The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is internationally renowned for being one of the most incredible natural spectacles in the world. The Great Migration refers to the circular migratory route of vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra through Tanzania and Kenya, that takes place throughout the year, during which the animals cover over 800km. The largest overland migration in the world sees over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra, travel through the Serengeti National Park and a section of the Masai Mara, in Kenya, in search of food and water. This tremendous journey is an epic annual fight for survival for the herds, which face overwhelming adversity throughout the route in the form of land and water predators which are attracted in large numbers making conditions extremely treacherous.
The majority of the migratory path takes place in the Serengeti and surrounding areas, but a small section of the migratory route sees the herd cross from the Northern Serengeti to the bordering Masai Mara in Kenya. The journey north and the return south involves the inevitable voyage across the crocodile infested Mara River. Witness thousands of wildebeest pile into the water after one brave herd member boldly takes the first step. The vast herds can be observed battling their way across the river in a frenzied manner, some succumbing to the Nile crocodiles’ powerful jaws or the force of the stampede around them. There are a number of permanent and mobile camps where guests can stay in order to observe this remarkable wildlife phenomenon. Rainfall patterns can affect the route significantly; however, there is a general migratory pattern that can be approximated, which is outlined below. It is important to be aware that the migration is always thrilling but often unpredictable! Sightings can never be guaranteed but the sheer number of animals involved makes the chances of witnessing the herds very high, if the right locations are chosen seasonally. From the exhilarating Mara river crossings, to the extraordinary calving season, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a sight to behold! |
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The Calving Season - Southern Serengeti
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Upward and Onward - Central Serengeti
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Grumeti River Crossing - Western Serengeti JuneWhile in June, some of the herd continues to head north of the Seronera region, the majority of the herd tends to venture west towards the Grumeti region and are often slowed down by the crocodile infested Grumeti River, which blocks their path. The river is not continuous, but as the herds attempt to navigate their way through the dry areas between its pools, many brave the treacherous river crossings, with some falling prey to the formidable Nile river crocodiles.
The extent of rainfall during March-May may significantly affect this part of the journey, as the wary wildebeest will delay the hazardous journey across the river as long as the grass is able to sustain them. Dry years have seen the path north significantly accelerated! |
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The Mara River Crossing - Northern Serengeti July-OctoberThe herds continue to move north of the Serengeti to the area famous for what is considered by many as the highlight of the Great Migration, the Mara river crossings. Depending on the rainfall, generally the first members of the herd reach the river towards the end of July. This part of their journey involves the perilous Mara River crossings through crocodile infested waters, that sees herds trample into the water in their thousands, desperate to cross unscathed.
By August, most of the herd has reached or crossed Mara River, and some are already further north in the Masai Mara. Generally, by September, the last groups from the herd can still be seen crossing the river while the majority are already grazing north in Kenya. In October the wildebeest begin their journey back towards the Serengeti and must again face the unforgiving waters of the Mara River as they head south. The herds begin to pass through the western Loliondo Game Controlled Area and the eastern Lobo region of the Serengeti. |
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Heading South - Central & Eastern Serengeti NovemberThe majority of the herd can be usually be seen congregating in the north eastern Lobo region of the Serengeti by November; however, it is considered an unpredictable month as occasionally the animals pass through central Serengeti on their way southward. Contrary to common belief, groups of wildebeest regularly break from the main herd, wandering off in different directions, making them difficult to predict. After the short rains the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti are rejuvenated and ready to welcome the vast herds that are migrating to the South to feed on the flourishing grass.
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