Monthly Wildebeest Migration Patterns: The Great Wildebeest Migration, also known as The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration, is a phenomenon occurrence and is one of the most exciting natural wonders of the world. With 2 million wildebeests and thousands of gazelles, zebras, and antelopes, the Wildebeest Migration is the largest migration of wildlife ever witnessed on Earth.
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and travelers have the unique opportunity to enjoy this grand spectacle up close and in person on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania.
This article details vital information on the monthly Serengeti Wildebeest Migration patterns to discover what the wildebeest migration is and the best time to travel.
What is the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration?
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration refers to the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles, and impalas through the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem (southern Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya) in search of pasture and water following an old route. The movement of the wildebeests is triggered by thunderstorms and rainfall.
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration is an ultimate goal for African safari lovers, perfect for either novice or experienced travelers.
Depending on the time of the year, there are ideal locations in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve to embark upon the experience of a lifetime and witness the wildebeest migration.
Below is your guide to monthly Serengeti Wildebeest Migration patterns, what to expect on a wildebeest safari holiday, and the best places to stay to make the most of your holiday.
Month-by-Month Wildebeest Migration Patterns
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round phenomenon dictated by the rains, which see the herds moving in a constant clockwise motion throughout the Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
From December to April, the wildebeest herds can typically be found in the Ndutu plains in the Southern Serengeti, and in late January – early February, the calving season takes place.
Once the long rains arrive in April – May, the herds move towards the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, then the wildebeest face perilous water currents and predators as they attempt to cross the Grumeti River to continue their journey north towards the lush pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Finally, the herd reaches its destination, and they remain in the Maasai Mara National Reserve for around three months before heading back to Tanzania in November.
January, February & March Migration Patterns
Over a million wildebeests, also called the Gnu, zebras, and gazelles, spend the first month of the year in the plains of Serengeti National Park feeding on the short grass and preparing for migration.
The majority of wildebeest calves have just been born in February, with around half a million new calves in that month. As the Southern plains become picked over, the herds begin to spread west and prepare for their migration north in the Spring.
This makes for an incredible sight during game drives, expect to see newborn calves, and if you are lucky, you might witness a birth and also see plenty of predator action.
The wildebeest encourage their newborns to get on their feet immediately and join the herds where their safety is guaranteed. Predators like lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and rare wild dogs wait in the surrounding areas, ready to prey on the weak and vulnerable members of the herd.
An easy kill isn’t always guaranteed, as the female wildebeest instinctively head to the short grass plains so that they can see predators approaching, and they form a barricade around birthing mothers to protect them and their young ones. Thus, ensuring the majority of the newborn calves survive.
Towards the end of the short dry season (usually the end of March), the short–grass plains in the Southern Serengeti begin to dry out, and the wildebeest and zebras start to head towards the western woodlands
April & May Migration Patterns
Usually, April brings the first signs of migration with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest beginning their arduous journey across the western plains and finally north.
The herds move through the Ndoha and Dutwa plains adjacent to the Mbalagweti River. They may begin to pile up near the Mbalagweti and Grumeti Rivers, awaiting the crossing, a dangerous obstacle for animals.
June, July & August Migration Patterns
Usually, the rutting season starts in June, and you expect to see fierce fighting between competitive males as they vie for the attention of females.
By July, the herds head north towards the fresh grass of Maasai Mara National Reserve. To get there, they must face one of the greatest obstacles of their journey – crossing the Grumeti River and the Mara River.
The dramatic river crossing is one of the most exciting events of the Great Migration, usually starting in July, but the precise timing depends on the rains.
The wildebeest and zebras grow into a mega herd before attempting to cross the Grumeti River to continue their journey north, with treacherous water currents and Nile crocodiles lurking in the muddy waters and lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas waiting on the river banks. Only the strongest individuals survive.
September & October Migration Patterns
The migration moves to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grass to graze. This is a wonderful time to have your safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The long rains begin in October, and the herds begin their long journey south back to the Serengeti following the new grass.
This does not mean that life becomes easy; there is danger lurking around in the form of hunting pride of lions and packs of hyenas.
November & December Migration Patterns
At the end of October or early November, the short rains start in Tanzania, drawing the wildebeest and zebras back to the plains of the Southern Serengeti, which are green and lush once gained.
The herds arrive back in the Serengeti National Park for the rainy season, and the wildebeests may begin to give birth and prepare to complete the cycle over again next year.
Find more about your Great Wildebeest Migration safaris by filling out our contact form or sending an email to info@serengetimigrationsafari.com
