The Great Migration Serengeti
The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is an annual mass movement of animals that is considered to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. The Serengeti National Park covers a vast area of 14,763 sq. km and spans two countries, Tanzania and Kenya. The Northern extension of the Serengeti to Kenya is famously known as the Masai Mara National Reserve. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most significant driver of the Serengeti ecosystem, triggered by the weather.
The Migration starts around October when the rains move into southern Serengeti and thunderclouds begin to form on the horizon. This signals the start of a dangerous journey for the herds as they are preyed upon by numerous predators and have to navigate treacherous river crossings. The calving season starts in November and goes on until March. During this time, the wildebeest give birth to thousands of calves, which marks the largest mass birth of mammals on the planet. This is a dangerous time for newborn wildebeests, as predators are always on the prowl.
The herds spend the next few months feeding on the short grass plains of central and southern Serengeti before starting their journey up North when the rains start moving northwards. This journey takes them to the woodlands of the Serengeti wilderness zone and then to the Northern Serengeti. This journey is perilous for the herd, as they face numerous predators along the way.
In August, the herds are near the Mara River, which is their final obstacle before they get to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The river crossing usually happens in August and September, and it is where the herds face crocodile-infested waters. It is an exciting time to watch the migration, despite the danger.
The best time to view the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is from December to April around the Seronera area (Central Serengeti) or the South-Eastern part of the park. The second-best time is between August and October around Lobo and Klein’s Gate in Kotagende. These areas offer an amazing experience of the Mara River crossing and the last and returning events of the migration.
The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is a remarkable natural event that has been kept intact for many years. It is something that every wildlife enthusiast should see once in their life, and it can be tracked all year round while on safari. Get in touch with our expert safari planners at Masai Mara Holidays Limited to bring your safari ideas and dreams to reality.
