The Serengeti Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth. It is an annual pilgrimage of more than 1.5 million wildebeest together with the zebras and the gazelles as they migrate to find new grazing fields. This cycle of life unfolds across the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and into the Masai Mara in Kenya.
When Does the Great Migration Take Place?
It is migration season, carried out all year round in various phases that have their highlights:
January to March: Calving Season within the Southern Serengeti
At this time, the herds receive their nutrients as they gather in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area plains. During calving season, about 500,000 wildebeest are born in a span of a few weeks. It is a period of rebirth and weakness as predators like lions and hyenas also throng the region.
April- June: The Long Trek North Begins
Following the end of the rains, the movement of herds in the central Serengeti sees them move on their way northwest as they seek fresh grazing. It is a wonderful season to view those birds and the migratory ones give life to the skies. The green grass area specifically provides scenic beauty for the whole migration.
July to August: Masai Mara, Mara River CrossingTracking in the Masai mara
The crossing of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers is probably the most exciting aspect of the wildebeest migration. These bottlenecks which are characterized by madness and death via crocodiles and currents occur during the entry into Masai Mara by the herds. The raw power of nature is evident and this is a good time to see it.
September-October Grazing in Kenya
When they have crossed successfully, they drop into the fertile Masai Mara. In this case, there is a lot of grassland that can accommodate huge numbers of wildlife. It is the best moment to view the predator-prey relationship in a diverse and fruitful environment.
November to December: Return to South Africa to Tanzania
The herds thus start their home journey back to Tanzania as the short rains start in a loop. The plains to the south begin to bloom anew anticipating the following calving season.
Where to witness the great migration
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
The Masai Mara offers a unique view of the migration between July and October. The scenery is perfect for viewing large numbers of wildlife and offers an extended variety of luxury and mid-range safaris.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
One of the most vital parts of the migration, the Serengeti, is the location where the most important part of the migration is achieved.
This park has a fabulous intimate safari and it ranges all the way to the crossings of rivers in the northern part according to the time of the year it is calving in the south.
Which Wildlife Can be seen during the Migration?
In addition to the wildebeest, the migration comprises the zebras, gazelles and elands. It is also a season when wildlife is plentiful, attracting predatory animals including lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. This combination of the number of herbivores and carnivores makes it one of the richest offers of wildlife views in the world.
The reason why River Crossings are so famous is:
River crossings are the various maximum iconic moments of the migration. One of the most dangerous rivers are Grumeti and Mara Rivers which are inhabited by huge crocodiles lying in wait. These are dramatic events with dramatic photography and memorable moments.
What Travellers Should Know Before Travelling
- Travel using experienced guides: Since they know animal behavior, they can see to it that you are in the right place, at the right time.
- Seasonal-based plan: Each stage of the migration is a unique experience.
- Make reservations well in advance: The hotels book quickly particularly at high seasons such as river crossings.
- Take appropriate equipment: If you are on a photographic safari, make sure you bring along a zoom lens, extra batteries, and a steady tripod.
Consider a private safari for a more tailored and flexible experience.
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Conclusion
Starting with pounding hooves in the Serengeti National Park and ending with nail-biting river crossings, the wildebeest migration is an epic of survival and amazement. Throw in breathtaking landscapes, bird watching, and the excitement that you are in nature at its purest and you can not go wrong as to why this is the diamond in the world of African safaris. Both with a good strategy and proper advice your emigration odyssey will be a memorable journey of your wildest African heartland.
