Africa's Great Migration is one of nature's most spectacular shows with up to two million wildebeest, 400,000 Thomson's gazelle, 300,000 zebra and 12,000 eland moving in great swathes from the southern plains of Tanzania's Serengeti up to the Masai Mara in Kenya.
So when does the wildebeest migration start and where are the best spots to see it? Glad you asked but first, some caveats (sorry): no two migrations are the same. It is so dependent on the rains and seasonal cycle that it is nigh on impossible to fully predict exactly where the wildebeest will be at a given time, which is why it's best to bring in the professionals (hint: that's us). With our expert contacts on the ground in Tanzania and Kenya, we are best placed to advise you on exactly where to go and where to stay so you have the best chance of getting in on the wildebeest migration action.
Now that's out of the way, here comes the technical spiel: wildebeest live in a constant state of movement so the Great Migration doesn't technically have a start, it is constantly occurring. However, as good a place to begin is with the calving process in February. At this point the wildebeest are spread out across the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti. Over the course of three weeks around 350,000 wildebeest calves will be born. And they don't hang around either - a wildebeest calf can run with the herd within five minutes of being born. Good job too because from here the herd starts heading north through the Serengeti during April, May and June, crossing the Moru Kopjes, Seronera and Western Corridor before arriving at the Grumeti river around June. From here they head further north into the Masai Mara, all the while having to cross rivers (like the iconic Mara River around July time) and lakes and pass through the territories of various predators, from lion and leopard to hyena and crocodile. The wildebeest graze throughout September and October before starting the move back down the east side of the Serengeti to start the process all over again. Phew.
Where We Come In
Want to be thrilled by the raw beauty and brutality of the Great Wildebeest Migration but from the comfort of a fabulous luxury safari camp? We've got you covered, we know all the best lodges and camps across Tanzania and Kenya and visit regularly to keep up to date with the newest developments.