The great wildebeest migration is a spectacular movement of wildebeests that takes place in Serengeti national park of Tanzania and Masai Mara reserve in Kenya
It is one of the largest wildlife migrations on Earth, with over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traveling together in search of food and better living conditions.
Wildebeest migration in Kenya
The wildebeest migration in Kenya is a yearly event that takes place in the Masai Mara National Reserve and other neighboring wildlife conservancies.
It is one of the most spectacular and anticipated natural events in the world, attracting thousands of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
The migration begins in July, when the wildebeest leave the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and move north into the Masai Mara in search of food and water. The herds move in a circular pattern, following the rains and the abundance of food.
The wildebeest migration in Kenya typically peaks in August and September, when the wildebeest give birth to their young, and then again in October and November, when the herds return to the Serengeti.
During the wildebeest migration, the wildebeest face many challenges, including predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as the harsh conditions of the African savannah. However, the migration is also a time of great abundance, as the wildebeest feed on the lush grasses and drink from the overflowing rivers and streams.
How to get to Masai Mara reserve for the wildebeest migration
The different ways reach the Masai Mara Reserve include flight and also getting there by road. There are several domestic airlines that operate daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to various airstrips within or near the Masai Mara reserve such as Keekorok, Olkiombo, Musiara, and Mara Serena.
By Road, Masai Mata is approximately 5-6 hours drive from Nairobi through Narok town and then continuing south towards Sekenani Gate or Talek Gate, which are the main entry points to the reserve.
Wildebeest migration in Tanzania
The wildebeest migration in Tanzania is one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world. It involves the movement of millions of wildebeest, along with other herbivores such as zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania.
This annual wildebeest migration is driven by the search for fresh grazing and water sources, as well as the need to avoid predators. The migration typically follows a circular pattern, with the wildebeest moving between different areas of the Serengeti national park throughout the year.
The journey begins in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest give birth to their young during the calving season. The calving season during the wildebeest migration also takes place in the Ndutu area which is part of the Ngorongoro conservation area of Tanzania.
The Ndutu region provides favorable conditions for wildebeest calving due to its open grasslands and availability of water sources such as Lake Ndutu and Lake Masek. The grasses in this area are highly nutritious, providing essential nutrients for lactating mothers and their newborn calves. Additionally, the open landscape allows for better visibility, enabling the wildebeests to spot potential threats from a distance.
This calving period, which usually takes place between January and March, attracts predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs who take advantage of the vulnerable newborns.
As the dry season progresses and water sources become scarce in the southern Serengeti, the wildebeest start their northward journey towards the western corridor. This phase of the migration usually occurs between April and June.
The herds face numerous challenges during this stage, including crossing rivers infested with crocodiles, navigating through dense vegetation, and evading predators.
By July, the wildebeest have reached the western corridor of the Serengeti national park. Here, they gather in large numbers as they prepare for one of the most iconic parts of their journey which is crossing the Grumeti River.
The Grumeti river crossing is a dramatic scene of chaos and predation of the wildebeests. Crocodiles lie in wait for their opportunity to snatch a wildebeest from the herd as they attempt to cross the river.
Once they have successfully crossed the Grumeti River, the wildebeest herds continue their movement.
Another river crossing occurs along the Mara river in the northern part of Serengeti national park from where the wildebeests cross to Masai Mara national reserve in south western Kenya.
The wildebeest herds typically arrive in Kenya around August or September, where they spend several months grazing on the lush grasses of the Mara before starting their journey back to Tanzania.
The return journey begins in October or November, as the wildebeest start moving southwards. They retrace their steps through the western corridor, facing similar challenges as they did during the northward migration.
By December, the herds have reached the southern Serengeti once again, marking the completion of their annual cycle. The wildebeest migration is not only a remarkable natural phenomenon but also an important ecological process.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the Serengeti ecosystem. The constant movement of millions of herbivores helps to prevent overgrazing in any one area and allows for the regeneration of vegetation.
How to get to Serengeti national park for the wildebeest migration
Serengeti national park can be accessed by road and by flight during Tanzania safaris.
Fly to Serengeti national park can be got from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or from Arusha airport to the different airstrips in the park such as Seronera airstrip, Kogatende airstrip and also Lobo airstrip among others.
By road, the drive to Serengeti national park takes about 7 to 8 hours and the type of vehicles used for the safaris are 4×4 safari vehicles.
Best time for the wildebeest migration
The best time for the wildebeest migration can vary depending on several factors such as rainfall patterns, availability of food, and the location of the herds at any given time.
However, there are two key periods that are generally considered to be the best times to witness this wildebeest migration which include the calving season and the river crossings.
The calving season occurs between January and February in the southern Serengeti plains of Tanzania. During this time, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young.
The vast open plains provide ample space for the newborns to run around and escape predators. This period offers a unique opportunity to witness the wildebeest giving birth and see adorable baby wildebeest taking their first steps.
The river crossings are another highlight of the migration and usually occur between July and October. As the herds move northwards towards Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve, they encounter several rivers, most notably the Mara River.
These river crossings are often dramatic as crocodiles lie in wait for any weak or injured animals attempting to cross. The sight of thousands of wildebeest plunging into the river while predators lurk nearby is truly awe-inspiring.
