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The Great Migration Serengeti

The Great Migration Serengeti



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Published on 5th September, 2023

The Great Migration in the Serengeti: An Epic Journey of Survival

The Great Migration in Serengeti is one of the most incredible natural wonders on Earth. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other animals embark on a massive journey across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This epic migration covers a distance of over 1,500 miles and takes the animals in search of food and water.

The Great Migration in Serengeti is driven by the rain and grass patterns in the Serengeti. During the dry season, the herds move to the southern and western parts of the Serengeti in search of water and grass. As the rains arrive, they move north and east, following the fresh grass growth. The Great Migration is a time of great danger for the animals, as they are preyed upon by lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other predators. However, the Great Migration is also a time of great hope, as the animals are able to find the food and water they need to survive.

This article will take you on a journey through the Great Migration in Serengeti, from its start in the Serengeti to its end in the Maasai Mara. We will explore the different stages of the migration, the animals that participate, and the challenges they face. We will also look at the impact of the Great Migration on the environment and the people who live in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

I hope you enjoy learning about this incredible natural phenomenon.

From December to April The Great Migration is in Ndutu region

From December to April The Great Migration is in Ndutu region
wildebeest calving in Ndutu region

The Ndutu region in the southeast of the Serengeti National Park is one of the most important areas for the Great Migration in Serengeti national Park. This is where the wildebeest and zebra give birth to their young during the calving season, which typically takes place in February.

The Ndutu region is a vast area of open grassland that is perfect for calving. The new grass growth provides plenty of food for the mothers and their calves, and the open space makes it easier for the animals to see predators approaching.

The calving season is a time of great excitement in the Ndutu region. The air is filled with the sounds of wildebeest and zebra giving birth, and the landscape is dotted with newborn calves. Visitors to the Ndutu region during this time have the opportunity to witness one of the most amazing natural events on Earth.

The best time to visit the Ndutu region is typically in February, during the calving season. However, the Great Migration in Serengeti is a year-round event, and there are plenty of other opportunities to see the wildebeest and zebra in the Serengeti National Park.

If you are interested in seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti national pakr, I recommend to contact us for more details and planning your Safari.

During the May and June migration is in Western Serengeti

During the May and June migration is in Western Serengeti
Wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River

After giving birth to their newborns and feasting on the short, green grasses of the southeast Serengeti, the wildebeest begin their journey to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park. This epic journey typically begins in late April or early May, and involves a column of animals as long as 40 kilometers, moving in a clockwise direction around the Serengeti.

The Western Corridor is a narrow strip of land that is home to a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The wildebeest are aware of the dangers that await them in the Western Corridor, but they are also drawn to the lush grasslands and abundant water sources that can be found in this area.

The migration through the Western Corridor is a time of great danger for the wildebeest, but it is also a time of great beauty. The sight of millions of animals moving across the landscape is an unforgettable experience.

If you are interested in seeing the Great Migration in Serengeti, I recommend visiting the Western Corridor during the months of May and June. This is when the herds are typically passing through this area.

Here are some tips for seeing the Great Migration in the Western Corridor of Serengeti National Pakr:

  • Be prepared for long days in the bush and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
  • Be patient and enjoy the experience!

From July to September migration in Northern Serengeti

From July to September migration  in Northern Serengeti
Widebeest crossing river Mara

After overcoming the challenges of crossing the Grumeti River, the wildebeest continue their journey north to the Mara River. This crossing is a dangerous time for the animals, as they are preyed upon by crocodiles and other predators. However, the wildebeest are determined to reach the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, where they will feast on the fresh grass.

The crossing of the Mara River can take anywhere from hours to days. The wildebeest will often wait for the water levels to drop before attempting to cross. However, this can be a risky proposition, as the river can rise quickly and unexpectedly.

Many famous images of the Great Migration in Serengeti were captured near the Mara River crossing. These images capture the sheer scale and grandeur of this natural phenomenon.

After crossing the Mara River, the wildebeest enter Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. This reserve is home to a variety of other animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and elephants. The wildebeest will spend several months in the Masai Mara, grazing on the lush grasslands and raising their young.

In September and October, the wildebeest begin their journey back to the Serengeti National Park. This journey takes them through the same route they took on their way north. The wildebeest will return to the Serengeti in time for the calving season, which typically takes place in January.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti is a truly amazing sight to behold. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of these incredible animals. If you are interested in seeing the Great Migration, I recommend visiting the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya during the months of July to September or January to March.

During October and November migration heading Southern Serengeti

During October and November migration heading Southern Serengeti
Wildebeest in Serengeti National park

After spending several months in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the wildebeest begin their journey back to the Serengeti National Park. This journey takes them through the Lobo region and northern plains of the Serengeti.

The wildebeest will typically cross the Mara River again in October, although this can sometimes happen earlier. The crossing of the Mara River is a dangerous time for the animals, as they are preyed upon by crocodiles and other predators. However, the wildebeest are determined to reach the Serengeti, where they will feast on the fresh grass and give birth to their young.

The wildebeest will make their way back to the calving grounds and short-grass plains near Ndutu in late November. This is where the Great Migration begins again.

If you are interested in seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti, I recommend visiting the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania during the months of July to September or January to March. The Lobo region and northern plains are less frequently visited, so this is a great time to see the migration in comparative peace and quiet.

The Great Migration in Serengeti Map summary

The Great Migration in Serengeti Map summary
Map summaries the great wildebeest migration

In conclusion, the Great Migration in the Serengeti is a natural phenomenon that is truly awe-inspiring and offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of Africa's wildlife in their natural habitat. If you have the chance to visit the Serengeti during the Great Migration, don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Summary

The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Summary
aerial photo of the great migration in Serengeti

The migration follows a predictable pattern, but the exact timing and location can vary depending on the weather and other factors. Here is a general overview of the migration:

Season
Location
Time
Start of calving seasonNdutu region, Serengeti National ParkJanuary
Short-grass plainsNdutu region, Serengeti National ParkJanuary to March
Western CorridorWestern Corridor, Serengeti National ParkMarch to May
Grumeti River crossingGrumeti River, Serengeti National ParkMay to July
Mara River crossingMara River, Masai Mara National ReserveJuly to August
Northern plainsLobo region and northern plains, Serengeti National ParkAugust to October
Return to calving groundsNdutu region, Serengeti National ParkOctober to November

It is important to note that the exact timing and location of the Great Migration can vary from year to year. The best way to see the migration is to consult us and we will plan your Safari accordingly.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to see the Great Migration:

  • The best time to see the great migration in Serengeti is during the calving season in January or during the Mara River crossing in July and August.
  • The Great Migration in Serengeti is unpredictable, so it is important to be flexible with your travel plans.
  • Be prepared for long days in the bush and unpredictable weather conditions.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
  • Be patient and enjoy the experience!

Frequently asked questions

The great wildebeest migration is throughout the year when about 1.5 million wildebeest move from Southern Serengeti (Tanzania) to Maasai Mara (Kenya) and get back to Serengeti.  Although most people confuse the great wildebeest migration and wildebeest crossing river Mara from Serengeti national park to Maasai Mara national park and vice versa.

There are no specific dates on when do wildebeest cross the river Mara from Serengeti to Maasai Mara national park and vice versa. Although it is more likely for them to cross the river Mara from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in Mid- July to early August, and cross back the river from Maasai Mara to Serengeti national park at the end of October to early November.

The wildebeest population in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park started growing considerably more quickly than it had in the 1970s. Researchers figure out that the eradication of diseases and slow growth of the number of predators like lions and leopards make the wildebeest number grow rapidly.

The great migration can be seen from either Serengeti national park or Maasai Mara national park. The estimated cost to see migration in Serengeti national park starts as low as $321 per person per night on a budget safari to more than $5,000 per person per night on VIP Safari. While Migration in Maasai Mara cost as low as $250 per person per night to $4,000 per person per night on a VIP tour.

Even though the wildebeest migration can be seen in Serengeti national park, Tanzania and Maasai Mara national park in Kenya, but should be noted that wildebeest migration spends most of their time of the year in Serengeti national park in Tanzania and approximately 2 to 3 months in Maasai Mara in Kenya. So to be specific on the question above Serengeti national park is the best bet to see the great wildebeest migration.

  • if you are looking to do a migration safari in Kenya the best time to visit is from mid-August to early October.
  • if you are looking to do a migration Safari in Tanzania the best time is from December to April when the wildebeest are in the Southern Serengeti region, and from May to July when the migration is advancing towards the north.

Note: If there is sufficient rain in Tanzania, the wildebeest do not cross the river Mara to Maasai Mara national park, as it happened in 2018 and 2020. So planing to view the migration in Kenya is not the best bet.

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