The Great Migration
Wildlife Stampede
The Great Migration Explained
For many people, the aim of a trip to Tanzania is “to see the Great Migration”. We are always asked, “When is the best time “to see the Great Migration”?” Not everyone realizes that the migration is not a once-off event, but rather a continuous year-round process. Mara river crossings are only one part of the annual journey and the timing varies each year. Each part of the cyclical journey provides uniquely different experiences.
Great Migration Camps began as a research camp and evolved to welcome family, friends and then guests. We still specialize in the migration and because the wildebeest themselves are unpredictable, we decided not to wait for them, and rather take you to them, guaranteeing a front row seat to one of nature’s greatest wildlife shows.
Hot Tip! We recommend deciding how important it is to you to see the mega-herds of wildebeest and when. Then work backwards for your trip planning to incorporate other areas, national parks, and experiences. Let us help you plan.
What is the great migration?
- Seasonal movement of wildebeest from one habitat to another in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
- The migration involves a return journey.
- The herds move backwards and forwards across the park (or out of it!), sometimes 40 km overnight.
- The great migration is NOT one huge herd of animals. It is comprised of numerous large & small herds, all with their own agenda.
Why do the wildebeest migrate?
- The simple answer is for food and water.
- Other factors causing migration include reproduction, predation, protection or stress.
- The southern Serengeti plains are ideal for reproduction. Wildebeest have synchronized birthing and the plains are the only place that can sustain the sheer numbers and provide enough nutrition.
- If the wildebeest could stay there all year, they would! The plains dry out, and the wildebeest are forced to move north to permanent water sources and sufficient grazing.
- Weather influences the quality of water and grazing – thus the timing, intensity, location and duration of rainfall plays a crucial role in the wildebeest movement.
When is the great migration?
- Calving Season (Jan-Mar/Apr). Most calves are born in early February. The wildebeest stay on the southern Serengeti plains as late into March- April as possible. This allows the mothers & calves to get enough nutrition and strength to journey north.
- Rutting Season (June). Breeding season– fascinating interaction with males protecting their harems
- Crossing Season (July-Oct). Peak period of the river crossing season is August & early September.
The Great Migration Month by Month
- Dry months of the year.
- Wildebeest are on the southern plains for calving season (staying as long as possible)
- Other: Great interaction between predator and prey on the plains.
- The period before the long rains start is usually dry.
- Wildebeest start moving north (north-west?) as the southern plains dry out.
- Other: wildlife interactions occur around water sources. Scenically dramatic, cloud build-up
- Long rains.
- Wildebeest are on the move- mostly headed north and north-west. Access to view the wildebeest can be difficult, getting stuck is common.
- Other: Rain brings bugs, which brings birds, and smaller predators with some unusual or interesting sightings. It’s scenically beautiful, very green with no dust.
- The transition to dry season. Can have dramatic clouds.
- Wildebeest rutting season with males protecting harems, and lots of noise.
- Big herds tend to head to the western corridor (sometimes outside of the Serengeti itself). Some herds move up the eastern border of the Serengeti. Phenomenal to experience mega-herds on the move.
- Other: Beautiful & green after the rainy season, though the grass can be tall. Central Serengeti can be a good base for this unpredictable month.
- Dry season and it coincides with northern hemisphere summer holidays.
- Wildebeest river crossing season in the northern Serengeti. Herds move around the north, for water and grazing. They can cross the Mara River multiple times in a season.
- Crossings can be random, erratic, impulsive- give yourself as much time as possible for the experience.
- Other: it is peak season so can be busy and crowded. Give yourself enough time to get away from the river, which can suck your time and attention. There are so many other things to see – big cats, elephants, other plains game, magnificent granite outcrops.
- The good conditions last into about mid-October when the buildup for the short rains begins.
- Wildebeest: Lead herds start moving south, crossings can still take place.
- Other: Can be spectacular & not particularly crowded.
- An untraditional “spring” brings new wild life, lots of baby animals.
- Tanzania’s short rainy season starts & continues until the beginning of December. Afternoon or Evening rains are common so be prepared for a shower.
- Wildebeest location unpredictable, spread out and often moving south. Some Mara River crossings may be possible depending on the year.
- Other: Water-hole action whilst dry, magnificent transitions from wet to dry and a transformed landscape. Spring babies abound – cuteness overload.
- Rains can extend to mid-month, before drying out again. Popular over the festive season.
- Wildebeest herds start arriving on the southern plains for calving.
- Other: hungry predators in the central and southern Serengeti interact with the arriving prey.
The Great Migration By Season
Calving Season: January- March
- Almost 2 million wildebeest gather on the southern plains of the Serengeti for calving season.
- The herds don’t all arrive at the same time in early January.
- This many creatures need a lot of food. The southern plains have the most nutritious grass to sustain the numbers.
- Females synchronize their birthing, so about 500,000 wildebeest are born in a 3-week period
- Sheer numbers give them a level of protection whilst the calves are still young.
- Despite significant predator action, the wildebeest stick around for as long as possible, as the grass is good & the calves gain strength.
- As the grass dries out, the wildebeest start moving north- the timing of which is unpredictable and sadly doesn’t correspond with any fixed dates.
The Long Rains: April- May
- April – May is the long rainy season so the wildebeest move to locations where it has rained.
- North to the Seronera area
- North-West via Kusini to the western corridor.
- Eastern border of the Serengeti.
- They Herds can scatter & almost disappear, which seems remarkable considering the sheer numbers. Remember some herds can move outside the Serengeti NP
Rutting Season: June
- Breeding seasons takes place in June. Birthing is synchronized, so rutting is synchronized too!
- In June, smaller family herds gather dominated by one male (often in close proximity).
- The lone male spends lots of energy protecting his females from males without their own harem.
- Herds can combine to form mega-herds for the movement north.
River Crossing Season: July- October
- The Mara River starts in Kenya and runs north-south and then east-west in Tanzania
- River Crossings generally start from mid-July (earliest). Generally peak season is August & September but depends on the weather and rainfall.
- The northern Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) have more permanent water & grass attracting the wildebeest to the north. To get there they need to cross the Mara River.
- It’s probably the most dramatic time of the migration as a river crossing is dangerous for the wildebeest. Hungry crocs & predators await, it’s easy to break a leg jumping into the river or drown during a crossing.
- The crossings themselves generally involve a buildup of wildebeest numbers. The wildebeest can move up and down the Mara River looking for good spots to cross or to simply wait for more wildebeest to join the growing herd. The micro movement up and down the river with multiple hesitations and disruptions can and does drive people crazy! They just won’t cross until they decide.
- The wildebeest can cross northwards but a little rain or fresh grass can bring them south again. Ultimately, they could cross the Mara River multiple times.
- Book early as supplemental services get full booking (flights etc)
- When it comes to river crossings – you have to have patience.
You can be at a great spot, with a large mass of wildebeest waiting to cross. The wildebeest cando nothing for 2 days …yet the moment you wake up late, they will all cross over in 20 minutes and you’ll find them standing on the opposite bank, with only a few fat crocs to show where they were!!!!
Waiting for Rain: November- January
- We call this final period “waiting for rain”! The short rains are usually in Nov-Dec but this varies a lot.
- In general, the wildebeest move southwards through the Serengeti to the southern plains, following water and rivers.
- They can move in large herds or as small family groups as they make their way back towards those plains where the journey started in a seasonal yet variable repetition of events.
Connect with the Great Migration at Great Migration Camps
At Great Migration Camps, we’re more than just observers of the Great Migration; we’re dedicated participants in this incredible natural spectacle. Our mobile camps are strategically positioned to provide you with the best opportunities to witness the migration’s different phases.
By choosing Great Migration Camps, you not only witness the Great Migration but also become a vital part of this remarkable journey. Let us help you plan your adventure, taking you to the heart of the migration’s cyclical wonders.
Here’s how our camps enhance your Great Migration experience:
Front Row Seats
- Our mobile camps are designed to move with the wildebeest. This means you’ll have a front row seat to one of nature’s most captivating wildlife shows.
- We guarantee you’ll be in the right place at the right time.
Immersive Experience
- You won’t merely observe the Great Migration; you’ll live and breathe it.
- Accommodating a maximum of six guests per camp unit, our camps offer an intimate and exclusive experience like no other.
Expertise
- With over two decades of pioneering tourism in Tanzania, our team embodies unmatched expertise in the region.
- We understand the nuances of the migration, weather conditions, and where the herds are gathered. We provide you with unparalleled insights into the Great Migration.
Ethical Practices
- We are committed to sustainable, low impact and ethical practices.
- Your journey with us supports the conservation of these magnificent landscapes.
Seamless Travel
- From accommodations to transportation, activities to event logistics, we excel in orchestrating seamless travel.
- Our mobile camps ensure you are always close to the action
Live Availability
Let's Talk
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Contact us today to customize your safari experience and take advantage of our exclusive offers.
