Best time to see wildebeest migration
When to Visit The Wildebeest Migration Season In Kenya and Tanzania
If you would love to witness the great wildebeest migration, you must ask yourself, when is the best time for wildebeest migration? Well, to start with, the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is an annual event; hence, a simple answer is that you will see the migration at any time of the year. But during the migration, various activities and events occur as they move from Serengeti South to Serengeti North and finally to the Masai Mara, Kenya. wildebeest migration season
The best time to see the wildebeest migration depends entirely on what you want to witness. Most people love the famous wildebeest crossings in Serengeti North and Masai Mara, and some love the wildebeest calving in Ndutu and Serengeti South. The most active wildebeest migration season is between July and October of every year. Though other events happen within a year, such as the wildebeest calving in Ndutu and Serengeti south.
Month By Month Wildebeest Guide
Wildebeest Schedule Guide - Best Time for Wildebeest Migration
We will guide you below to understand the best time for the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania. Using our Wildebeest Migration Map, below is a Month-to-month Wildebeest Guide that shows the wildebeest movement between seasons and months. We have another guide that shows a month-to-month guide for wildebeest migration, from January to December, explaining their activities and movements, and where to see them in different months.
The Great Migration Schedule - Month by Month
Where The Wildebeest Migration Start
Below we have guided the month-to-month African safari migration season, which will help in noting the best time to visit Africa for the wildebeest migration. Note that the migration is not predictable. We recommend you plan, and get expert guides and tips on when we recommend would be perfect for your Wildebeest Migration safari.
January To March - Wildebeest Calving in Ndutu
Location :- Ndutu and South Serengeti
The best time for the wildebeest migration calving season is between January to March. The wildebeest calving happens in the Ndutu Conservation Area and south of the Serengeti. After an episode of wildebeest extravaganza in Northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara, they come to Ndutu expectant and ready to give birth.
From January to March, more than 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, making it almost 8000+ wildebeest calves born daily. If you are looking to have an adventure of wildlife activities and big cats hunting, visit between January to March and get immersed deeply.
These months are hot and dry, but full of food and water and a conducive environment for wildebeest calving. The short rains from November to December bring much-needed food and water, as well as the long rains that start in mid-February and March provide much-needed food and water as well.
Where to Stay while on Safari
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Maswa Kimali Game Reserve, bordering the southern Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Serengeti National Park
Southwestern Serengeti National Park
April to June - Wildebeest Migration in Central Serengeti
Location :- Seronera and Ikoma Areas
During April to June, the months are wet, and nothing much goes on per se, but just the grand mass movements of the wildebeests from Serengeti South and Ndutu to Central Serengeti. The movement comprises different herds moving in different directions.
Once they arrive in Central Serengeti, they tend to disperse and feed on the long grassland vegetation across the eastern and central areas of Serengeti. This is the best time to see the great migration in central Serengeti between April to June.
If you book our wildebeest safari packages in between these months, you are guaranteed to enjoy lots of sightings of wildebeests and zebras, moving around safari camps and lodges, and grazing over the grass covering these areas in Seronera, Moru Hills, and Rongai Regions of Serengeti.
Where to Stay while on Safari
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
July to October - Wildebeest Migration and Crossings in North Serengeti
Location :- Serengeti North and Mara River
This is the best time to see the great migration in Kenya and Tanzania. This is due to their intense activities and movement across the plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. At this time, the wildebeest migration is in Serengeti North and Masai Mara, occupying all the savannah areas, moving back and forth looking for the greener pastures.
During this season, the wildebeest cross the major Mara River and its tributaries several times, displaying a risky yet thrilling sighting, by crossing the steep rivers and long river beds infested with crocodiles ready to feed on them. The activities here are very phenomemon but thrilling too, making you appreciate nature at its best.
Where to Stay while on Safari
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Grumeti Reserve
Lamai Triangle, Northern Serengeti
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
November to December - Wildebeest Migration Back to South Serengeti
Location :- Serengeti North and Mara River
This is the time the wildebeests start their journey back south, after an eventful and thrilling time. Between November and December, the wildebeests are heavily pregnant, and they will be arriving in Ndutu ready for the calving season. After a busy season, the African safari migration season comes to an end, before the herds head to Ndutu for calving.
The short rains start in November and extend to December, preparing the grounds in Ndutu and South Serengeti with greener grounds and water. The wildebeest migration moves so fast during these months, ready to get to the south.
Where to Stay while on Safari
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti North
Wildebeest Migration Map
Detailed Wildebeest Migration Map - Wildebeest Migration Routes
The Wildebeest Migration Map shows the yearly and monthly movement of the wildebeests. As they migrate from the South after birth to the North of the Serengeti and finally into the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The Monthly guide on the map shows various locations you would probably sight in the different months of the year.
Previous Wildebeest Sightings
Explore the nearest safari camps and lodges where the wildebeest migrations were seen and spotted. We recommend these wildebeest migration camps and lodges.
Large herds of wildebeest have been spotted moving across the Southern Serengeti, with many calves seen traveling alongside them. The groups...
Another wildebeest birth has been observed on the Southern Serengeti plains, adding to the ongoing calving activity in the region. The...
Another wildebeest birth has been recorded in the Southern Serengeti during the ongoing calving season. The mother was observed delivering her...
Why Book Your African Safaris With Wildebeest Sightings.
Book Your African Safari Holiday with Wildebeest Sightings
Wildebeest Sightings are experts in following and tracking wildebeest movements from Tanzania to Kenya. As they move, we locate and track their current location. We understand their movements in detail, with updates and current locations shared on our herdtracker app.
We are professionals in luxury safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. We offer authentic, well-customised and planned safaris across the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. We have partnered with some of the best wildebeest migration camps to bring you close to the real actions.
Safari Experts
Our Experts have broad, wide, and deep knowledge about wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania. We follow and track the wildebeests, and hence, we have close knowledge of where and when to see them.
Financial Protection
We are regulated by the government of Kenya through the Tourism Regulatory Authority. We therefore guarantee secure and safe booking through Wildebeest Sightings.
Proffessional Guides
We have knowledgeable and professional safari guides, ready to take care of you while on safari. From flora and fauna to cultural immersions, they understand all the nitty gritties to make sure your trip is seamless.
Impactful Journeys
At Wildebeest Sightings, its not not only about the wildebeest migration, but we also work closely with impactful initiatives to support and promote sustainable tourism in East Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS - Best time for Wildebeest Migration
Do you have any questions in regards to wildebeest migration? We have answered most of the burning frequently asked questions about great migration in Kenya and Tanzania.
When is the best time to see the wildebeest migration?
The best period to witness the wildebeest migration is normally between July and October when the animals can be found in the Masai Mara in Kenya, with August and September being the best months with the most river crossings. This is the peak period, although it is possible to see the animals any time of the year as they circle the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
What is the wildebeest migration season?
It is a year-round journey in a circle, but the best time to observe the spectacular Mara River crossings is during the July to October window. This is when the 1.5 million plus animals make the trek from the Serengeti into Kenya, with the most consistent action in August and September.
Is there a bad time to visit for the African safari migration season?
There is no bad time, but April and May are considered the least desirable for viewing the migration because of the long rainy season, which can cause flooding and make it difficult to navigate the roads. Although it is bad for viewing the herd migration, it is a great time for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy the green scenery at a discounted price.
How far in advance should I book a migration safari?
To ensure that you get the best lodges and mobile camps in the areas close to the river crossings, it is recommended that you book your migration safari 12 to 18 months in advance if you want to go during the peak season, which is July to October. However, if you want to go during the calving season, which is January to March, you can book your safari 6 to 12 months in advance. But if you want the best choice of the best lodges and camps, it is recommended that you book your safari 18 to 24 months in advance.
