+256-778-967-795 Along the way, these wild African beasts take in two different countries, mate, give birth, and blanket the landscape. That’s usually February and March. Within a short space of time, perhaps 4 to 6 weeks, several hundred thousand calves are born. Here gnu meets log whilst migrating across the Mara River, Tanzania. The river crossings are the scenes we’ve all watched on Planet Earth– the chaotic clamber of wildebeests, zebras and a few antelope species across turbulent crocodile-infested waters. Employing and retaining the best hosts and guides as part of the team is the bigger and more important challenge for any operator. The herds can now be seen in Kogatende and Lamai (Northern Serengeti). The wildebeest pass through Ikorongo as they continue further North of Serengeti National park. June: By now most of the Wildebeest have arrived in the Western Corridor. Grumeti river has a record of big Nile Crocodiles which kill a lot of wildebeest during the migration. Herds often halt and gather before crossing the Grumeti River. This means that while part of the migration will head to the western corridor and the Grumeti River before heading north, significant numbers may also go up through Loliondo, or via Seronera and Lobo. This is traditionally thought of as the best season to view the migration. Africa’s wildebeest migration is one of the world’s most spectacular events – hundreds of thousands of untamed wildebeest, antelope and zebra migrate clockwise across the Serengeti-Maasai Mara savannah plains. This is one of the best time to visit Serengeti and stay around Seronera area. These river crossings are among the most sought-after moments of the migration. The … 65. kilometers each year. Together with other grazers like Zebras, Gazelles, kobs, Oribi, Topis among others. The fact remains Serengeti national park is a home for the wildebeest migration. So when we see rose petals in the bath on safari we ask questions because that’s out of place. The wildebeest migration happens in different sections of Serengeti national park those are: in the Southern sector commonly known as Ndutu area, The Central or western sector in Grumeti River and finally in the Northern sector Mara River. During this period 1000s of newly born calves are born daily and the calving process takes between 1 to 2 weeks only. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Some move towards the Lobo area. It’s never the same each year either. Outlines of Kenya and Tanzania. The migration gets restless as it anticipates the change in season. They go in between Ndutu and the Northern parts of Serengeti wherever the grass is greener. The herds are now in the Serengeti, stationed in the Lobo, Mbuze Mawe and Seronera Valley areas where water is abundant. They’re happy to hold breakfast under a tree when the minibuses are doing their rounds. The blue wildebeest remained in i If conditions are very good, with plenty of grass and water the herds will be spread out all the way from Seronera to the Mara River. Various wildlife harmoniously graze among the sweet green grasses in the southern region of the Serengeti. They’re unforgettable experiences. The wildebeest migrate around the Serengeti, and into the Masai Mara for the sole purpose of following the rainfall. It’s practically full for 10 months of the year. It moves north and south and back again. 5. Again this will be dependent on the rains. The Wildebeest (and company) head north through Seronera towards the Western Corridor. Generally in a great clockwise sweep around the larger Serengeti ecosystem. Resident game (predators and other mammals) are generally fixed to territorial areas. In a wet year, as late as mid August. Long grass plains and woodlands provide food. May: At this point, the migration is in full swing. They fear crossing the river, as they have an inkling that something lurks there. info@serengetiparktanzania.com. Although this amazing event is often referred to as the Wildebeest Migration, in this case, the hirsute antelope were far outnumbered by braying, neighing zebra. This is when we usually get the best river crossing action. Don’t think of combining or switching at the last moment on the cheap. Logistically it’s best to handle the Serengeti from Arusha and the Mara from Nairobi. Watching the wildebeest hurl themselves into the water, one after the other, in a flurry of panic, sends a surge of adrenalin through the most seasoned bush-junkie. In December great migration starts to gather in areas of Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conversation area. But the rains are unpredictable. What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? One of the original Nomad Guides in East Africa. The wildebeest, also called the gnu, is an antelope in the genus Connochaetes. A month by month guide to East Africa’s most comfortable high end lodges and camps giving you the best opportunity to witness the migration . This is part of what makes the migration sightings so spectacular. Seronera in the centre. Just remember that the rains are unpredictable so the wildebeest migration doesn’t operate on a set schedule. When the migration is “on”during high season, you’ll find that the best space gets sold out quickly, so book early to get the best availability and reasonable prices. The Serengeti is near the end of the dry season, water is available in the Masai Mara. Fresh rains start building around October into November. (How crazy is that?!). The migrating groups may be split over a wide area. All these regions have their own timing as the wildebeest and other animals move in search for green pastures in the endless plains of Serengeti national park. Even if that means a delay for a year. But they’re elusive, they happen quickly. The western corridor in the west. Don’t mix it with Ngorongoro crater! The migration follows the Mbalageti river towards the Grumeti. Large river crossings on the Grumeti and Mara Rivers occur as the migration heads back north towards the Mara. Fresh grazing sees the wildebeest clustered in the north-eastern Sereng… From May, the rains stop and the herds gradually start moving. The wildebeest migration happens in different sections of Serengeti national park those are: in the Southern sector commonly known as Ndutu area, The Central or western sector in Grumeti River and finally in the Northern sector Mara River. When we come across a great guide or host it’s generally safe to assume that the creature comforts have been taken well care of already. Landmarks? The theory is simple. In late March to May the wildebeest migrate to the Central section of Serengeti known as the Seronera area. Nor do the animals all go the same way. Fossil records suggest these two species diverged about one million years ago, resulting in a northern and a southern species. The larger eco-system includes Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Not very predictable but easy enough to witness if you plan around some key points. When one follows the circular calendar though nature canot be fully predicted but at least can give one the best basic knowledge of the question Where is the wildebeest migrate now. The wildebeest want to be in the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti. Each year, millions of wildebeest cross from Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania through the Mara River in millions of numbers. This is where they choose to give birth to their young with rich grass to support them. Some of these herds travel west and then north (usually these are the first herds to set off). An estimated 3 percent of the herd can't survive the clockwise circuit, whether due to predation, exhaustion or natural elements. People usually refer to this as the serengeti migration, but you can also see it on the Masai Mara in Kenya. In June the wildebeest migration move further to the North crossing the Grumeti River where some cross while others remain here for transfer back to the Western corridor of Serengeti national park. There’s one spot in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor that’s on the migration path for about a week each year. The wildebeest migration moves rapidly south. If the rain season is unpredictable, the great migration might be just as unpredictable. The best times to see the migration are between December and March or between May and November. If you’re too late to get the right space when you originally intended it’s better to postpone your safari plans to get the right space. Refer to the maps. That’s in both the Serengeti and the Mara. The migration is also not a continually forward motion. It is estimated that some 250,000 wildebeest die en route, … The great wildebeest migration from the Serengeti plain in Tanzania to the northern Masa Mara region in Kenya is a treacherous trip. Every year, more than 2 million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate in a clockwise direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara . Good professional guides who’re dedicated, experienced and prepared to go out of their way for the better photograph or game encounter are more important than creature comforts. They go forward, back and to the sides, they mill around, they split up, they join forces, they walk in a line, they spread out, they hang around. The migration moves into the Mara in search of water and fresh grazing. So when the migration is “on”, the right space is at a premium, prices are relatively high and advance bookings are essential. The variables are rain and grazing through the seasons plus a few physical barriers. As a result of bad advice many people end up looking for the wildebeest migration in the completely wrong areas. The path that the wildebeest take follows the rains north, leading them from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, covering some 1,000 miles. They leave this sweet area as late as possible and come back as soon as they can. Here’re some notes gleaned from Richard Knocker. For most of their lives, wildebeest graze in the grassy savannas and open woodlands of the plains, which straddle the nations of Tanzania and Kenya. Wildebeest migration happens almost all year around only in specific parts of Serengeti hence raising the question ” Where is the wildebeest migrate now ”, so that an answer to the question determines which section of Serengeti national park should one be. The rains greatly influence the availability of fresh grasses and other food sources, so the wildebeest follow. This is one of the deadliest migration in all the circles of wildebeest migration with much action packed during the river crossing. That’s because there’s more grass and more dependable water. The result is short sweet grass which draws the migration rapidly south from Kenya’s Masai Mara. Each year, almost two million wildebeest and 20 000 plains game migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti to the south of Kenya's Masai Mara in search of lush grazing grounds and life-giving water. A few physical barriers like the Simiti and Lobo hills, the Grumeti and Mara rivers hinder and alter this “circular” path. Well in reality it’s not quite that simple! Not that we believe in sacrificing creature comforts but from experience titivating camps and lodges is a quicker and cheaper way of covering up weaknesses in other areas. The trick is to work with smaller outfits with the flexibility and real interest to get out into the bush before the hordes arrive. The Mara and Seronera areas have some big hotels and lodges so crowd density can be a problem. April: The herds start their migration northward, through Moru Kopjes and Seronera areas. The Mara river crossings happen at any time during the dry season. This epic journey from north to south spans almost 3000 kilometres and is virtually endless. Watch this dramatic video of a Mara River crossing. The migration can criss-cross over the border. Do wildebeests migrate? Challenges. In other words the wildebeest migration move in circular around which has … The migration moves down the eastern side of Tanzania’s Serengeti into these sweet short-grass plains. Wildebeest typically inhabit the Serengeti plains of southeastern Africa. Rains are ending as the dry season approaches. The Grumeti crocodiles enjoy their annual feast. That’s “maybe” around June. The wildebeest migration as a whole need not all pass into Kenya. The average person is likely to have heard of the ‘Wildebeest Migration’ (probably as a result of various documentaries or the Lion King movie) however very often little is actually known about this incredible wildlife event – where it occurs, what it involves etc. In other words the wildebeest migration move in circular around which has created the fact that Serengeti is the home of wildebeest migration since the migration rotates within Serengeti. More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year. When people say they’ve come to see the migration, they really mean they have come to see the river crossings. Etc. The Wildebeest Migration Made Simple. The wildebeest migration is often punted as the “greatest show on earth”.  Also known as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Tanzania’s Serengeti in the south. Between July and August, the wildebeest move into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, crossing the Mara River in large numbers. It belongs to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates. Expert guide and facts on the best time of the year / seasonal dates for 2021-2022 to track and see the Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration in north Tanzania - East Africa. The short green pastures attract the wildebeest mostly as at that time most of the female wildebeests are pregnant and they need specific type of grass for the healthy grows of their calves. View AfricanMecca safari trip prices and honeymoon tours, booking family holidays, solo travel packages, accommodation reviews, videos, photos & travel maps. This is where and when we see much of the dramatic predator action. How do they know where to go? Crocodiles don’t have the biggest brains but wildebeest aren’t the brightest creatures roaming the Serengeti and Mara either. This treacherous odessey is dictated by the seasons and where the rains are, the wildebeest are not far behind. In January the wildebeest start their journey to the South East of the Serengeti national park to the Ndutu area located on the Northern part of Ngorongoro conservation area. May is classically not the best time to see the Migration due to the rain dispersing the herds, also because it is a very transitional month, meaning the location of the wildebeest is difficult to predict. Then there is utter and extraordinary chaos as the herds struggle to get to the other side of a major river filled with crocodiles. That’s from December through to April. Their habitat is threatened by fragmentation, which is caused when land is fenced off for agriculture. Where do the wildebeest migrate to and from? Wildebeest Migration. Ngorongoro Conversation area is more than 8000 km2 area while Ngorongoro Crater is only a part of it. 1,600. kilometers each year. Wildebeest Migration In Tanzania and Kenya – February is Calving Season. The migration consists of thousands of smaller "pockets" of zebra and wildebeest herds, and the animals are spread out throughout the savannah plains. The Lobo Hills in the north. Connochaetes includes two species, both native to Africa: the black wildebeest or white-tailed gnu, and the blue wildebeest or brindled gnu. Scent's? The migration starts moving slowly through woodlands towards the western corridor as the long or heavy rains set in. … The other determent and cause of change is the weather if the dry spell prolongs then certainly changes occur but the migration must have happened though the timing may change. Copyright © 2021 Serengeti National Park, 5 Days Serengeti National Park tour (Ndutu and Seronera safari), 7 Days Serengeti & Uganda Wildlife safari, 8 Days Serengeti, Masai Mara & Bwindi safari, 5 Days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Wildlife Safari, Game Drive north of Serengeti National Park, Serengeti National Park Entry fees for 2021, Serengeti National Park as Africa’s leading national park. Also the price tag is more often than not realistic by comparison with the “veneered” options. This treacherous migration is dictated by the seasons and where the rains are, the wildebeest are not far behind. On the way, they have to cross crocodile-infested rivers, are hunted by predators, and face natural disasters such as droughts and flooding in a daily struggle for survival. Map of the Serengeti eco-system with Kenya’s Masai Mara in the north, The migration is usually. Note that there’s more Mara River frontage in Tanzania than there is in Kenya. Below is the timing and the calendar of the wildebeest migration in Serengeti national park: From November and most commonly late November to December the wildebeest cross back from the famous Maasai Mara national reserve in Kenya to the Northern side of Serengeti national park. Each super herd makes its own path north. What kind's of things do wildebeest use to migrate? So every year is different and, in fact, every week can be different. They do it all at the same time too. Where is the wildebeest migrate now ( wildebeest migration  location) is a common question most guests ask before they plan for their trips to Tanzania, especially to Serengeti National park where the wildebeest migration safari is a key activity. The rains fall on fertile volcanic soils which are remnant of the volcanoes in the southern Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Note the Serengeti Plains in the south. Then they spend time looking for quieter spots to catch the afternoons and early evenings without crowds. The herds can now be seen in Kogatende and Lamai (Northern Serengeti). The wildebeest are easily spooked by real or imagined threats. For most of their lives, wildebeest graze in the grassy savannas and open woodlands of the plains, which straddle the nations of Tanzania and Kenya. The area has poor resident game, has a lousy road network, is a 2 hour bone-jarring drive from the Seronera circuits but enjoys a 9 month “high season”. Most great wildebeest migration maps show the animals traveling through the Western Corridor and an area known as Grumeti. @TravelLily123, all your timings are good for targeting wildebeest migration cross in north Serengeti Mara river area but if you can choose when you need to be in Tanzania for your trip, I would suggest you go for the second choice whereby you will be in the northern Serengeti from 20th of August. At this period the small rains for the second rainy season in Tanzania are expected which leads to the growth of new fresh green pastures. The wildebeest spend again another two months from this area, this is called the calving season of the wildebeest termed as Calving wildebeest migration. Where the wildebeest migration is currently, is determined by the time or period of the year. This will help with decisions on beach breaks on the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar. Ndutu has short fresh nutritious grass that enrich the calves with more food values hence their faster growth. Or maybe the herd is just not ready to cross the river and they are milling around contentedly. The migration undertaken by the wildebeest is an annual event which sees one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and numerous other antelope species as they search for pastures greener. Usually as the plains of the south and east dry out, there is a movement to the north and west. The migration starts moving south as the new seasons rains start. This is what they call the annual great wildebeest migration. Counting them is impossible, as the migration is an incredible concentration of wildlife. With the exception of a short period during the “long rains” around April/May visitors are always busy looking for the migration. You can never predict with certainty where they will be. It doesn’t have a simple start or end, just a dynamic cycle of wild movement through the year. Habitat fragmentation poses a great threat to wildebeest. People make the real difference on safari. Wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles peacefully migrate together along this route. If you’re interested in seeing specific resident game species (eg, elephant, wild dog, leopard, etc) then destinations other than the Mara or Serengeti could be better. During October to early November the wildebeest cross back to the Serengeti national park through the Western Loliondo and Lobo areas as they head to the South of Serengeti national park as the complete their annually movement from one point to another but all centred within Serengeti national park. Within this 2 weeks all the calves are born! When Can You See The Great Migration in Serengeti Great Migration Safaris: All our Tanzania great migration safari tours are designed to outfit your budget and sense of taste for the voyage. These hotels and lodges are generally full even when the migration is happening in a completely different area. Depending on local rainfall, they might be anywhere from Moru Kopjes through to the slopes of Ngorongoro. The Masai Mara is in the far north of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. They do not follow each other because they must each find their own fresh grass. So, soon after the short rains start we expect the migration to be in the sweet grass plains area around Naabi, Ndutu and Gol. They leave this sweet area as late as possible and come back as soon as they can. During one trip, a lioness came within touching distance of a 4X4, and the sea of zebra parted in panic. So the best time to see the wildebeest migration in Ndutu in around January to February and early March. This carries on through till October into November when they start thinking of heading back. The smaller outfits are a far better bet in both the Serengeti and Mara. Add on More. We can customize this Masai Mara itinerary to add a few days and destinations or to accommodate any of your wishes. The migration is also not a continually forward motion. The cycle starts again when the short rains break and result in fresh sweet grass in the southern Serengeti plains. People can’t! Predators don’t follow the great herds much beyond their home ranges. At AjKenyasafari.com, we believe that it is more enriching to witness the great wildebeest migration on a custom-made Kenya safari itinerary that lives up to your travel plan, budget and things you want to do and see in Kenya. If you’re planning a migration safari then decide on either Kenya or Tanzania. If seeing a river crossing is at the top of your bucket list, this when you should plan your trip to catch a herd tromping through the water. So every year is different and, in fact, every week can be different. The areas that the migration wildebeest covers is vast, even when crossed in a 4WD car. +255-759-317-158 To answer the question, "How far is the Migration" is a little bit more complicated and it all depends on what time of the year it is. Or other safaris into southern Tanzania or elsewhere in Kenya. The migration is largely driven by the rains. Wildebeest typically inhabit the Serengeti plains of southeastern Africa. The wildebeest stay in this area for a period of one month and they plan for their next move, following this calendar will give you the best answer for the question that Where is the wildebeest migrate now. However if everything is right. Hundreds of thousands of animals following different routes to the same destination spread across the vast plains as far as the eye can see. The endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle – the 1.5+ million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. Most of the migration is in the Ikorongo area where the Mara is crossed. Also if your budget allows you still can add one more day to your stay in the northern Serengeti for wildebeest … The wildebeest migration moves off in search of sustenance in response to periods of dry weather. Its around this time of November that the wildebeest start preparing for their next move of the calving season that takes place at Ndutu sector South of Serengeti and North of Ngorongoro. Migrate close to. The wildebeest migration moves off in search of sustenance in response to periods of dry weather. Each destination is good at completely different times of the year. Let’s start the annual cycle with the “short” and light rains in November and December (sometimes as early as October). The actual river crossings happen in July and August. Can run up to . More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in an enormous loop every year. Within the next three months the newly born babies would have gained wait and gotten strong to start their journey to the central Serengeti. The wildebeest settle in the southern plains between January and April as there’s lots of food. The best dates and months for the migration are in June, July and August. © Zambezi Safari & Travel Company Ltd 2020. 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