time to witness the circle of life in action as you may see newborn wildebeest taking their first steps and fending off predators.

The Great Migration Route – A Monthly Breakdown

JANUARY – MARCH | Calving Season
The wildebeest migration begins in the southern Serengeti, where the herds gather to give birth to their young.

APRIL – MAY: Migration moves Northwards
With the long rains easing later in the season, the wildebeest begin moving towards the central Serengeti. It’s a time of plenty: the grass is still green and water is plentiful.

JUNE – JULY: Grumeti and the Western Corridor
By June, the grasses in the central Serengeti have been depleted, and the wildebeest start moving to Serengeti’s western corridor, preparing to cross the Grumeti River.

AUGUST: Mara River Crossing
The herds embark on one of the most dramatic phases of their journey: the river crossings. This period marks the crossing between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, creating a thrilling and unforgettable sight for travelers lucky enough to witness it.

SEPTEMBER: Migration to Masai Mara
The Serengeti and Masai Mara experience hot and dry weather, creating ideal conditions for safari adventures. Though you might catch glimpses of wildebeest in the Serengeti, the Masai Mara steals the spotlight as the premier destination for witnessing the Migration during this month.

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER: Migration to the Serengeti
By October, the wildebeest have exhausted the grazing and water sources in the Maasai Mara Reserve, and they start making their way back towards the southern Serengeti.

DECEMBER – JANUARY: Resting and Calving
By December, the wildebeest have returned to the southern Serengeti, where they rest and graze until the next calving season begins.