Book your safari to Kenya or Tanzania to witness a movement of over two million animals between Serengeti Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. The Wildebeest Migration, dubbed the World cup of Wildlife, constitutes the 7th Wonder of the World. You can also call it The Great Migration or The Death Fall. This annual migration usually happens during the months of July to October. Animals, including the wildebeests, Zebras and the Gazelle move in a clock-wise circle starting from southern through western Serengeti to Mara River in the North. They proceed and cross over to Masai Mara in Kenya where they stay for a couple of weeks before they start moving south around mid or late October.
Interesting facts about the Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania
Largest Movement of animals worldwide
Nowhere in the world is there a movement of animals as immense as the wildebeest migration. Every year, around 1.5 million wildebeest; 350,000 Thomson’s gazelle, 200,000 zebras and thousands of elands and other ungulates (hoofed animals) participate in what has been called ‘the greatest show on Earth, the Wildebeest Migration. The animals travel a total of 800KMs or more during each cycle. You would wonder how the wildebeest, zebras, other antelopes do migrate together. The herds do complement each other in security and food. They systematically explore and overcome an obstacle as one. For food, Zebras and Wildebeests are able to graze together in harmony because they each eat different parts of the same type of grass.
Where the Wildebeests start their movement from
Animals migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The wildebeest migrate more than 800km in a full cycle. It is believed that the migration starts during the calving season, around Jan or Feb. Half a million wildebeest calves are born each year in the Southern Serengeti at the start of the yearly migrating circle between January and March. Most are born in mid-February where approximately 8,000 wildebeest are born every day for about three weeks. They are able to walk as soon as they are born, so they can keep up with the herds!
Why animals migrate
Wildebeests migrate in search of greener pastures. From their movement pattern, you find that they always move to fresh grazing areas. Another thought but lacking scientific proof is that the wildebeests move following distant lightning and thunderstorm. Perhaps this is true considering the total distance they make in each circle every year and the fact that they move to areas with rain. All in all, the wildebeest move in response to weather and their feeding demands.
River Crossing
The major migration phenomena are the River crossings and are what most visitors aim for. It should be noted that crossings are not happening on one place on the river. We know animals will have to cross the river every year around July and September but nobody knows exactly when. Not even the animals know when they are going to cross. Some arrive at the water and swim immediately. Some arrive and turn back to where they came from while some arrive and spend days hanging around grazing.
Predators following Migrating herds
Predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, vultures, and others obviouslyy follow the herds for food. During the migration, more than 150,000 wildebeest and more than 20,000 zebras are killed by predators and crocodiles while crossing the Mara River and its tributaries. It is always a survival for the fittest show. However, the predators are unable to follow the moving herds very far. Many are territorial so they can’t abandon their territories and have young ones that can’t move very far with them.
Best time to visit for the Wildebeest Migration
The major episodes or intense activities happen in the months of January to March, during the wildebeest calving season, and June to October as they cross the mara river, jump off the cliffs, and major hunts happening. For the migration and best experience, plan to go mid-July to September. However, nature is never predictable and so are the rains and the wildebeests themselves. The exact route and timing of the migration cannot be predicted either. Provided you visit at the right time, we shall always use our local experience to help our visitors establish an ideal vantage point.
Best way to experience the Great Migration
The best way to see the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is through game drives in the park. The fact that the crossings are unpredictable, always rely on Wimbowe Voyages experienced safari planners. Our migration leaning visitors are always advised to stay more days at the park and always plan ahead of time.
Other things to do in Masai Mara and Serengeti Parks
Witnessing the wildebeest migration is a pretty sensational spectacle and if you are not careful you might miss on other thrilling adventures the world-famous Masa Mara and Serenegeti have to offer. They include the regular game drives to increase wildlife sightings, hot air balloon safaris, birding expeditions, Masai Village visits, Bush meals and sundowners, horseback safaris, walking safaris and nature walks.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris