Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration

Tanzania Culture & Languages

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel of the Great Wildebeest Migration, a captivating display of nature’s grandeur that enthralls wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers worldwide. Witness over a million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, embark on an epic journey across the vast Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, spanning hundreds of miles. From the southern Serengeti plains near Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the calving season begins, to the lush grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara, this annual migration unfolds as a majestic odyssey of life and vitality.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, the migration is a theater of natural drama, with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas orchestrating thrilling hunts against the backdrop of the savannah. Yet, amidst the peril, new life emerges as thousands of calves are born, symbolizing nature’s resilience and the enduring cycle of life. Join us to witness this extraordinary spectacle and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world on a journey you’ll never forget.

The Great Migration stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world. With up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer, the majestic columns of wildebeest are so vast that they can be observed from space. This unparalleled phenomenon involves over 1.2 million wildebeest, accompanied by 300,000 zebra, as well as topi and other gazelle, embarking on an extraordinary journey through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of vital sustenance and water.

Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration Journey

November: The Great Migration Unfolds

In early November, the East African landscape undergoes a refreshing transformation with the arrival of the short rains, marking the commencement of the Great Wildebeest Migration journey. The vast short-grass plains of the Serengeti become a bustling hub as the herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration descend upon them, from the southern and eastern regions of Seronera to the Ndutu area and the northern reaches of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

December: Abundance and New Life Amidst the Great Migration

As late November transitions into December, the Serengeti transforms into a vibrant nursery of new life amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration. The majority of wildebeest calves are born during this period, amidst the scattered herds across the plains. The landscape becomes a testament to the cycle of birth and renewal, with the plains coming alive with the sights of wildebeest and zebra grazing on the lush grasses.

January to March: Flourishing Nursery Amidst the Great Wildebeest Migration

The months of January, February, and March witness the continuation of abundance in the Serengeti amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration. The landscape remains teeming with life as the wildebeest calves thrive amidst the scattered herds across the plains. This period of plenty is a testament to the resilience of nature and the timeless cycle of birth and renewal amidst the Great Wildebeest Migration.

April: The Great Wildebeest Migration Commences Anew

April signals the beginning of the Great Wildebeest Migration’s journey northward once again. The wildebeest set out on their epic migration in search of fresh grazing and water, marking the start of a remarkable spectacle in the Serengeti landscape. The plains come alive with movement as the herds commence their journey, creating an awe-inspiring sight around Moru Kopjes and west of Seronera.

May: A Blaze of Movement in the Great Wildebeest Migration

In May, the Serengeti landscape is ablaze with movement as the wildebeest continue their journey northward amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration. The herds traverse the vast plains, spreading out in search of sustenance and survival. The spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration unfolds, captivating all who witness the majestic sight of thousands of animals on the move.

June: Facing Formidable Obstacles Along the Great Wildebeest Migration

June brings the Great Wildebeest Migration face to face with a formidable obstacle as they approach the Grumeti River. The progress of the herds is halted, leading to dramatic gatherings along the riverbanks. While not as dramatic as the Mara River crossings further north, the Grumeti River crossings still offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by the migrating herds amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration.

July and August: Continuing the Journey of the Great Wildebeest Migration

July and August witness the herds continuing their northward journey amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration, spreading out across the vast Serengeti landscape. The migration unfolds as the wildebeest navigate the terrain, driven by instinct and the quest for greener pastures. The landscape comes alive with the sights and sounds of thousands of animals on the move.

September: The Climax of the Great Wildebeest Migration

September brings the climax of the Great Wildebeest Migration as the herds converge on the Mara River, a formidable barrier separating Tanzania from Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The river crossings are a sight to behold, with scenes of panic and confusion as the wildebeest navigate the rushing waters in their quest to reach greener pastures amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration.

October: The Journey Southward of the Great Wildebeest Migration

By October, the herds turn southward once again, journeying through western Loliondo and the Lobo area of the Serengeti amidst the ongoing Great Wildebeest Migration. The landscape transforms as the migration continues, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another. The cycle of the Great Wildebeest Migration comes full circle, a timeless testament to the resilience and splendor of nature’s wonders.

FAQs About the Great Wildebeest Migration

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. It involves over 1.2 million wildebeest, accompanied by 300,000 zebra, as well as other grazers, traversing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of grass and water.

When does the Great Migration occur?

The migration is a year-round cycle, but the peak movement typically occurs from late November to August, with variations depending on weather patterns and the availability of grazing.

Where does the Great Migration take place?

The migration spans the Serengeti plains in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, covering a vast area as the herds move in search of fresh grazing and water sources.

What triggers the Great Migration?

The migration is primarily driven by the availability of food and water, which are influenced by seasonal rains. The herds follow the rain patterns and the growth of new grasses across the landscape.

How far do the wildebeest migrate?

Each wildebeest covers a distance of 800 to 1,000 kilometers during the migration, embarking on a remarkable journey along age-old migration routes.

What predators do the wildebeest face during the migration?

The migrating herds face a myriad of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles, all of which prey on the weaker or more vulnerable individuals.

What are the dangers encountered during the migration?

The migration poses numerous hazards, including river crossings where animals risk drowning or falling prey to crocodiles, as well as exhaustion, injury, and predation by carnivores.

What role do zebras and other grazers play in the migration?

Zebras and other grazers accompany the wildebeest herds during the migration, forming a symbiotic relationship where their combined presence helps in detecting predators and sharing grazing resources.

How long does the Great Migration last?

The migration is a continuous cycle that lasts throughout the year, with the timing and duration of specific stages varying depending on environmental factors such as rainfall and grass availability.

Is the Great Migration visible from space?

Yes, the sheer size and density of the migrating herds are so vast that they can be observed from space, making it one of the most remarkable natural phenomena on Earth.