All About Wildebeest Migration in Africa
What is Wildebeest Migration?
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration? The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Every year, more than 2 million animals (wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles) migrate across the ecosystems of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This world wonder phenomenon happens all through out the year, that is from January to January.
Where does the Wildebeest Migration Take Place?
The wildebeest migration occurs over a wide area across Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. These parks are one continuous ecosystem divided by an invisible man-made border.
The best time to see the Great Migration
When is the Best Time to Go on a Migration Safari?
There is no single time of year to see the Great Migration since it is an eternal annual cycle from place to place, year in and year out. However, depending on either the aspect of the Great Migration you want to witness (such as river crossings) or the time of year that you prefer to travel, your safari can be tailored to give you the best chance of seeing what you desire.
It is believed that the wildebeest life starts in Ndutu Conservation Area and Serengeti South, where more than 8000 Wildebeest Calves are born daily and later migrate up North to Serengeti North and later Masai Mara in Kenya. The Great Migration can be summarised in this way as having these four seasons.
Alternatively, you can learn more about when to travel via this month-by-month breakdown of the Great Migration. Whether the great herds are calving in the south or on the move north in search of greener pastures – and then back again – there is a huge variety of astounding scenes unfolding before you.
Most people think that the Wildebeest Migration only takes place between July and October, but it’s actually an ever-moving, circular migration with various but equally exciting events that occur year-round. The popular river crossings usually coincide with safari’s high season (June to October), hence the perception that this is the only time of the year that the wildebeest are on the move or can be seen.
Can one predict or know when the great wildebeest Migration River Crossings can occur?
No, not even the wildebeest know when they’re going to cross! Some arrive at the water and swim over immediately; some arrive and spend days hanging around grazing; some arrive and turn back to where they came from. We wish we could predict the crossings, but no-one can. This is why it is best to have as much time on safari as possible if you hope to see a river crossing.
Wildebeests migrate to graze and mate
The wildebeest bulls begin their mating ritual by calling and attracting the wildebeest cows. An estimated 200,000 wildebeest bulls and 600,000 wildebeest cows meet this way. The dominant bulls give out a very distinct calling sound through their nose. A resonance almost like the one of a frog. They fill the plains. Both in numbers and in sound. The wildebeest mating ritual is believed to last few days only; to ensure all calves are born on the very same time for greater protection.
And then. In the mid of October, when most of the grasses on the Mara savannah have been eaten, the wildebeest prepares to move southwards to seek the generous grasslands areas of the Serengeti. To give birth to their calves on the plains of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. When the area begins to dry out and the grasses and water becomes scarce the wildebeest set to move again. Scientists believe that the old wildebeest can sense water up to a distance of 50km away using lightning and thunder as the guiding light. These patriarchs will urge the herds onwards. In search of water a greener pastures. Returning to the Masai Mara and yet again begin the cycle of life.
The wildebeests contribute to the Masai Mara Ecosystem. It is estimated that they leave behind 60,000 tones of dung fertilizing the Mara grassland.
Major Crossing Points in Masai Mara and Serengeti
Popular Major Popular Crossing Points on the Mara River
There are three favored crossing points in the Masai Mara. Our nearest crossing point is the Kichwa Crossing Point, which is located within the Mara North Conservancy. The second crossing is the Little Governor’s Crossing Point, which is located within the Masai Mara National Game Reserve. The third crossing is the Serena Crossing Point and is also located within the National Game Reserve.
Other major wildebeest migration crossing points in the Masai Mara are the Lookout Crossing Point and the Sand River Crossing Point. These are major crossing points in the Masai Mara as they invite and seem favourable to thousands of wildebeest crossings, and offer guests views of intensified and thrilling crossings.
In Serengeti, the crossing points are numbered from 1 to 10. All these crossing points are used by the wildebeests to cross from Serengeti to Masai Mara. The common major crossing points are numbers 4, 7, and 10. But this does not guarantee any sightings of wildebeests crossing.
1. Mara Triangle Crossing, also known as Cul De Sac Crossing
The Mara Triangle is one of the most scenic parts of the Masai Mara. It is located on the western side of the reserve and is a great place to watch the migration in a less crowded environment.
The crossings here are unpredictable, but when they happen, they are spectacular. The river is wide, and the banks are often muddy, making it difficult for the animals to get out. This struggle creates dramatic moments that photographers love to capture.
2. Talek River Crossing
Talek River is one of the smaller rivers in the Masai Mara, but it plays an important role in the migration. Some herds cross this river before reaching the main Mara River. Since the Talek River is smaller, the crossings here are not as dramatic as those at the Mara River, but they are still exciting to watch.
If you want to avoid large crowds, Talek River is a good place to see crossings in a quieter setting.
3. Kichwa Tembo Crossing
Kichwa Tembo is another well-known crossing point, located near a famous safari camp with the same name. This area is great for visitors who want a comfortable safari experience while still being close to the action.
The crossings here are not as frequent as in some other areas, but when they happen, they are just as exciting. The best time to visit is from late July to early September.
4. Serena Crossing
The Serena area is one of the most reliable places to see the Great Migration crossings. This point is located near the Serena Safari Lodge and is a favorite spot for visitors.
This crossing point is often very dramatic, as the riverbanks are steep, making it challenging for the animals to climb out after crossing. Some struggle and fall back into the river, making it a heart-pounding experience to watch.
5. Lookout Hill Crossing
Lookout Hill is one of the best places to see river crossings in Masai Mara. This area has high ground, allowing visitors to get a great view of the river below. Here, the wildebeest gather in large numbers before leaping into the water.
This crossing point is famous because it offers a clear view of the dramatic action. The sight of thousands of animals jumping into the river, with crocodiles waiting and lions watching from the bushes, is unforgettable.
6. Paradise Plains Crossing
Paradise Plains is another top location for watching river crossings. It is located near the Mara River and is well known for large herds crossing. Many of the famous wildlife documentaries have been filmed in this area.
The landscape here is open, making it easy to see the action. This spot is perfect for photography because you can capture the wildebeest, zebras, and predators in one frame.
Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti
Wildebeest Migration and Crossings in Tanzania
Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti is one magical experience you would love to experience. It’s known that wildebeest migration starts in Serengeti, and goes back to Masai Mara and later back to Serengeti every year. Wildebeests migrate in huge numbers, approximately 1.5 million animals all together including the wildebeests, zebras, impalas, gazelles, and many others.
As wildebeest stay in the South of Serengeti, or in Ndutu Conservation Area, they give birth to more than 8000 calves daily, that’s approximately more than 500,000 calves in the calving season. Theres a lot of activities that happen during this season, that is from January to March, when predators find lots of ready food.
Wildebeest are always in search of food and water and Ndutu provides a good environment for calf birthing and the temperatures are favorable. In late March, the grant great migration start off to the north, since now the long rains are in Central Serengeti and North Serengeti.
They disperse in the various areas of the Serengeti, as some move to East of Serengeti and others move to Central and others to West of Serengeti in divided herds. As the migration continue to divide, they have only one purpose, and is to get to the north, where the intensity of the migration increases as they cross the great Mara River. Wildebeests cross the great Mara river infested with crocodiles and also risked an entire 3 months migrating through the great Serengeti Plains.
Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration and Crossings
Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration and Crossings
After the wildebeests migrate from South Serengeti through the great plains of the Central Serengeti, they arrive in North Serengeti ready to enter Masai Mara through their commonly known entry routes including the Sand River and Lookout Crossing Points. Wildebeests in Masai Mara stay for a short time, maybe 3 to 4 months only. These are the months of July to October before they start migrating back to the Serengeti.
The Masai Mara offers a very conducive environment and temperatures for Wildebeests to mate, and sire calves. They will later now migrate back down to Ndutu to give birth to the millions of Calves.
While they are in Masai Mara, these wildebeests tend to occupy the entire reserves including the conservancies around. Big cats such as lions and cheetahs are mostly active during this time due to the readily available food for them around the reserve and conservancies.
Wildebeest Migration - Month to month
Which is The Best Month to See the Wildebeest Migration
With climate change, the long and short rainy seasons in Kenya and Tanzania are no longer as regular or predictable as they once were. The rains can be late or early, which will throw the whole wildebeest calendar out of synch.
This is, once again, why it’s important to plan for as much time on safari as possible. You cannot fly in for two nights, see a river crossing and fly out again – nature simply doesn’t work that way. It’s unpredictable, and you can wait for so many days before an event happens.
This is a very general guideline for where the herds are during the year – bearing in mind that the entire Gnu Migration is triggered by rain, which can be early, late, or on time:
January
In January, The herds are in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, moving south from the northeast region of the park and into the area near Lake Ndutu Conservation Area and the southern region of Serengeti. The Serengeti is not fenced, so the herds are free to move where they can find green grounds and water available for calving.
Remember that although up to two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope form the Serengeti Migration, they are not all in a single herd. The animals break up into mega-herds of thousands or hundreds of individuals at a time.
February to March
It is the calving season in February and March (over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day!) so prepare yourself for lots of bubbly calves… and lots of heartbreak as the big predators hunt them down. The Serengeti’s big cats take the big share, but hit-and-run jackals, packs of wild dogs, and hyena clans add to the spectacle making it a thrilling experience. It’s a bittersweet experience; the circle of life drama is played out as a documentary on NatGeo, live on the ground.
If the short rainy season (Nov–Dec) produces good grazing and plenty of vegetation, the herds feed with no hurry and remain in the Serengeti’s southern plains until they slowly start moving west in March.
April
It’s the start of the long rains in the Serengeti (April – May) and the herds generally move in a north-westerly direction towards the Moru and Simba Kopjes. The action-packed rutting (breeding) season is in full swing, featuring testosterone-fuelled jousts between males competing for the right to mate with receptive females.
May
The Wagons herd roll towards the north in May! The massed herds are on the go, huge columns of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) in length can sometimes be seen as the wildebeest funnel up into the central Serengeti. Everyone’s moving a little quicker now that the calves are stronger. Also due to rain and water, the herds seem to move faster north as the rain falls around the northern region.
June
The wildebeest are usually in the central Serengeti and getting ready for the toughest part of their odyssey in June heading north. The herds may have split up, with some already crossing the Grumeti River.
July
In July, The Great Migration has reached the Grumeti region and northern parts of the Serengeti and is peering closely at the infested waters of the Mara River they have to cross into Kenya. Why? Huge Nile crocodiles, waiting for them, that’s why!
As mentioned, it is impossible to accurately predict wildebeest river crossings in either Serengeti or Masai Mara, they depend entirely on the rains and the often unpredictable wildebeest themselves. But the main and vital thing that makes them migrate is their biological clock. From July to October, they come to the Masai Mara to mate due to the favorable climate conditions, and in Jan and March, they give birth.
It’s vital to book your Wildebeest Migration safari in Africa up to a year in advance to get a camp or lodge on or as close to the river as possible – this cuts down on travel time to lookout/crossing points.
The wildebeest do have historical crossing areas and you may spend days staked out in the hope of seeing the crossings. We recommend choosing a mobile safari camp that moves with the Migration to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to witness this major world wonder.
August
August is generally considered the best time to witness the dramatic wildebeest river crossings from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara through the Mara River. You’ll need a passport to cross into Kenya; the wildebeest are exempt. The Masai Mara National Reserve is open to members of the public so for a more exclusive safari experience, book camps and or lodges inside the reserve or within the reserve.
September
The wildebeest herds break up into smaller groups, as not all the wildebeest migrate into Kenya. Less than half of the animals remain in the northern Serengeti; the rest are swapping war stories in the Masai Mara. So you could still see wildebeest in the Serengeti (just not the mega-herds) in September, but as a general rule of thumb, the Masai Mara is the best place to witness the Migration in September.
October
Your best bet is still the Masai Mara and Serengeti. The wildebeest herds graze widely in the reserve and fill the entire reserve and neighboring conservancies. Some groups move down to the Northern Serengeti from the Masai Mara in October.
November
In a ‘normal year,’ the short rains have begun in November, propelling the wildebeest to leave the now-denuded grasslands of the Masai Mara and head back into the rejuvenated Serengeti. Bear in mind that the rain can be late or early, which is also unpredictable.
The herds are generally on the move but can be seen around the north-eastern parts of the Serengeti, where they may split into smaller groups for their journey southward.
December
Fresh grazing sees the wildebeest move south, covering the northern and eastern Serengeti to feast and prepare for yet another death-defying, 1000-km odyssey. They move further to South of Serengeti in December as they rush due to their calving season.
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.
Top Wildebeest Migration Camps and Lodges
The best places to stay for the wildebeest migration
This is the most active season in Kenya. July to October, often referred to as the peak season, offers the perfect time for wildebeest migration in Masai Mara Kenya, as well as the great migration crossings in the Mara River. The wildebeest starts coming in from the Serengeti through various crossing points into the Masai Mara Reserve.
This is the perfect time to visit Kenya and enjoy the wildebeest migration as well as the big cats’ actions in almost all major national parks in Kenya.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge is located in the northern Serengeti, Tanzania, offering an exceptional safari experience amidst the natural beauty and wildlife of the Serengeti National
Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile tented camp designed to shadow the rhythm of the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti. It moves strategically across
Mawe Tented Camp is a tranquil, semi-permanent safari camp nestled in the central eastern region of Serengeti National Park, along the scenic Ngarenanyuki River. Designed
Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages
Great Migration Safari Tour Packages
We have curated some of the best safari itineraries covering Kenya and Tanzania for the wildebeest migration. Explore our wildebeest migration safari packages that are privately guided, family-friendly, and best for wildlife photographers.
Our experts have curated the best luxury safaris that cover both Tanzania and Kenya. These safari itineraries can be customised to fit your liking and preference.
Experience 15 days of pure wilderness immersion across East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. This journey unites Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti for the ultimate
Embark on a 10 day Serengeti Migration Safari that captures the essence of Tanzania’s wilderness. From the baobab studded plains of Tarangire and the dramatic
Embark on a 12 day adventure through Kenya’s most celebrated parks, from the rugged beauty of Samburu and the bird rich Lake Nakuru to the
Experience one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration, on this 7 day safari through Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara. From the vibrant
Explore Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife havens on this 12 day Migration Safari. From the elephant dotted plains of Tarangire to the breathtaking Ngorongoro
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.
Wildebeest Migration FAQs
Fequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked Questions about the wildebeest migration, the most common questions asked.
What Is Wildebeest Migration?
The great wildebeest migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti’s wildebeests in a circular pattern, accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, eland, and impala covering approximately 1000 kilometers round trip. These move in an annual pattern which is fairly predictable from Serengeti South to Masai Mara and back to Serengeti every year.
Which is the best time to see the great WIldebeest Migration?
The best time to see the great migration is between July and October, or every year. This is when the migration is crossing Mara River in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
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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.
Another wildebeest birth has been recorded in the Southern Serengeti during the ongoing calving season. The mother was observed delivering her...
A newborn wildebeest calf was observed taking its first steps on the Kusini Plains in the Southern Serengeti. Within 10 to...
On 6th February 2026, a rare pale wildebeest calf was spotted on the Western Plains of Ndutu in the Southern Serengeti....
Who We Work With
our Every Day Partners helping us to bring you latest wildebeest updates
Below are our proud partners and colleagues who help us get the best wildebeest sightings during the wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. We appreciate everyone who supports our efforts and brings knowledge to our readers and visitors.
