Wildebeest Migration
the great wildebeest migration
What Is The Great Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal movement on Earth. In some places, you can see up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer — the herds are so large they can even be seen from space!
More than 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra, along with topi and gazelle, move together across the Serengeti-Mara region. Each wildebeest travels around 800 to 1,000 kilometers, guided by instinct and the search for rain and green grass. Along the way, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles make the journey dangerous.
The Migration by Month
January to March
By January, the herds are in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the grass is rich and perfect for raising calves. Around 400,000 calves are born in just two to three weeks — that’s about 8,000 a day!
Predators are very active during this time, taking advantage of the many vulnerable newborns. If you’re interested in seeing calving season and predator action.
April to May
In April, the herds begin moving northwest toward the central Serengeti, joined by thousands of zebra and antelope
By May, the wildebeest gather near the Moru Kopjes, and mating season begins. Male wildebeest fight to win females, and the journey continues slowly.
The herds start moving toward the Western Corridor to prepare for the first river crossing — the Grumeti River. Although it’s not as dramatic as the Mara River, it’s still an exciting event with plenty of crocodiles waiting.
Prime Kilimanjaro follows the herds closely, offering great viewing opportunities even in this quieter travel season.
June to July
June brings the dry season, and the herds grow in number near the Grumeti River. They must now cross the river, facing crocodiles and strong currents.
In July, they move north toward the more dangerous Mara River. These crossings are one of the most thrilling wildlife events in the world. Watching the animals risk everything to cross is unforgettable.
You can see the herds in the northern Serengeti or even in the Masai Mara.
August to October
By August, the herds have made it into the Masai Mara or are still in the northern Serengeti. River crossings can still happen, with chaos, panic, and predators waiting on both sides.
By September and October, the migration slowly begins to turn south. The animals will soon cross the Mara River again, heading back to the Serengeti.
November to December
After the short rains in late October and early November, the herds move into the eastern Serengeti near Namiri Plains — a great spot for seeing cheetahs. By December, they reach the southern Serengeti once more.
As the grass grows lush with rain, the animals gather to begin calving season again — and the cycle continues.
the great wildebeest migration
What Is The Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest animal movement on Earth. In some places, you can see up to 1,000 animals per square kilometer — the herds are so large they can even be seen from space!
More than 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra, along with topi and gazelle, move together across the Serengeti-Mara region. Each wildebeest travels around 800 to 1,000 kilometers, guided by instinct and the search for rain and green grass. Along the way, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles make the journey dangerous.
The Migration by Month
January to March
By January, the herds are in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the grass is rich and perfect for raising calves. Around 400,000 calves are born in just two to three weeks — that’s about 8,000 a day!
Predators are very active during this time, taking advantage of the many vulnerable newborns. If you’re interested in seeing calving season and predator action, Prime Kilimanjaro’s southern Serengeti camps are a great choice.
April to May
In April, the herds begin moving northwest toward the central Serengeti, joined by thousands of zebra and antelope.
By May, the wildebeest gather near the Moru Kopjes, and mating season begins. Male wildebeest fight to win females, and the journey continues slowly.
The herds start moving toward the Western Corridor to prepare for the first river crossing — the Grumeti River. Although it’s not as dramatic as the Mara River, it’s still an exciting event with plenty of crocodiles waiting.
Prime Kilimanjaro follows the herds closely, offering great viewing opportunities even in this quieter travel season.
June to July
June brings the dry season, and the herds grow in number near the Grumeti River. They must now cross the river, facing crocodiles and strong currents.
In July, they move north toward the more dangerous Mara River. These crossings are one of the most thrilling wildlife events in the world. Watching the animals risk everything to cross is unforgettable.
You can see the herds in the northern Serengeti or even in the Masai Mara. Prime Kilimanjaro’s mobile camps give guests the best chance to witness this spectacle.
August to October
By August, the herds have made it into the Masai Mara or are still in the northern Serengeti. River crossings can still happen, with chaos, panic, and predators waiting on both sides.
By September and October, the migration slowly begins to turn south. The animals will soon cross the Mara River again, heading back to the Serengeti.
November to December
After the short rains in late October and early November, the herds move into the eastern Serengeti near Namiri Plains — a great spot for seeing cheetahs. By December, they reach the southern Serengeti once more.
As the grass grows lush with rain, the animals gather to begin calving season again — and the cycle continues.
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