Rwanda Wildlife Safaris
July 8, 2023
Rwanda Adventure Safaris
July 19, 2023Wildebeest Migration
East Africa is home to one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife encounters, the Wildebeest Migration. This natural phenomenon is a natural wonder and a major draw for tourists in both Kenya and Tanzania. When planning a safari to Africa, many people choose Tanzania and Kenya for incredible wildlife sightseeing experiences – especially for wildebeest sightseeing. Here is all you need to know about wildebeest Migration in Africa.
What is Wildebeest Migration?
The Wildebeest Migration is one of the most sought-after adventures for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Each year-round, large herds of mammal grazers migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The great Migration is an ever-moving circular migration of over a million wildebeest across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The constant movement of herds of wildebeest is joined by a host of companions, (Gazelles & Zebras) that follow an age-old route in search of grazing and water.
Wildebeest Migration
When does the Migration start?
When the calving season comes to an end in the southern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the mammal grazers start their journey and move through the Serengeti – heading northwards. The movement of these herds of mammals is constant though they keep on resting for little weeks and months on their way especially when they come across ample pastures and water.
The Migrating mammals continue until Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve where they have ample grasses to feed before returning to Tanzania as the year nears an end. As the mammal grazers move, they face life-threatening dramatic encounters as thousands of animals are taken by predators and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and continuing the circle of life.
Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra along with topi and other gazelle move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water. Each wildebeest will travel 800 to 1,000 miles on its own over historic migration routes, guided by instincts for survival. Only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle, which is sometimes referred to as “the greatest show on Earth,” thanks to hungry predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocs that are always in wait of the migrating wildebeests.
Predators often take the young calves, lion prides bring down the slow, bold beasts break legs on steep river slopes, crocodiles take their portion of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown.
Where to see the Wildebeest per month annually – Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is an all-year-round phenomenon and can be witnessed at any time of the year. The migration is in a circular manner and mammal grazers move through Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve (Serengeti – Mara ecosystem). Though it is an ongoing moment, here is where you will see the wildebeest during the different months of the year.
July – October
The herds are usually in the northern Serengeti plains. During this time you can have the chance to see the wildebeest crossing the dramatic Mara River as thousands are killed trying to cross. This is referred to as the most desirable time to see the wildebeest in Tanzania.
December – March
During these months, the wildebeest are in the southern part of Serengeti specifically in Ndutu which is actually in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
February is the perfect month when the wildebeest can be seen in large herds altogether for the calving season. This is a highlight of the wildebeest migration along with the dramatic crossings of the Mara River.
Between the months of November, April, May, and June the herds are much more dispersed. This is because November experiences short rains and the months of April and May are the long rains season therefore the grass is green throughout and so are the herds that are dispersed.
Best time of the year to see the large herds of wildebeest migrating in Tanzania
Between July – October is when the wildebeest can be seen as they cross the Mara River and it is the most recommended time to visit. To catch the best moments of the dramatic crossings of the Mara River, it is best to base yourself in Serengeti on a Tanzania wildlife safari rather than a wildlife safari in Kenya.
Acacia Safaris is the best tour operator that will help you plan your wildebeest migration safari in Africa. We also offer other experiences like Bird-watching tours, Hot air Balloon rides, among others. Plan with us and unfold the untold truth about Africa.
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