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    The Great Wildebeest Migration: A complete guide to a migration safari

    10 minutes read
    The Great Migration of Wildebeest A Complete Guide To A Migration Safari

    Every single year, millions of wildebeests circulate throughout Tanzania during the Great Wildebeest Migration, following the rainclouds to greener grass plains. This annual migration is a natural phenomenon you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tanzania!

    This event is so spectacular that you will dream endlessly of grassy plains and majestic wildebeest herds. It is officially the 8th Wonder of the World, and it’s so powerful, giving a complete representation of the circle of life. We at Easy Travel are here to break it down for you.

    So buckle up for the most incredible safari experience, with hungry crocodiles, dramatic river crossings, calving season, and thousands of animals throughout Tanzania. This is The Great Migration, the greatest show on Earth.

    The great wildebeest migration: The greatest show on earth

    Tanzania - why does the great wildebeest migration happen - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    The annual movement of the great wildebeest migration herds is believed to result from the change in weather seasons, although there is no scientific proof of this claim. Tanzania has two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. 

    The rainy season comes with more rain than words could describe, resulting in lush green grass that herbivorous animals use as fresh grazing. Once the seasons change, the rainclouds follow suit, resulting in a continuous movement of animals throughout Tanzania. 

    It takes little time for the great wildebeest migration herds to search for fresh grazing lands before the cyclic season brings them back to greener pastures.

    When does the great wildebeest migration start

    Great wildebeest migration

    Thousands of wildebeest herds resume their migration patterns roughly after March, soon after mating season and calving season have taken place. Remember, there are only major migration routes, not necessarily starting points. These are natural events and cannot be tracked perfectly. We give a month-to-month breakdown below.

    What month is the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania

    Tanzania - what month is the great migration in tanzania - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Well, that depends on what you’re after. This fluid and continuous, year-long journey is packed with a wide range of annual events, with famous river crossings through a crocodile-infested river to peaceful grazing times where around 8000 new calves are born daily.

    As the wildebeests embark on their epic trek, the migration unfolds like a captivating story of survival and renewal. The river crossings, marked by heart-stopping moments, showcase the resilience of these creatures against nature’s challenges. 

    Amidst the tension, the tranquil scenes of grazing bring new life to the vast savannas as the herds welcome thousands of adorable calves into the world daily. It’s a mesmerising blend of adrenaline-pumping adventure and serene moments of natural beauty, making the excellent migration safari a remarkable experience for those seeking the wonders of the wild.

    What is the best time to see the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania?

    Tanzania - what is the best time to see the migration in tanzania - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Well, that’s dependent on what you want to see. June to July is an excellent time to see the migratory herds cross the Grumeti River, infested with crocodiles, whereas the beginning of the year offers a front-row seat to the calving season. Let’s take a look at a month-to-month breakdown!

    Month-to-month breakdown of the Great Wildebeest Migration

    Tanzania - month to month breakdown - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    So you are looking to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration? The good news is that it’s an easily accessible spectacle for travellers of all budgets and fitness levels. The bad news is that it’s a constantly moving event, making it hard to predict precisely where the herds will be at any given time.

    This guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of the Great Wildebeest Migration safari so you can plan your trip accordingly. Remember that these are generalisations only – for up-to-date information, it’s best to speak to a local safari operator.

    January – February – March (Great Wildebeest Migration)

    Tanzania - january february – march - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Around this time of the year, the migratory herd completes its revolution, moving into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area from Serengeti’s short-grass plains. Because of the nutritious grass in Ndutu, the massive herds of wildebeest begin their calving season.

    The newborn wildebeests are raised around grazing availability, and these months provide the best conditions. Nearly 400,000 new calves were born during this period, which marks a good beginning point for the migratory circuit to begin again.

    While the herds raise their newborns, predators (such as prides of lions) begin their hunt for food. Consider these months a great time to witness the cycle of birth and death – the circle of life – in full spectrum.

    April – May (Great Wildebeest Migration)

    Tanzania - april – may - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Toward the end of March, the rainclouds move towards Serengeti National Park, so the herds move to new plains in search of fresh food and water.

    On this route, in search of fresh grass, columns of wildebeest stretch along the migration path for several kilometres, making these magnificent beasts look like a moving ocean on the surface of African plains.

    As May ends, mating season begins, followed by thunderous battles between male wildebeest. If you come during May, you will be the spectator of this massive movement alongside zebras, gazelle, and hungry crocodiles awaiting the Grumeti River herd.

    June – July (Great Wildebeest Migration)

    Tanzania - june – july - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    June marks the beginning of the dry season in Tanzania. The wildebeest migration sends the herds marching alongside the south banks of the Grumeti River, preparing themselves to cross deadly waters teeming with crocodiles.

    As the end of June approaches, the herds move to the Northern reaches of Serengeti, slowly approaching the Mara River in Serengeti. The Mara River is the most dangerous crossing these beautiful beasts will undertake and perhaps the most humbling experience to witness on a safari.

    The herds will face their most deadly challenge, with the river flowing and hungry crocodiles waiting patiently for their prey. The wildebeests overcome this massive challenge with what scientists call swarm intelligence: facing an obstacle as one enormous entity.

    By July, the herds are found in Northern Serengeti, moving towards Masai Mara in Kenya.

    August – September – October (Great Wildebeest Migration)

    Tanzania - august september – october - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    As the thrilling chapter of the Great Wildebeest Migration Safari unfolds across the Serengeti Mara ecosystem and Masai Mara plains, the perilous Mara River crossing, a significant phase, nears its conclusion.

    At this juncture, the crocodiles will have experienced their yearly feast, capitalising on the influx of prey. With this challenging obstacle behind them, the massive herds will be shifting their journey eastward, marking the dynamic progression of this incredible wildlife spectacle.

    Short rains begin in October and the migration of wildebeest marches on.

    November -December (Great Wildebeest Migration)

    Tanzania - november – december - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    By this point, the wildebeest begins to circle back from Kenya and into Eastern Serengeti. The herds are stretched throughout the South and Eastern reaches when December falls.

    Heavy rainfall rejuvenates the landscape as the new year draws near, carpeting it with lush green grass again. This signals the commencement of the annual wildebeest migration, a pivotal event in the great migration safari.

    With the onset of the migration river crossings, the cycle of nature restarts, portraying a mesmerising spectacle of movement and renewal in the wild.

    Let’s review the annual migration pattern of wildebeest:

    Tanzania - lets review the annual migration pattern of wildebeest - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari
    Event Date
    Calving Season January – February
    Breeding Season March – April – May
    Grumeti River Crossing May  – June
    Mara River Crossing July – August – September – October
    Moving Migration November – December
     

    Where are the best migration safaris?

    Migration safari

    Easy Travel has been leading migration safaris for decades, and we have perfected our safari range to ensure that you witness the massive migration of wildebeest. We offer a variety of safaris, which you can read about down below, and each one has a carefully crafted program designed to give you the experience of a lifetime. Let’s take a walk to explore some of the various safari options available throughout the year.

    Wildebeest calving season safari: 7 days

    Tanzania - wildebeest calving season safari 7 days - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Available Dates: (Late) December, January, February, March

    As the long-distance migrations reach a standstill, many female wildebeests begin giving birth. The rain falls over Serengeti, providing the herds with lush grass. When you come for the Wildebeest Calving Season Safari, you will witness one of the most profound birth events, where nearly 8000 new calves are born daily.

    The Safari Plan: You will arrive in Arusha, where our professional safari guide will pick you up and take you to your beautiful accommodation. The following day, you will spend two nights in Ndutu. 

    From there, we embark on our journey into Central Serengeti for two nights and slowly end off in the Ngorongoro Crater for one night. Then, we head back to Arusha to catch your flight.

    Click here for more information on this safari package.

    The average price for two people sharing the safari experience is $ 3500 per person.

    Migration safari: 6 days

    Tanzania - migration safari 6 days - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Available Dates: April, May

    By this time of the year, the wildebeests are in Central Serengeti. If you want to witness the great and powerful Serengeti while the wildebeest migration passes through, then this package is for you. Serengeti is the world’s wildlife capital, encompassing many animals, including Africa’s Big Five.

    The Safari Plan: Our professional driver will collect you in Arusha and take you to our hotel. Then, the following day, we begin our journey into Central Serengeti with an afternoon game drive. You’ll spend three nights here in Serengeti, ending the excursion with one night in Ngorongoro Crater.

    Click here for more information on this safari package

    The average price for two people sharing the safari experience is $ 2500 per person.

    Grumeti river crossing safari: 7 days

    Tanzania - grumeti river crossing safari 7 days - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Available Dates: (Late) May, June

    The wildebeest will be arriving in Western Serengeti by now. This is another fantastic package for a Serengeti Experience. You will be taken on multiple game drives throughout Western Serengeti and one game drives through Central Serengeti.

    On this safari, you can expect to witness nature at its peak, with a pride of lions on the horizon and marching elephants finding their way to a waterhole. While wildebeest river crossings are not scientifically predictable, you may be in for the show of a lifetime, as many wildebeest will be attempting to cross the Grumeti River during June.

    The Safari Plan: You will be collected by our professional driver, who will take you to your hotel in Arusha. Then, we fly to Western Serengeti, where you will embark on a game drive to witness Africa’s beautiful wildlife. 

    You’ll spend two nights in Western Serengeti and then two nights in Central Serengeti, followed by night in Ngorongoro Crater.

    Click here for more information on this safari package.

    The average price for two people sharing the safari experience is $ 3700 per person.

    Migration river crossing safari: 8 days

    Tanzania - migration river crossing safari 8 days - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Available Dates: (Early) July

    The migratory herds of wildebeest will be stretched between West, Central, and Northern Serengeti. This is the perfect time to come and witness Serengeti in its entirety, with the migration taking place before your very eyes. During this time, the herds will encounter many dangerous rivers and other prey (lions, cheetahs, etc.). This is the perfect safari to feel the breath of Africa.

    The Safari Plan: We will take you both because the herds are stretched from Northern Serengeti to Western Serengeti. This way, you can witness the herds on the move and the powerful Serengeti in all its might.

    Click here for more information on this safari package

    The average price for two people sharing the safari experience is $ 5000 per person.

    Mara river crossing safari: 7 days

    Tanzania - mara river crossing safari 7 days - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Available Dates: July, August, September, October

    The herds have finally arrived in Northern Serengeti, where the deadly Mara River awaits, teeming with hungry crocodiles and fatal currents. The migrating wildebeest will attempt the most deadly challenge of the year at this river, where many thousands will perish.

    This migration event, happening in the sought-after spots of Serengeti’s southern plains, Kenya’s Masai Mara, and south Serengeti, is the most talked-about of the year. The wildebeest herds face an arduous journey, making it a challenging and fascinating spectacle.

    The Safari Plan: Our professional driver will collect you in Arusha and take you to your hotel. Then, we fly to Northern Serengeti for two nights, two nights in Central Serengeti and a final night in the Ngorongoro Crater.

    Click here for more information on this safari package.

    There are so many different ways to experience wildebeest migration in Tanzania. If you want to add other national parks to your migration itinerary or create a list of things to do, Easy Travel can help you craft the safari experience you want. Contact us today to find out more about every option available.

    How far do wildebeest migrate?

    Tanzania - how far do wildebeest migrate - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    The entire migration loop is about 2000 kilometres long. The journey takes a whole year to complete and is an annual event.

    The migratory movements of the wildebeest are only predictable, not concrete, as they follow the most primal and powerful guidance: their instincts. During wildebeest migration safari, 250,000 are killed by predators (such as lions, crocodiles, and cheetahs) along the way.

    Do the wildebeest migrate alone?

    Tanzania - do the wildebeest migrate alone - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Many wildebeests go on an incredible journey in the big Maasai Mara National Reserve. And guess what? Around 250,000 zebras tag along, making it even more awesome. These animals work together and move smoothly across the land, following the seasons and the rain.

    They explore the vast spaces of the Masai Mara National Reserve, all looking for yummy grass and water. It’s like a super exciting picture of animals travelling together in this famous reserve, the Masai Mara Migration.

    Why do wildebeests travel in herds?

    Tanzania - why do wildebeests travel in herds - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Wildebeests travel in herds to protect one another from predators. Each herd comprises eight females, their respective calves, and a dominant male bull to defend them.

    The herds travel together alongside zebras because they protect one another. Zebras can see farther than wildebeests, who alert the herd when they spot danger. WIldebeests, on the other hand, can smell.

    How powerful are wildebeests?

    Tanzania - how powerful are wildebeests - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Wildebeests are said to be twice as powerful as a regular car engine. They can travel nearly 100 kilometres without water and have massive muscle fibres. Their food-to-energy conversion is highly efficient, too, with two-thirds of their energy used for endurance while one-third is used to omit heat.

    Some final tips for planning your migration safari

    Tanzania - some final tips for planning your migration safari - the great wildebeest migration: a complete guide to a migration safari

    Book in advance

    Book at least a year in advance for your safari. This ensures you have various options for lodges, itineraries, and other activities.

    Go without the masses

    We aren’t saying you need to be a hipster. Travelling in small numbers gives you more freedom to steer your safari and connect with our professional guides.

    End far far away

    After a tiresome yet mind-blasting week, you must deflate and recollect your senses. We recommend finding a reclusive type of accommodation as you end your trip.

    Getting you there

    The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders, a truly magical spectacle that Easy Travel has been a part of for over 35 years and counting.

    Our expert driver guides continue to master the tracking of the migration. They will educate you every step of the way as they follow the action as it happens, in a truly National Geographic moment that will leave you in awe at the sheer volume of wildebeest sailing across the Serengeti plains. 

    With several migration tours available and experienced booking specialists who can help you plan the best time to visit, we have you covered. 

    So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and start planning your experience of a lifetime. 

    Musaddiq Gulamhussein - Owner - Easy Travel Tanzania

    About the author: Musaddiq

    Meet Musaddiq Gulamhussein, owner of Easy Travel Tanzania, a tour company creating life-changing safari experiences for over 35 years. Musaddiq has explored Tanzania, developing a deep understanding of the local cultures and traditions. Follow his journey and gain insights into the African Safari experience through Easy Travel's social media and blog.

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