The Great Wildebeest Migration
The Great Migration is an annual spectacle where over two million wildebeest, along with 20,000 other game animals, journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This incredible voyage, spanning over 3,000 kilometers, is driven by the search for fresh grazing pastures and water. The migration follows seasonal patterns, with herds moving north and eventually returning south. Along the way, they face predators like lions and crocodile-infested rivers, making it one of nature’s most dramatic events. This breathtaking phenomenon is a must-see for safari enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience in the heart of Africa.
Four Corridors During Migration
The Great Migration follows four key corridors. The Southern Corridor stretches between Ndutu in Ngorongoro and Serengeti, where calving season occurs. The Western Corridor, covering Kirawira and Grumeti, features dramatic river crossings. The Northern Corridor, including Kogatende and the Mara River, is known for its perilous crossings into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Finally, the Eastern Corridor sees the herds return south, completing their annual journey. Each corridor plays a crucial role in this breathtaking wildlife phenomenon, offering unforgettable safari experiences.
The Experience of Great Migration
Calving Season
Each January, the Great Migration reaches the nutrient-rich plains of Ngorongoro and Serengeti, ideal for calving season. Around 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within weeks, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs. This period offers thrilling wildlife encounters, showcasing the delicate balance of life and survival in the wild.
Guaranteed Adventure
Unlike unpredictable river crossings, witnessing wildebeest calves in the southern Serengeti is guaranteed. During calving season, hundreds of thousands of newborns fill the plains, making it nearly impossible to miss this incredible spectacle of new life and the predators it attracts.
If you want to witness the incredible calving season, timing is key. The best time to visit is from late January to February when wildebeests give birth in the nutrient-rich plains of Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti. This period also attracts predators, offering dramatic wildlife encounters as big cats take advantage of the abundance of vulnerable newborns.
River Crossing
The River Crossing Migration, occurring in July to October, offers breathtaking views as wildebeests cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. The Mara River crossing is the most intense, with thousands of wildebeests leaping into the water in sheer panic. Crocodiles lurk below, while lions and leopards ambush from the banks, creating a dramatic spectacle of survival and raw nature in action—an unforgettable safari experience.
To witness the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, timing depends on location. The Grumeti River crossings occur around June and July, while the Mara River crossings, the most intense, take place between July and October. Visiting during these months offers the best chance to see wildebeests braving predators and rushing waters in this breathtaking natural spectacle.
