Where you can see the Great Wildebeest Migration
The migratory route is at times considered a set route, occurring annually between the Masai Mara north of Kenya in the months of May and December and the Serengeti plains of Tanzania to the south. However, it's only part of the bigger picture, especially as many have been blinded by maps claiming to predict a more organized path. However, the truth is that the great migration is entirely natural and is also shaped by factors such as the environment, weather and the wildlife. The only thing that many are sure of is the route and the time alone. It always runs from the south of the Serengeti to the Western Corridor to the Masai Mara and then back to the beginning through the Loliondo and Lobo area. However, this is still a significantly better estimate than any consistent roadmap.
On the other hand, there are a number of general guidelines on where and when to visit which will come in very handy for those making an effort to visit during periods when the pattern does not conform to 'normal' due to bizarre rainy and/or dry seasons “ Procedure follows. The chances of seeing zebras, wildebeests and gazelles in other areas are high. Be sure to spot some of the animals on a journey through the vast region.
Best Time to Visit
The first animals, which travel much earlier, often make their way across the Serengeti in April in search of a reliable source of water and much more grass. Over time, these animals encounter numerous difficulties, such as clashing predators even at river crossings and also on the long journey of more than a hundred miles. Here's a tentative exercise agenda to follow if you're planning one for yourself.
December to April.
The south of the Serengeti is definitely the place to be for this 4 month period as this is when the wildebeest are stationed in an area. The herds seen between the Ndutu area and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which lies just on the south-eastern side of the Serengeti National Park, depend entirely on rainfall. Around February, the pregnant wildebeest mothers give birth to more than 500,000 calves over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. So for those whose priority is to see predators and/or small wildebeest then this is definitely the best time for you.
During this season the northern areas of Tanzania; The Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park are teeming with herds of wildebeest, gazelle and antelope. Newborns are born at this time of year and calving and kill sightings are quite common at this time.
Some of the best viewing areas good for viewing huge herds during this time are the Salei Plains and southern Ndutu. Lemala Ndutu Camp, Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Safari Camp and some of the mobile tented camps in the area.
One fact you should know if you head out to observe these wildebeest herds is that 10 minutes after birth, the calves can be ready to go with the rest of the herd.
May and June.
By this time in April and/or May, the rains are almost over and the eastern and southern plains of the Serengeti region have dried up completely, which then causes migration to begin. These move in two directions, west and north, in separate groups; There are some that go through the Loliondo area or even through the Seronera area to Lobo, and others that go to the western corridor and the Grumeti river where there are most likely crocodiles.
This season the herds move to the western and northern plains which are much grassier, not forgetting the forests of the Serengeti Western Corridor. It often rains seasonally during this time, making it difficult to travel with the herds at this stage of the migration. Many of the smaller camps in this area of
The zebra and wildebeest slowly migrate north, gathering their small groups to form a large herd when the rains end. This season is wildebeest mating season, which is better seen from the western Serengeti.
July to November.
Traditionally, many consider this to be the best time and season to view the great migration. Between the months of July and August, these wildebeest enter the Masai Mara in Kenya and cross the Mara River in large numbers. These transitions are now considered the privileged moments of this migration. This time of year is favorable for those whose priority is to see herds of wildebeest migrating through the river waters.
The very first obstacle to the Great Migration; the Grumeti River will be hit this season. This river sometimes tends to have deep ends in some places, especially when the rain has been good, so the chances of most of these wildebeest drowning are very high. However, drowning is just one of the few problems that impede wildebeest movement on this river. There is also an abundance of crocodiles waiting to kill the desperate animals as they cross the river.
Accommodations along the river are quite credible because they offer a breathtaking safari experience. Some of them are Serengeti Serena Lodge, Kirawira I Camp, Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp and Migration Camp.
October to November.
During this season the migration is still ongoing. During this time, the herd arrives in Tanzania from the south. There is probably plenty to see here as well in the areas of northern Tanzania and the southern Masai Mara of Kenya.
One last thing to know about these wildebeests is that they can live up to 40 years, although many only make it to 20 years.
Best time to go, wildebeest migration, tours African safaris
Nearly one million wildebeest, antelope and zebra migrate across East Africa's Great Plains each year in search of better pasture and water. This movement has become known as the Great Migration, and those who have come close or even witnessed it first hand have had a once in a lifetime experience. Planning this migration is often difficult as these animals are highly mobile in nature, but the most important thing is knowing the right time and place when and where these animals will be.
Here's a look at some of the best places to see this Great Migration and the season in Tanzania and Kenya.
The Great Migration
More than a million antelope, wildebeest and zebra meet with their young and begin the long journey from the north side of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. They travel in search of greener pastures, moving clockwise, covering nearly 1800 miles (2900 kilometers). However, this journey is notorious and fraught with threats, killing an estimated 250,000 wildebeest annually.
The most dangerous part of this journey for these wildebeests are the river crossings on the Mara River in Kenya and the Grumeti River in Tanzania, which harbors crocodiles killing masses of terrified animals trying to cross them. These crossings are not for the shy animals but for the brave who will take a risk and cross over to the other side, experiencing one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in Africa.
When you're not by the river, these thousands of animals are strewn en masse across the plain, and just catching a glimpse of them is a spectacular sight. This is because iconic predators; such as leopards, lions, hyenas and wild dogs are suddenly drawn to the availability of so much food for them, which ends up giving you greater chances of seeing a kill.
Note: This great migration happens naturally and has few changes per year in terms of location and time. Here is some information that can serve as a general guide for you.
