Wildebeest Migration Tours

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Wildebeest Migration Tours

Under the guidance of our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you’ll be taken to prime locations that guarantee optimal opportunities to witness the breathtaking moments of this monumental migration. Embark on an extraordinary adventure with JENMAN African Safaris on our wildebeest migration tours, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the world’s greatest migration. Join the ranks of lucky individuals who have witnessed this incredible event unfold in the magnificent Serengeti. Our meticulously crafted wildebeest migration tours offer you a front-row seat to nature’s most captivating spectacle. Prepare to be mesmerized as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other fascinating wildlife traverse vast landscapes in search of greener pastures.

As the thundering hooves resound and the dust settles, you’ll be captivated by the sheer magnitude and beauty of this natural phenomenon. Capture incredible photographs and create cherished memories as you witness the great migration firsthand. Our tours provide a unique chance to observe not only the wildebeest but also the predators that stealthily stalk their trails, heightening the excitement of your safari experience.

At JENMAN African Safaris, we are committed to providing an exceptional journey that blends adventure, comfort, and conservation. Our carefully selected accommodations and expert guides ensure that you not only witness the wildebeest migration but also gain a deeper understanding of the Serengeti’s delicate ecosystem and the importance of its preservation for future generations.

Great Wildebeest Migration Map
Great Wildebeest Migration Map

Wildebeest Migration Route

The Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti is not only great – but simply phenomenal, so much so that it can be seen from space! Every year over a million of these ungulates move across the plains of the Serengeti from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in a breathtaking journey of sheer determination. It is an expedition filled with dramatic tension with up to 8,000 births a day over a distance of 2,896 km covered, and a death rate of around 250, 000 animals. The migration patterns are also affected by the rainfall, the animals flowing clockwise through the Serengeti in search of lush green grass.

January

The southern Serengeti region of Tanzania is usually where the wildebeest migration is seen in January. The wildebeest population relies heavily on this time of year because of the calving season. Wildebeest that are expecting calves travel to the southern Serengeti plains, where the grasses are rich in nutrients, to give birth. This is a great place for the wildebeest to have offspring because there is plenty to eat and no danger from predators. Wildebeest calves are typically born within a few weeks of one other. The young wildebeest benefit from this coordinated birthing because it allows them to outnumber their predators. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas can’t swoop down and eat every defenseless infant.

The southern Serengeti is especially dense with wildebeest and their young at this time of year. The grasslands are verdant and green, providing an abundance of vegetation for the herbivores to consume. There would be a lot of activity in the ecosystem because of the large number of species. The southern Serengeti is still home to the wildebeest as the month of January advances, where they may graze and care for their young. But as the dry season advances, the grass is used up and water supplies are low. As a result, the wildebeest and other herbivores begin their trek to the western and northern parts of the Serengeti in search of richer pastures, marking the beginning of the next stage of the migration.

Calving Season, Zebra
Calving Season, Zebra

February

The wildebeest migration leaves the southern Serengeti in Tanzania in February and heads into the western and northern parts of the country. The herds are always on the move in search of new pastures and watering holes. Moving herbivores like wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles over grasslands, forests, and rivers makes for an exciting display. Predators like lions, crocodiles, and hyenas stalk the herds, taking advantage of the easy pickings provided by the newborn calves. The migration enters a period of transition in February as the landscape shifts and the herds make adjustments in their never-ending search for food.

March

The wildebeest migration proceeds northward and westward through the Serengeti habitat throughout the month of March. The pinnacle of the migration, the Mara River crossing, awaits the herds now that they have made it across the Grumeti River. Animals like wildebeest and zebras congregate on the riverbanks, wary of making the dangerous crossing. Crocodiles are plentiful in the river, waiting for an opportunity to pounce on an unsuspecting victim. The herds leap in headfirst, braving the powerful currents and dodging the teeth of the carnivores. The crossing of the Mara River is an exciting and spectacular event that draws in wildlife watchers and photographers from all over the world. After making it across, the herds spread out throughout the Maasai Mara’s lush grasslands to continue their normal routine of grazing, reproducing, and getting ready for the next stage of their long trek.

Wildebeest Migration
African safari great wildebeest and zebra migration scene at the Mara River in Kenya

April

As the rains arrive in April, the wildebeest begin their epic trek north across the vast plains of the southern Serengeti. After years of drought, the countryside is suddenly covered in a thick layer of green thanks to the replenishing rains. The newly growing grasses are a welcome source of food and energy for the animals. During this time, herbivores like wildebeests and zebras are at their healthiest and strongest because they can gorge themselves on the abundant grass. As the enormous herds move across the plains, the reverberating sound of their hooves fills the air and creates a breathtaking scene that spans as far as the eye can see. Numerous bird species are drawn to the rains, enriching the already thriving ecosystem with their brilliant plumage and enchanting songs. The wildebeest population is growing larger as they migrate northward toward new grazing and calving places. The annual big wildebeest migration is a remarkable reminder of the continuity of life and death.

May

The herds are on the move! Massive columns up to 40km long head up into the central and western regions of the Serengeti.

June

Herds can be found in the central and western Serengeti, their last respite before the dangerous and daring river crossings. This is also mating season, a character-filled and noisy time for wildebeest.

July

Time for the death defying river crossing! The herd risks life and limb to cross the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti.  The herd uses sheer force and determination to cross the river where crocodiles are lying in wait, ready to snap up any unfortunate wildebeests.

August

In August, the wildebeest herds congregate in the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara, marking the peak of the migration. This time of year is the highlight of the Mara River crossing festivities, when huge herds gather on the riverbanks in preparation for the treacherous waters. Scenes of turmoil and anticipation unfold at river crossings as thousands of wildebeest brave powerful currents and the ever-present threat of crocodiles. Spectators from all over the world gather to watch this beautiful crossing, and many of them bring their cameras to record the event. Predators are taking advantage of the weaker members of the herds to feast on the abundant fauna in the nearby plains. There are hooves, cries of despair, and the roars of wild lions filling the air. Those who are fortunate enough to see the wildebeest migration in August are left with an indelible sense of the battle for existence and the raw beauty of nature’s cycles. The wildebeest migration river crossings happen from August through to October. The survivors feast in the northern Serengeti and start to head back into Kenya’s Masai Mara.

September

By now the herds have broken up into smaller groups and spread out across the plains. Around half of them are in the Masai Mara and the other half are in the northern Serengeti. For those in the Masai Mara, it’s time for another dangerous river crossing of the Mara River itself.

October

Most of the wildebeest are in the Masai Mara now, remaining in this area until the rains begin once again.

November

It’s time to move on again as by now the short rains have begun and there’s not much grass left. The herds return to the rejuvenated Serengeti.

December

The wildebeest are back in the north-eastern and southern Serengeti where the grasses have had a chance to replenish.

The circle of life begins once again. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our exclusive wildebeest migration tours, becoming part of a privileged group of travelers who have beheld this natural wonder. Let JENMAN African Safaris be your gateway to an unforgettable experience, as you marvel at the majesty of the wildebeest migration, a sight that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

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