The Migratory Path:
DECEMBER – MARCH:
During these months the seemingly unending plains of the southern
Serengeti and the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. In the calving season (late January through mid March) the great herds concentrate on these plains grazing on rain ripened grass, attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena. (A good time to visit)
APRIL – MAY:
The depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds and the migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern
Serengeti to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s Western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria. (This occurs during the long rains and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in East Africa as roads are often impassable.)
JUNE:
By the end of May the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor’s best pastures and the herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle (May to June), breeding occurs. This is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season.
JULY – OCTOBER:
By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen Grumeti and Mara Rivers - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the
Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. (A good time to visit)
If you are in the
Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November.
NOVEMBER:
The arrival of the short rains calls the migration southward. As November ends the migration makes its way back to the southern Serengeti where, early in the year, they once again give birth. The circle of life and death continues.
Travel Tip:
The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. Availability is at a premium, so book early to avoid disappointment.
*Note - the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month and year by year.
Interesting Fact Box:
The migration is a popular event – at its height a staggering 1.4 million wildebeest are on the move with over 200 000 zebra and antelope in tow.
The wildebeest achieves one of the highest success rates of impregnation of all mammals, possibly because of a high state of fitness following ample rain.
An estimated 400 000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year – that’s amounts to 1 calf every 10 seconds or so, for 6 weeks!!
The calves can walk within minutes, and after a few days can keep up with the rest of the herd.
A typical stampede often features approximately 500 wildebeest traveling at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h), and can last for 30 minutes.
To witness the migration first hand, please contact us for a suggested itinerary applicable to your budget requirements.
Accomodation ranges from self-participation camping safaris to luxury 5 star lodges and tented camps, with everything in-between. Prices vary considerably in this regard.
Please note: These safaris combine wonderfully with Zanzibar Island, or the Kenyan Coastline.
