Situated in the northern circuit of Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is one of the biggest attractions. Along with being a great eco-system, the place is famous for its varied wildlife and biodiversity. Besides, the destination creates a truly spectacular event- the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania. Over two million wildebeest, 800,000 Zebras, 200,000 Thomas Gazelles, 7000 Hyenas, and 2000 Lions migrate through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture. After seeing this thrilling event you will surely accept that it is one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.
So, if you ever plan to spend your holidays in Tanzania, don’t forget to experience this amazing and breathtaking view of wildebeest migrations. They migrate throughout the year and constantly seek fresh grass and better water quality as well. You can make your trip even more interesting by availing seven days safari- wildebeest migration package from Enchanting Tanzania Safaris. Besides Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro is also one of the greatest attractions of Tanzania. If you wish, you can take our Kilimanjaro hiking package and enjoy trekking in the most exciting way.
Right Time to Experience Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania (Month by Month)
Well, you can see the wildebeest migration throughout the year. But there are a few specified months in which you can get to have the best views.
Here, we have described the perfect time period in which you can have a chance to enjoy the most interesting views of the migration:
December to March
From December to March, the Serengeti migration assembles in large herds around Nudutu Lake in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once the herd reaches the area, they split up and spread out leaving wildebeest herds. During the calving seasons that are from late January to mid of March, over 80% of the wildebeest give birth to their younger ones if there is an abundance of water available in the region. With our safari, you would be able to enjoy the view more. Likewise, you can also opt for Zanzibar safaris in Zanzibar- an archipelago in Tanzania including a number of islands.
April to May- Long Rains- Wildebeest Head to Seronera
April to May is the rainy season in Tanzania in which wildebeest moves from the northern plains into the southern plains of Serengeti. Front runners stretch out to the Western Corridor as well as the center of the park at Serenoa. Besides this, you will get to see the most vivid and beautiful wildflowers and teeming game. For photographers, this season could be a blessing as the quality of light is magical for capturing the best views. However, this season cannot sustain the vast herds because of the short grasses.
From April to June, the Serengeti seems like a theatre to the earth’s most impressive wildlife shows. Thousands of wildebeest moving towards the Seronera appears like the moving feast and are trailed by predators such as leopard, lion, tiger, cheetah, and hyena.
June – Migration to Grumeti
By this month, the best grazing lands of Seronera’s western corridor have been drained and the herds continue to move into the Grumeti. As the gound is drier, it’s easy for the antelopes to move around. Camps in the Grumeti area are situated in the best locations. This area has a diverse number of permanent games such as wildebeest, zebra, predators, and forest species.
July and August – Movement towards Northern Serengeti
As the rains dwindle by July, huge strings of zebra and wildebeest start gathering along the swollen Grumeti and Mara rivers. The rivers are infested with crocodiles. The Northern Serengeti is far less crowded as compared to the Seronera and the southern grasslands.
We have one of the best camps in Serengeti so that you never miss a view. Similarly, our Zanzibar beach resort lets travelers enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the islands.
Late July, August & September – The River Crossing
If you are one of those who are keen to observe the exciting river crossings, this could be the best time. This is the season when the columns of zebra and wildebeest struggle their way across the rivers to reach grazing lands of the Masai Mara. The animals keep moving around the southern banks before suddenly the bravest one takes the initiative to plunge into the river. Later, thousands of other wildebeest also follows the same.
However, one can’t confidently confirm that this would be the best time to see the migration. The timings vary year to year depending on the rains. In dry years, many of these wildebeest don’t even cross into Kenya. Therefore, you must stay for at least 3-4 nights to maximize your chances of experiencing the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania.
July to October – Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
Once the cattle and antelopes have safely crossed the rivers, they give birth to their younger ones. This could be the best time for many as grasslands echo with the sound of the new-born. Due to the same, many predators like lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, and hyena are naturally drawn into the Mara for the hunt.
Between August and October (the migration season), it’s possible to observe good games throughout the whole Masai Mara area as the million of zebras and wildebeest mow the grass down and makes it palatable even in the long grass areas.
November to December – Migration towards South
As the grasses are mow down and the dry season starts, the animals start returning to the south. They cross the rivers once again and return back to Tanzania, especially when short rains start again in November.
Then the cycle repeats all over again.
