The Great Wildebeest Migration

THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

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The Great Wildebeest Migration is often described as one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in the world. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, a Tanzania Great Migration Safari is the ultimate way to experience the awe-inspiring movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles across the African savanna. At Majestic Wins Adventures, we are dedicated to offering you an unforgettable journey into the heart of this spectacular phenomenon, ensuring that you witness this natural wonder in all its glory.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a yearly event where over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of fresh grazing grounds. This epic journey covers vast distances as these herbivores move in a circular pattern across Tanzania and Kenya. The herds travel in search of water and nutrient-rich grass, often encountering perilous obstacles along the way, including river crossings and predation from carnivores.

This migration is driven by the changing seasons and the constant quest for survival. The wildebeests, along with other species, migrate throughout the year, making it a dynamic, ongoing natural event. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari traveler, a Wildebeest Migration Tanzania is a bucket-list experience that promises to leave you in awe.

When is the Best Time for a Tanzania Great Migration Safari?

A Wildlife Safari Tanzania offers opportunities to witness the migration throughout the year, with different times offering distinct experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the migration’s seasonal movements to help you plan your visit.

July – October: The River Crossings

The months of July to October mark one of the most dramatic and thrilling periods of the Great Wildebeest Migration. During this time, the herds are located in the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. This is when the wildebeests attempt the perilous river crossing, often braving the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River. The sight of thousands of wildebeest charging across the river, with the roar of predators in pursuit, is a once-in-a-lifetime event that every safari-goer dreams of witnessing.

December – March: Calving Season in the South

In December to March, the migration shifts southward into the Serengeti, particularly around the Ndutu area within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the calving season, a time when thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young. The sight of new life emerging on the vast plains is a truly heartwarming moment and one of the best times to witness the sheer scale of the herds. The calving season also attracts predators like lions and cheetahs, creating thrilling predator-prey interactions.

April – June: The Transitional Months

While the migration is still occurring in April and May, this is a transitional period when the herds begin to disperse. The rains bring lush green grass to the Serengeti, and the wildebeests are spread across the plains in search of food. Although the herds are not as densely packed as during the peak periods, these months still offer opportunities to see smaller groups of animals and experience the Serengeti in its most verdant state.

Unique Safari Experiences During the Migration

At Majestic Wins Adventures, we offer curated Tanzania Great Migration Safari tours that allow you to explore this incredible event in comfort and style. Whether you prefer the luxury of permanent lodges or the intimacy of mobile camps, we ensure your safari is tailored to your preferences. Here’s a look at some of the incredible experiences you can enjoy:

Mobile Camping Safari

For those seeking an immersive experience, we recommend staying in one of Serengeti's renowned mobile camps. These camps are designed to move in line with the wildebeest herds, so you’ll always be at the heart of the action. Whether you’re watching the wildebeest cross the Mara River or witnessing the calving season in the south, a mobile safari gives you the best vantage points. With expert guides and luxurious accommodations, you’ll experience the Wildebeest Migration Tanzania like never before.

Permanent Lodges

If you prefer more permanent accommodations, Serengeti offers a variety of lodges that are strategically located near the migration route. These lodges offer a mix of luxury and convenience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the wilderness without compromising on comfort. In the central Serengeti, lodges like Dunia Camp and Serena Lodge offer excellent proximity to the migration.

For a more exclusive experience, lodges near the northern Serengeti, such as the Serengeti Lamai and Sayari Camp, provide access to the wildebeest crossings along the Mara River. These lodges allow you to stay close to the action, ensuring you don’t miss any of the incredible wildlife moments during your Great Wildebeest Migration journey.

Witnessing the Migration: The Annual Journey of the Wildebeests

The Great Wildebeest Migration follows a circular route that takes the animals from the southern plains of the Serengeti to the northern reaches and back again. The journey is influenced by the seasonal rains, and while it can be unpredictable, the migration generally follows a recognizable pattern.

The Southern Serengeti (December – March)

In the southern Serengeti, the wildebeests gather in large herds around Lake Ndutu. This area is particularly famous during the calving season when hundreds of thousands of calves are born. The sheer number of wildebeests in this area is staggering, creating a sea of animals stretching as far as the eye can see. For a close-up experience of this stage of the migration, Majestic Wins Adventures recommends staying at Ndutu Lodge or Kusini Camp.

The Western Corridor and Grumeti River (May – June)

As the wildebeests move from the south, they head towards the western corridor and the Grumeti River. The river crossings here can be equally as dramatic as those in the northern Serengeti, offering a thrilling safari experience. Mobile camps along the Grumeti River allow for prime viewing of the river crossings, giving guests the chance to see the wildebeest fight for survival as they make their way through the waters.

The Northern Serengeti (July – October)

The northern Serengeti is home to the most famous part of the migration – the Mara River crossings. This is when the wildebeests must face the Mara River, which is infamously dangerous due to the presence of crocodiles. The sight of thousands of wildebeests plunging into the river, with predators in pursuit, is a thrilling spectacle. During this time, we recommend staying at camps like Serengeti Lamai and Sayari Camp, which provide prime locations for viewing the river crossings.

The Return to the South (November – December)

As the migration reaches its final phase, the herds begin to return southward towards the Ndutu area. This is the beginning of the next calving season, and the cycle begins again. While the herds may not be as concentrated as during the earlier months, the return journey still offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

A Memorable Safari Experience with Majestic Wins Adventures

At Majestic Wins Adventures, we believe that every traveler deserves a safari experience that is as unique as they are. Whether you’re traveling as a solo adventurer, a couple, or with a family, we tailor each Tanzania Great Migration Safari to meet your needs. Our expert guides will take you through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, offering in-depth knowledge of the wildlife and the migration, ensuring that you don’t miss a single moment of this incredible journey.

Our safaris include:

  • Expert Guides : Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will ensure you get the most out of your safari, providing insights into the wildlife and migration.
  • Comfortable Accommodations : From mobile camps to luxurious lodges, we provide a range of accommodations that suit every type of traveler.
  • Customizable Tanzania Safari Itineraries : Whether you want to focus on the river crossings or the calving season, we work with you to create an itinerary that matches your interests.
Book Your Great Migration Safari Tanzania Today!

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most incredible natural events in the world, and a Tanzania Great Migration Safari is the perfect way to experience it. With Majestic Wins Adventures, you’ll be able to witness the drama of the migration firsthand, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Our expert team is here to help you plan your perfect safari, ensuring that you experience the wonders of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in comfort and style.

Book your Wildebeest Migration Tanzania safari today and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! For more information or to book your safari, contact us now!



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The type of Migration the Wildebeest make; Wildebeest in Africa

The migration undertaken by the wildebeest is an annual event which sees one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and numerous other antelope species as they search for pastures greener. The animals follow a clockwise movement through the Serengeti following the rains for the lushest of grass. The five hundred kilometres is fraught with danger with many predators such as lions, cheetahs and crocodiles preying on the animals. It is a truly amazing spectacle.
Although we do our best to be as informative as possible, it really always is best to give us a call and chat to an expert who can give you the low-down on where the wildebeest are right now.

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When does the Great Wildebeest Migration happen in Tanzania and when is the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, Kenya?

Throughout the entire year, the wildebeest herds are always in Tanzania. For a short time of the year some of the herds are in Kenya. This time period is from July – October when the wildebeest are always crossing the Mara River in Tanzania between Kogatende and the Lamai wedge (the land between the Mara River and the border to Kenya).
The herds are sometimes crossing the Mara river from one side of the Masai Mara to the other (all in Kenya).
So the famous river crossings are most likely to be seen in Tanzania. Tanzania also has far fewer tourists on any one crossing, so we would always recommend basing yourself in northern Serengeti as opposed to the Masai Mara to catch the wildebeest crossing the Mara River.