The endless plains of
east Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle - the 1.5
million animal ungulate (wildebeest) migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to
the champagne colored hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara over 1.4 million wildebeest and
200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate
in a clockwise fashion over 1,800 miles each year in search of rain ripened grass.
There is no real beginning or
end to a wildebeest's journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for
food and water. The only beginning is at the moment of birth. An estimated 400,000
wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late
January and mid-March.
The
Migratory Path
(see chart below)
DECEMBER, JANUARY,
FEBRUARY, MARCH The Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Conservation Area is
arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December
through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation
Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on
rain ripened grass.
In the calving season (late
January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern
Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion,
cheetah and hyena.
During this period the
migration is best observed from Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp or any of several private
tented camps used by mobile safaris such as our "Classic Tanzanian Tented
Safari". These include campsites in the Ndutu/Naabi area.
APRIL, MAY
During the months April and May the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless
herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the
southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of
the Serengeti’s western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria.
This period is during the long
rains and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in east Africa as roads are often
impassable. Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp and the Serengeti Serena Lodge are
fine for wildlife viewing during this time. So are campsites in the Ndutu/Naabi area.
JUNE By the
end of May the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor’s best pastures and the
herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle breeding
occurs May through June.
This is a transitional period
between the rains and the dry season. The Serengeti Serena is a central, easily
accessible lodge for viewing the migration at this time. Grumeti River Camp, Migration
Camp and Kirawira Camp are also options. Seronera and Moru area campsites are best.
JULY, AUGUST,
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER By July the countless herds have amassed along the swollen
Mara River - a final barrier from the short sweet grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the
crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass
safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles.
Between July and October the
wildebeest reside in the Mara. We recommend Governor's Il Moran Tented Camp as the
leading safari camp in the Masai Mara. Other tented camps include Governor's Main Camp,
Little Governor’s Camp, Bataluer Camp, and Mara River Camp. Tanzanian lodges
recommended during this time include Kirawira Tented, Migration Camp, and Grumeti River
Camp. Kirawira and Moru area campsites are best.
NOVEMBER The
arrival of the short rains call the migration southward. During the short rains of
November the wildebeest migration is best viewed from either Lobo Wildlife Lodge or
Klein’s Camp. Campsites in the Lobo area are best.
As November ends the migration
is making its way back to the southern Serengeti and early in the year they once again
give birth. The circle of life is complete.
*Note - the migration is a
natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year.
