The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, spanning Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move in a continuous loop in search of greener pastures. This epic journey is dictated by rainfall patterns and the availability of fresh grazing land, making it a breathtaking display of nature’s rhythms.
In this guide, we explore the key stages of the great wildebeest migration and the best locations to witness it as the herds traverse international borders.
- The Journey Begins: Calving Season in the Serengeti
The migration cycle begins in the southern Serengeti, particularly in the Ndutu region, between December and March. This is calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth simultaneously, producing up to 8,000 calves daily. The lush grasslands provide nourishment for mothers and newborns, but this also attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Safari-goers during this time can witness the incredible sight of newborn wildebeest taking their first steps—and their first encounters with the dangers of the wild.
- The Long Trek North: Moving Toward the Maasai Mara
By April and May, as the Serengeti begins to dry up, the herds begin their arduous journey northward toward the Maasai Mara. They move through the central Serengeti, forming massive columns stretching for miles. This phase of the migration is marked by intense survival challenges, as predators lie in wait and the wildebeest must navigate difficult terrain in search of water and food.
In June and July, the herds reach the Grumeti River in western Serengeti. This is their first major obstacle—a river filled with gigantic Nile crocodiles. Unlike the dramatic Mara River crossings, the Grumeti crossings are more scattered, but they still provide a thrilling spectacle of nature’s raw survival instincts.
- The Dramatic Mara River Crossings: A Fight for Survival
Between July and October, the migration reaches its most iconic stage: the Mara River crossings. Located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, this river presents one of the most dangerous challenges of the journey. Wildebeest must navigate steep riverbanks, strong currents, and lurking crocodiles, making this event one of the most intense wildlife spectacles on the planet.
The crossings are unpredictable, with thousands of wildebeest often waiting on the banks for hours before suddenly stampeding into the water. Safari-goers in the Maasai Mara or northern Serengeti during this time have front-row seats to this thrilling moment, which is a highlight for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- The Grazing Season in the Maasai Mara
Once the wildebeest successfully cross the Mara River, they spread out across Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where they feast on the region’s rich grasslands. This period, lasting from August to October, offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities. Large predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, take advantage of the influx of prey, creating dramatic predator-prey interactions.
- The Return Journey to Serengeti: Completing the Cycle
As the short rains arrive in late October and November, the herds begin their return journey southward. The Maasai Mara’s grasslands start to deplete, prompting the wildebeest to move back toward the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands. By December, they reach the southern plains once again, completing the never-ending migration cycle.
Witness the Migration Across Borders
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a natural wonder that spans two of Africa’s most renowned national parks—the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. Whether you choose to witness the calving season in Tanzania, the dramatic river crossings at the Kenya-Tanzania border, or the grazing season in the Maasai Mara, each phase of the migration offers unique and unforgettable experiences.
