The Great Migration in Serengeti

Africa’s Greatest Drama of Life, Death, and the Will to Survive

Great migration of Wildebeests is the greatest natural phenomena on earth that involves the movement of about 1.2 million wildebeests with 300,000 zebras, topis, gazelles  from Serengeti to Masai Mara in a clockwise movement. Every year millions of wildebeests trek about 1000km from serengeti to Masai Mara in search of greener pastures and water. It starts from Ngorongoro Conservation Area where calving takes place and continues with the crossing of the obstacle grumeti river filled with huge crocodiles and the Mara river which is met with great challenges. The predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas trail while hunting these wildebeest a lifetime experience worth witnessing on a Great Migration safari.

What is a Great Migration?

The great migration is the largest movement for herds of animals on planet earth that occurs every year in a cyclic way. Every year about 1.2 million wildebeests and over 300,000 zebras, gazelles, topis, elands trek a journey between 850 to 1000km from the southern parts of Serengeti to the northern Serengeti crossing the Grumeti and Mara river into the Masai Mara national reserve.

Its not clear how the wildebeest know their way to Masai Mara and back although it is believed that they follow their survival instincts to search for green grass. They aklso follow the rains as they move since they are capable to tress the rains even 50 kms.

The most incredible part of this migration is when they are crossing Grumeti River and Mara river that are filled with very huge and ruthless crocodiles that wait patiently to have their share as the cross the river.

Predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs also hunt the young ones, sick, tired and weak ones. Many wildebeests don’t make it back but also many thousands are born which keeps the nature moving with the strongest and fittest surviving.

Great Migration in January, February and March

January the migration starts with southward trek in to the southern parts of Serengeti which have short and nutritious grass for the wildebeest to graze on. February and march is the calving season for the wildebeests.

The start of the migrations has no clear start date other than the birth of the new calves. So when they are born then it has started. An estimated 400,000 calves are born which can draw a staggering number of predators eager to prey on the vulnerable young. The birth takes place for about 2 or 3 weeks with average of 8000 calves every day.

If you plan to witness this calving period, plan your visit in the months of February and March near Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Great Migration of April and May

After giving birth to the young ones the wildebeests continue with their trek northwars to look for green pastures in the central Serengeti. They are followed by others herds of zebras, topis as they gain momentum on their journey.

May is the mating season but still the journey continues, some herds move west towards the Grumeti River, and this is the first point on the route where river crossings can be seen. They are faced with their greatest fear and reality, the huge and ruthless crocodiles waiting to enjoy the feast. Although this is not as epic as the Mara crossing.

Great Migration of June, July

When the wildebeest cross the Grumeti river and are now on the northern Serengeti. They are left with one fear they must all face and that is crossing the Mara River which has crocodiles waiting for the ones that will fall into their teeth. During this time, the crocodiles are enjoying a feast as the wildebeest and zebras fight for their dear life.

They sometimes first settle at the river bank as they gather confidence to meet their challenge and when they are ready they will start to cross. Some will be lost in the event due to stampede, crocodiles, predators but they must continue.

By July they are arriving in Masai mara National Reserve where rains bring fresh green grass and can be observed from Kenta on the great Migration safari in Masai Mara. They will be here for some time before returning to Serengeti National Park.

Great Migration of August, September, October

By August the have settled in the Masai Mara and the chaos will have ended after crossing Mara river and they will graze freely until they will have to continue with their journey.

September and October, the wildebeest continue east wards as they get closer to the Mara river to face its ruthless and unforgiving crocodiles  before they return back Serengeti.

Great Migration of November and December

When the rains begin in November, the herds usually cross back to the Serengeti from the Masai Mara and head back towards the now fertile southern Serengeti. By the

beginning of December, Ndutu starts seeing the herds return to calve, and the whole process begins again.

Key FAQs about the Great Migration

1. When does it happen?

The Great Migration is a continuous process throughout the year, with the herds moving in a clockwise direction.

2. Where does it start and end?

There’s no specific start or end point. The migration is a fluid movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, with the animals following an age-old route in response to rainfall and food availability.

3. What animals are involved?

The primary participants are wildebeest, but also include zebras, Grant’s gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, eland, and impala.

4. What causes the migration?

The migration is primarily driven by the need for fresh grazing and water, with rainfall patterns playing a crucial role in determining the timing and direction of the movement.

5. What are the main stages?

The calving season in the south (January-March), river crossings in the north (August-October), and the movement through the Serengeti plains are key stages.

6. Is it crowded?

Some locations and stages, like the Mara River crossings and calving season, tend to attract more tourists, potentially leading to busier periods.

7. Are there guarantees?

While certain locations and times increase your chances of seeing the migration, it’s a natural phenomenon, and there’s no guarantee of witnessing specific stages at specific times.

8. What are the risks for the animals?

Wildebeest face dangers like river crossings, predators, and challenging terrain.

What are the best times to see it?

The calving season in the south and river crossings in the north are popular times to witness specific stages of the migration.

9. Great Migration in Serengeti Map