Double river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti
The Great Wildebeest Migration is often erroneously linked with the river crossings of the Mara River. The river crossings are riveting to witness, and the star of the great migration show. For some lucky observers, it is possible to watch a double crossing during one river crossing event.
What is a double river crossing of the Great Migration?
Some of the wildebeest calves are separated from their mothers whilst crossing the Mara River with the rest of the herd. These calves often return to where the came from, looking for their mothers. Sometimes the mothers go back and swim through the waters again to find their young ones. The double river crossing or return river crossing refers to some wildebeest individuals crossing the river twice in one event.
Who is involved in double river crossings during the Great Migration?
Watch this amazing video of the 6-month-old calves in a “return crossing”. We witnessed the main crossing of the entire herd, then in a state of confusion, these calves returned to the Mara River and crossed it again. The adrenaline and chaos of the crossing and being in the water dulls the calves’ sense of smell. Smell is their primary way of identification. In the water, or just after getting out of the water, they cannot smell or find their mothers. In a sense of desperation at being lost their natural instinct is to go back to where they came from, resulting in a double crossing. Lost calves are brave in their determination to find their moms!
Experience the Great Migration in 2022 – River Crossings and more
Join us for the world’s largest overland mammal migration as 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, 18,000 eland and 200,000 Thompson’s gazelle move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. We don’t wait for the herds to come to us, we take you to them – leaving no trace. Follow them with us online or in person. Migration Updates every month. Email sally@greatmigrationcamps.com to book your seat to the great migration. We still have some availability in late August, into September, so join us before the 2022 river crossing season is over.
“Nothing ever becomes real ‘til it is experienced.” John Keats
As per our great migration predications last month, the river crossings started in the Northern Serengeti in early July. It’s been a cracking start to the great migration crossing season, with the majority of the herds arriving near Makutano. The early river crossings were at Crossing Points 7 & 7B. As more great migration herds arrived in the second week of July, the Mara River crossing point shifted west to coincide with the arrivals of the Western Herds. There were some spectacular great migration river crossings at Numbers 4 and 5. The steep banks and intensive herds, created billowing dust for some impressive crossings. Superb sightings for happy guests who were up early to enjoy Nature’s greatest show. Large herds are now grazing leisurely in Lamai Wedge.
Mara River crossing at No 4 from south to north MIGRATION UPDATE: 16 July 2022
Great Migration Update from Kenya: July 2022
Last week there were some huge crossings of the Sand River into Kenya. The herds that crossed the Mara River are moving slowly and should reach the Mara Triangle soon, they seem to be hanging around Miles Turner Hill and taking a leisurely break.
MIGRATION UPDATE JULY 2022: Huge herds of the Great Migration cross the Sand River into Kenya
Let’s hope it’s a great year for the Maasai Mara and Mara Triangle, where we are monitoring how long they spend in the Maasai Mara and Mara Triangle and how far north they go into the Mara Conservancies this year of 2022 (if at all). Results will be good indicators if the Kenyan conservancy model (where cattle also graze the land), will allow enough grazing for the wildebeest of the great migration, who seem to be competing for the same resources as cattle. Holding thumbs for the great migration to have a longer stay in the Maasai Mara this year.
MIGRATION UPDATE JULY 2022: Serengeti Great migration, Mara River crocodile kill 2022
Great Migration predictions for July and early August 2022.
It is fairly dry up in the Northern Serengeti, with no real rain forecast in the next two weeks. Despite a build up of some moisture from Lake Victoria creating some amazing clouds, there has been no rainfall and very little is predicted. We are hoping for some light showers here and there, to provide short green grass for the wildebeest to eat, otherwise it becomes tough going for the great migration herds. The drier spells accentuate the pressure on the eco-system and limited food becomes obvious when there is no rainfall. We are even noticing that the low water levels of the Mara River this 2022 are making it hard for the crocodiles to feed.
Until there is big rain in the north to pull them further, we predict smaller crossings back and forth across the Mara River in the next few weeks. There are still some herds arriving from the south, so it’s likely there will be lots of to-and-fro with wildebeest herds on both sides of the Mara River.
Great Migration: News update July 2022
More good news from Kogatende is that the bridge to the Lamai Wedge is now open. Thanks to TANAPA for coordinating the repairs to the bridge across the Mara River for the great migration crossing season. It is wonderful to have road access on both sides of the river, when staying at Great Migration Camps for the great migration river crossing season 2022.
Visit the Great Migration in 2022
Join us for the world’s largest overland mammal migration as 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, 18,000 eland and 200,000 Thompson’s gazelle move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. We don’t wait for the herds to come to us, we take you to them – leaving no trace.
Email info@greatmigrationcamps.com to book your seat to the great migration. We still have some availability first week of August & the last two weeks of August, into September. Book soon to avoid disappointment. The show must go on.
Finding the Great Migration: Migration Update June 2022
Great Migration update 18 June 2022. This is a difficult time of year to find the great migration. In years of normal rainfall, the statistics and literature indicate that the large herds should be on the western side of the Serengeti National Park. The western side of the Serengeti gets more rain due to its physical location close to Lake Victoria, so the logic is that in dry years the wildebeest herds should migrate through the North Western Serengeti. Finding the herds can be tricky as vast tracks of the area is privately owned hunting blocks of the park buffer zone.
Serengeti Great Migration Update, Serengeti Balloon Safaris, 16 June 2022
Finding the great migration in the west – June 2022
It’s mid-June 2022, and the majority of the herds are in the western corridor of the Serengeti. This is the longer route to the Mara River and northern Serengeti. The herds are moving slowly and a full Grumeti River has also slowed the progress of the herds moving northwards.
There was a lot of early rain in the NW corner of the ecosystem. The rains stopped early this year, so the southern plains dried out quickly causing the wildebeest herds to migrate. The wetter north-west corner is the preferred dry season grazing. Wildebeest love the red oat grass that grows in the moist, deeper soils. June 2022 is becoming a classic text book year for the great migration. By the end of June, all the Western herds should have crossed the Grumeti River, and we can expect the migration to reach Kogatende and the Mara River from the west for river crossings in 4-6 weeks’ time.
June is a privileged time to find the great migration. You may have to work a bit harder out in the west – which is further away and fascinatingly wilder. If you are lucky to find the great migration in June- it is spectacular. Witness this great natural phenomenon of hundreds of thousands of animals marching in columns up to 40 kilometers long and be blown away. Check out the video below from the Western Serengeti and the marching herds. It’s insane! Follow up your watch journey to the western Serengeti with Episode 24- West End . There’s more great migration, as well as river animals of the Serengeti on show.
Migration Madness. Episode 23 of the Serengeti Show Live Series in 2020. Discover the Western Corridor of the Serengeti and the classic long columns of wildebeests migrating through the area- it’s astounding!
Finding the great migration in the east – June 2022
Finding the great migration in the east, is sometimes forgotten when the western herds dominate the wildlife news. This June many of the Eastern Herds, moved west through Seronera to join the western herds and contribute to the big numbers on that side of the Serengeti National Park.
20% of the Eastern Herds remained on that side of the Serengeti, and those wildebeest can currently be found near Togoro Plains. The eastern great migration herds are moving northwards fairly quickly so we anticipate them reaching the Sand River in the first week of July. This means there could be some Sand River Crossings into the Mara Reserve as early as July 2022 for the first river crossings of the 2022 season.
This seasonal river with a sandy bottom, is the virtual game drive of Episode 28 exploring the Serengeti. Watch for an unexpected crossing.
If the conditions in the Mara reserve aren’t suited to the wildebeest needs yet, the early herds may back track to the Serengeti and cross the Mara River from north to south. These would be the first Mara River Crossings.
The third, yet least likely scenario for the first river crossings of 2022, is that the eastern herds don’t cross the sand river in early July. They would move north and west, slowly gathering near crossing point No 10 or Makutano for a potential Mara River crossing at the junction.
Finding the great migration in July. Predictions for river crossing season ’22
We predict some small river crossings to start in the first half of July. Crossings would likely be the Sand River or Eastern Mara River.
The first herds of the great migration coming from the West, should arrive at the Mara River in mid-July 2022. Big herds are already gathering as the wildebeest migrate northwards.
At Great Migration Camps we are eagerly waiting for a bumper season. We are expecting some big river crossings starting in July ’22.
Join us for the world’s largest overland mammal migration as 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, 18,000 eland and 200,000 Thompson’s gazelle move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. We don’t wait for the herds to come to us, we take you to them – leaving no trace.
Email info@greatmigrationcamps.com to book your seat to the great migration. We still have some space still available in early July & late August. Book soon to avoid disappointment.
The annual migration cycle is one of movement in May and June, making these tough months for accurate location predictions of the wildebeest herds. The migration is on the move due to some contributing factors. So far this May 2022, most of the migration updates have been coming from Seronera as wildebeest herds move through the central Serengeti.
The back-end of the migratory herds are still in the southern and western sectors of the Serengeti National Park. These pockets of wildebeest are moving slowly.
The Eastern herds, were moving northwards fairly quickly, and there are still some migratory herds on the Eastern Plains. There are some scattered herds around Mbuzi Mawe, Banagi Hill and Togoro Plains. Many of the wildebeest that were heading north on the eastern border, crossed through Seronera to the west.
The eastern herds that crossed over to the western Serengeti have become the leaders of the great migration. They can easily travel 10km per day, often in long lines as they head north. A few large herds were crossing the Orangi Rivernear Hembe and heading North-West.
Why is the wildebeest whereabouts significant to the great migration?
It is far easier for the wildebeest herds to cross the Upper Grumeti river which has fewer obstructions and geographical barriers than the lower stretches of the river. The lower Grumeti River can be treacherous as it is far larger in size with more water which is dangerous & can slow the wildebeest down.
The impact of the Grumeti River on the great migration
The Grumeti River is a lifeline that cuts through the incredible Serengeti scenery from the north east of the national park and west to Lake Victoria. In river terms, the Grumeti River is short at only 180km, with the upper catchment area near Klein’s Gate. Water from the Lobo Hills and Bologonja areas, feed into the Upper Grumeti River.
Rivers flowing to Lake Victoria
Grumeti-River
Grumeti-River catchment
The real water comes from the Upper Orangi River whose catchment area is a vast area in the Serengeti (from Central Banangi Hill, Ngare Nanyuki, Seronera Valley and Makoma). All the water from the central Serengeti flows into the Oranji River, which feeds the lower Grumeti River, providing a huge catchment area with the Upper stretches of river. The confluence of the Orangi and Grumeti Rivers is just west of Hembe.
The Grumeti River flows for 3-4 months a year during the wet season, and yearly flooding can occur, as the River is on a broad floodplain, with typical sandy soils and riparian forests.
The impact of the change in vegetation on the great migration
In the south-eastern plains of the Serengeti, there is shallow volcanic ash soil, ideal for the wildebeest during calving season as the grass is short, nutritious and abundant – enough to sustain 1.5 million wildebeest for a few months. As the plains dry out, the wildebeest are forced to move north, where the changing landscape and soil types alter the vegetation.
It’s wetter in the west – there is more water and more rain as you closer you get to Lake Victoria. There is lots of water at all the springs and granite zones all the way north from Seronera to the Masai Mara. Navigating through the wet takes longer and slows the wildebeest herds down.
In addition to the water, there is a lot of grass. The deep sandy soils of the North-western Serengeti have rich, nutritional red oat grass – in abundance right now. One can hardly blame the wildebeest for taking their time, through 80km of delicious red oat grass to graze.
Flashback to this video taken in 2017 where we stopped to look at the red oat grass – beautiful grass that the wildebeest love, and had a lovely interaction with this young bull elephant on the plains of the Lamai Wedge, Northern Serengeti,
To date, we are not aware of any fires, which are commonly lit at the beginning of the dry season by park rangers, to prevent larger-scale fires later in the season, that can reduce woodland cover.
Great Migration Updates: movement of the wildebeest herds
These migration updates are gathered from a network of guiding professionals and safari experts in the field. Reports are shared directly from the Serengeti itself. We share these updates for those planning a safari, as well as those who guiding safaris or supplying supplementary services to the industry.
In the south, the Serengeti borders the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the north, the Serengeti borders Kenya’s Masai Mara. Surrounding the Serengeti National Park are buffer zones: Maswa, Loliondo, Grumeti and Ikorongo. The entire eco-system is open and unfenced, which in itself allows the great migration to take place.
Wildebeest being out of the park boundaries, partially explains why they can be hard to find. It may seem strange that nearly 2 million creatures can’t be found, as if the great Houdini had performed a vanishing act in the Serengeti. Remember, the Serengeti is huge- it’s the size of a small country – about 30,000 square kilometers (12,000 square miles), and 160km (100 miles) of bush from north to south. (Manhattan Island in New York which is 21.6 km (13.4 miles) long and how hard it is to find someone in that city.
We love maps, especially when they include Tanzania, the Great Migration or the Serengeti National Park. Check out MapFight – it’s a really cool map comparison tool – you can compare the sizes of any areas or country. Let us know how your country or state compares in size to the Serengeti and you will have a better idea of the vast scale, and why we are constantly looking for wildebeest.
Connecticut, USA is 0.97 times as big as Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Kuwait is 1.21 times as big as Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Northern Ireland is 0.94 times as big as Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Rwanda is 1.79 times as big as Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Join Great Migration Camps or follow us, as we follow the Great Wildebeest Migration . A journey through the Serengeti from the southern plains to the Mara River and back. We follow the wildebeest, zebra , eland and Thomson’s gazelle as they migrate through the Mara-Serengeti Eco-system.
We have mixed availability in Kogatende area for the River Crossing Season 2022. Book early for the great migration river crossing season. Email: sally@greatmigrationcamps.com #Conservationthroughtourism
2022 Serengeti Video of the Year Entries are open.
The video of the year competition runs from 1 June until 30 May every year in the Serengeti. Share your best nature and wildlife videos from the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania and stand a chance to win $1,000 in cash or Serengeti bed nights at Great Migration Camps. These videos capture incredible moments from the Serengeti National Park, videos that many of our viewers would never otherwise see, in a place they may only dream of visiting – the iconic Serengeti.
The Serengeti National Park is home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, & as these videos represent, home to many more beasts in the wild as well! These wildlife videos capture the spirit of the Serengeti. Submit your Entry for Serengeti Video of the Year and stand a chance to win in 2022. Thanks to Conservation Through Tourism for the project & to Serengeti Show Live for bringing wildlife video to mainstream social media.
Winner of Serengeti Video of the Year 2021
The winning video is by popular view. It comes as no surprise that the winning videos have been captured by first class wildlife safari guides, who work in the Serengeti. Wildlife footage & videos are challenging to capture as wild animals are unpredictable. Wildlife doesn’t take model direction in the bush and you can’t force wildlife to do what you want to get your shot. You CAN do your best to anticipate their movements, so guide knowledge, vehicle positioning and a lot of time and patience are the secrets to the success of the winning Serengeti videos.
See the Top 3 Serengeti of the Year Videos of the 2021 season in the blog below.
Congratulations to Michael Thomas.
His video of life on the plains and the difference in feeding patterns between lion and hyena is the 2021 WINNER of Serengeti Video of the Year. Congratulations to the our highly mentioned videos – match watch scenes from the Serengeti. Click the image below to watch Serengeti Video of the Year 2021.
WINNER: Michael Thomas
Guidelines to enter Serengeti Video of the Year 2022
Footage should be taken in the Serengeti National Park in 2022.
All footage used in your video must be your own.
You need to submit your entry via Whatsapp so the length should be between 10 seconds and 3 minutes.
Video quality is not a barrier to entry, however stable videos in 1080 p tend to fare better. It’s the content that counts.
There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit.
There is no charge to submit an entry.
By submitting your video, you agree to being published.
The best entries each are showcased on social media monthly.
HONOURABLE MENTION: George D’Souza
How to enter Serengeti Video of the Year 2022
Send your wildlife video captured in the Serengeti via Whatsapp to +255759756 814
Give us your name & where & when you filmed the subject.
Sharing your social media handles make it a little easier for us for us to tag you.
We suggest you like our pages to view amazing wildlife video content & updates from the bush.
Serengeti Video of the Year 2022 Prizes
Winning video gets US$1,000 in cash
OR an 3-night safari for two people at Great Migration Camps
(*T’s & C’s apply. Excludes Park Fees, Transfers, Domestic Flights)
HONOURABLE MENTION: GMC footage
Ethical Wildlife Videography
The welfare of the animal is more important than any video.
We should always be conscious of our actions in the field and the potential impact on wildlife & habitat.
Only moving footage of natural occurrences in the Serengeti National Park will be considered.
Wildlife videography can be a double-edged sword.
Incredible wildlife videos can be the best allies for the conservation and preservation of wild landscapes and animals.
Conversely altering animal behaviors (e.g., chasing or baiting) to get an iconic video may have serious consequences for the dynamics of the ecosystem, or the animals individual risk.
We encourage truth in captioning. In today’s highly digitized world, geolocation data, pulled from publicly shared image files can be used illicitly. Do be mindful of endangered species.
Photographic and Videography Serengeti Safaris
Get in touch, on info@conservationthroughtourism.com and join us in the Serengeti with your camera.
Part 2: Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River?
Knowing where the wildebeest cross the river, can improve your great migration experience, as you should choose which side of the river to observe the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. If the herds cross to the north then it is probably better to be on the northern bank of the river and visa versa for the return journey.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Changing crossing points
In Part 1 we talked about favourite or geographically determined crossing points for the wildebeest during the Mara River Crossing Season. This also changes! The Mara River Floods of 2018 and 2020, changed its course, making new bends in the river and causing a shift in Crossing Points. Knowing recent climatic events can get you front row seats to observe this natural show.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? The inside bend
Let’s take a river crossing example.
The river crossings from South to North take place in the inside bends of the Mara River:- these are crossing points Makutano, No 8, No 6, N0 4, No 3 and No 1 in front of Singita.
The return journey from North to South, takes place on the alternate (now inside bends) of the river at crossing points No 2, No 5, No 7 and No 9.
Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Early season crossings
The crossings early on in the season will come from the Eastern side. The eastern herds are mostly bachelor herds, with fewer obstacles in their way, so they move quickly. The first river crossings of the year will probably be Sand River crossings between Bologonja Spring and the Sand/Mara river confluence. Sand River crossings have taken place as early as June.
The first Mara River crossings are commonly at No 10, No 9, No 8 and Makutano in July each year.
When the western herds arrive from Ikorongo and the Grumeti Reserves they would start crossing at the western crossing points from late July onwards at crossing points No 1 – 4 and perhaps at No 5 and No 6 in front of Sayari.
Conservation Talking Points
Flash flooding and fast runoffs during the dry season (July – October). Fast flowing water is difficult for wildlife and animals to judge in general. The wildebeest sometimes miss the exit points of the Mara River due to the strength of the fast flowing water of the Mara River, resulting in drowning. These changing climatic conditions (Floods 2018, 2020) have an impact on the survival rate of the Mara River crossings. The solutions can often be found in the catchment area, the source of the Mara River, the area where trees should be holding the water.
Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com Contact us now for River Crossing availability 2022 season.
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates
The Mara River Crossings of the wildebeest & zebra, of the annual Great Migration in Tanzania & Kenya is an event like no other in the natural world. It’s not a single event, nor a single herd, nor a single stretch of river, nor a specific date or time. Wildebeest crossing the Mara River is a visually magnificent 3-D, confusion of tangible adrenalin with stereo sound. In the animal history world, these dramatic & chaotic river crossing scenes must rank at the top due to the raw visual, auditory & sensory intensity. It will take your breath away. The 2022 Mara River Crossings are the next event in our part of the planet.
As kids we were taught various bush survival skills which included river crossing techniques for our safety. We knew if the river was too wide, flowing too fast or was too high & discoloured, the crossing point was not acceptable. Acceptable crossing places had shallow water, easy banks to get out on the other side and a nice gravel or boulder river bed. Deep, slow water was okay if it wasn’t too wide. As humans we had to remove loose clothing, belts & backpacks.
Watch the far bank
Don’t fight the current
Don’t grab logs or rocks
Try to move side on to the current
Where to cross a River? Crossing points
The first question was whether we had to cross or not. Was there an alternative option?
It we had to cross, the second question was where to cross the river. What is the best river crossing point?
The nature of the river bed (is it sand, gravel, rocks, boulders?)
Speed of river flow
Depth of the water
Turbulence of the water
Temperature (coldness) of the water
Capabilities of the group
Entry and exit points
Run out
Where to cross the Mara River? Crossing Points for the Great Migration 2022
The Mara River is almost 400 km long and is wide, craggy and treacherous.
It is home to Africa’s largest crocodile population.
The Mara River represents the end of a long challenging journey for the wildebeest.
It makes logical sense that the wildebeest are hesitant to cross the river when they arrive, making them seem aimless and indecisive.
Despite facing the same river risks as humans, such as drowning in strong currents, or breaking a leg on rocks or river bank entries – the wildebeest must also contend with predators (crocodiles & carnivores)
The wildebeest cross the Mara River on instinct, in a bi annual ritual- what goes north, must return south. The herds cross the Mara River at least twice, sometimes more.
Humans have spent decades documenting the wildebeest movements to make it easier for ourselves to witness this river crossing event. The most commonly used geographical areas of the river have been named or numbered as Crossing Points.
Each point is a stretch of river not a single GPS location and is used as a guideline for finding the wildebeest
Tanapa-Crossing-Points-Mara-River-2022
Mara River Crossings 2022: What to expect from the wildebeest?
NOTHING! They are unpredictable.
When a herd of wildebeest arrives on the banks of the Mara River, they usually search for a place to cross where the banks are not too steep and the water not flowing too fast.
The buildup is tense. Hours or days can be spent waiting near a crossing point before they get enough numbers and courage to leap into the Mara River.
Triggers can cause many false starts for the wildebeest. The ultimate trigger starts an adrenalin charged surge into the water and a race to the opposite river banks & perceived safety.
They are in the zone seemingly oblivious to the known dangers- they swim frantically, grunt loudly and move as a mass of nervous energy.
Exiting on the opposite bank, can be gentle and gradual or often tragically a near vertical slope where any good foothold changes to a slippery mudbank, with every passing hoof. The glistening bodies fight against each other to get out and avoid sliding back to the watery nightmare.
Unbelievably, within ten minutes the wildebeest can be seen calming grazing with little or no indication of their ordeal – for them it’s just another day.
Mara River Crossing Points 2022: Human behaviour at the crossings
The main objective is to observe the river crossings but not alter or impact the outcome of a crossing.
Wildlife always has right of way, don’t obstruct.
Waiting for a river crossing, vehicles should be stationary and out of sight of the animals. It is common to see safari jeeps hiding behind the tree line to avoid windshield reflections or other distractions.
There are parking areas at the crossing points – designed to stop the vehicles frightening or blocking a river crossing.
ONLY when the wildebeest have started to cross the river, may safari vehicles approach the river slowly. (In reality there is a race to the river for the best viewing spot of the greatest animal migration in Africa along the river bank.)
Do we even need to say it? Stay in the vehicle (we are not the only animals watching the wildebeest)
Part 2: Where Wildebeest Cross the Mara River
Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com Contact us now for River Crossing availability 2022 season.
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates
Migration Update from the Serengeti, things are picking up speed now with the western herds reaching Seronera valley. The wildebeest herds have moved quickly across the plains the last few weeks. The Eastern herds are also on the move north, so the migration is still a bit scattered, with some small pockets still in the south. Great Migration Camps is following them best we can on a daily basis!
Travel confidence is building and in March 2022, a travel advisory from the Govt of Tanzania reduced travel restrictions for travellers. That’s good news for those hoping to visit the Serengeti to see the great migration river crossings on the Mara River, this season. If you plan to visit – book soon- people are starting to travel & the great migrations is a bucket list item.
Tanzania Entry Requirements (Covid-19) for visitors to the Great Migration
Online Health Surveillance Form within 24 hours prior to arrival.
Travelers should follow airline protocol for travel to and from Tanzania.
Fully vaccinated – exempt from both RT PCR and Rapid Antigen Test requirements. Present valid vaccination certificate with QR code for verification.
Not fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, ineligible for vaccination for visitors to the Great Migration
A negative COVID-19 Rt-PCR or NAATs certificate with QR code within 72 of departure.
Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry- with Rapid Antigen Testing on arrival. ($10 – for your own cost). Those eligible should are advised to book and pay online to avoid queues
There are no quarantine measures, curfews or restrictions on movement in place.
If found positive, there will be a PCR confirmation test & self-isolation required (own cost)
Covid Travel Security: if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days, and up to 24 hours prior to departure, you will get a travel credit.
Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates
The Great Wildebeest Migration happens 365 days a year but we’re the only ones that can guarantee you’ll see it. We don’t wait for the herds to come to us, we take you to them – leaving no trace. We follow the wildebeest in our small pioneering camp according to the wildebeest and their movements. Great Migration Camps is headed north for crossing season 2022.
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 January.
Females synchronize their birthing, so about 500,000 wildebeest are born in a 3-week period (early Feb)
Sheer numbers give them a level of protection whilst the calves are still young. This many creatures need a lot of food. The southern plains have the most nutritious grass to sustain the numbers.
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. They can scatter & almost disappear which seems crazy as there are hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in the great migration
North to the Seronera area
North-West via Kusini to the western corridor.
Eastern border of the Serengeti.
Rutting Season (June)
Breeding season for the wildebeest takes place in June.
Birthing is synchronized so it figures that rutting is also synchronized.
In June, smaller family herds gather (often in close proximity) dominated by one male.
The lone male spends a great deal of energy protecting his females from males without their own harem,
River Crossing Season (July- October)
The Mara River starts in Kenya and runs north -south and then east to 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 (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 can do 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 can vary 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.
For human mortals – here is the month-by-month calendar version
January-February-March Dry months of the year. Wildebeest move south for calving season on the southern plains.
March
Usually dry and before the long rains. Wildebeest start moving north as plains dry out.
April-May
Long rains. Wildebeest on the move – mostly headed north and north-west. Access can be difficult, getting stuck is common. Interesting sightings and beautiful as very green with no dust.
June
The transition to dry season. Can have dramatic clouds. Wildebeest rutting season, big herds in the west and NW. Some herds move up the eastern border of the Serengeti.
July-August-September
Dry season and it coincides with northern hemisphere summer holidays. River crossing season of the migration in the northern Serengeti.
October
The good conditions last into about mid-October when the buildup for the short rains begins. Can be spectacular and not particularly crowded. An untraditional “spring” brings new wild life.
November
Tanzania’s short rainy season starts & continues until the beginning of December. Afternoon rains are common so be prepared for a shower. Uncrowded. Wildebeest location unpredictable.
December
Rains can extend, and the mountain becomes popular over Festive Season and for new year goal setting trips. Wildebeest start moving south for calving season.
Bookings are open for River Crossing Season 2022 of the Great Wildebeest Migration. info@greatmigrationcamps.com
For many people, the aim of a trip to Tanzania is “to see the Great Migration“. Not everyone realizes that the migration is not a once-off event, but rather a continuous year-round process. Each part of the cyclical journey provides uniquely different experiences. It’s coming up to the dramatic river crossings of the Mara, which is just one part of the migratory cycle, though what many think IS the great migration. It seems there is a good crossing season ahead – book early for the 2022 wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
What is the great migration?
The 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 over 40 km overnight.
It is not one huge herd of animals, but numerous large & small herds, all with their own agenda.
Why do the wildebeest migrate?
The simple answer is for food and water. Other factors include reproduction, predation & protection.
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 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).
Most calves are born in early Feb, the wildebeest stay as late into March as possible for the mothers & calves to get enough strength to move north.
Long Rains (April-May)
Rainy season gets thr wildebeest on the move
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 and early September.
Waiting for Rain & Short Rains (Nov-Jan)
Rain brings fresh grass to the southern plains, and the wildebeest follow for calving.
NEXT EVENT: Book Now for Great Migration River Crossing Season 2022
These migration updates are gathered from a network of guiding professionals and safari experts in the field. Reports are shared directly from the Serengeti itself. We share these updates for those planning a safari, as well as those who guiding safaris or supplying supplementary services to the industry.
