Wildebeest Migration- Tanzania Kenya Safari with 4wd Africa
When planning a combined Tanzania and Kenya Safari, its never complete without the visit to the wildebeest migration that is a seasonal Safari activity within East Africa.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most remarkable wild life events as well as a natural wonder. You shall witness thousands of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, traversing the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem. As the wildebeest migration takes place, you shall watch predators like lions, leopards, cheetah lying low to catch prey. The event happens in Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. The Best spots for watching the migration is at the Ndutu River and Mara River.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most remarkable event on earth including many four hoofed wildlife animals i. e over 1.5 million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, gazelles and eland moving annually through the Serengeti and Masai Mara regions.
The rainfall patterns determine the journey as it enhances the growth of grass and availability of water.
Annual Cycle of the migration
- Begins in Southern Serengeti (Ndutu area)
- Moves Northwest through Serengeti National Park
- Crosses into Masai Mara in Kenya
- Returns southwards through the western corridor
The distance covered during the migration is more than 1,800 miles (2,900 km) annually.
Major Highlights of the Migration
1. Calving Season (Jan–Mar)
Location: Ndutu and southern Serengeti
400,000+ wildebeest calves born in a 2–3 week period.
Attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards.
Amazing photography opportunities with green backdrops and newborns.
2. Grumeti River Crossing (June–July)
Location: Western Serengeti, Tanzania
Wildebeest begin dangerous river crossings—fewer in number than at Mara but still dramatic.
Crocodiles, lions, and leopards lie in wait.
3. Mara River Crossing (July–Oct)
Location: Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai) & Masai Mara (Kenya)
Most famous part of the migration.
Massive crossings of 10,000+ wildebeest can occur at once.
High drama with stampedes, drowning, and predator ambushes.
4. Return Journey (Nov–Dec)
Herds begin to move back south into Tanzania.
Guided by rain, the animals follow the fresh grazing zones.
Zebras often lead, as they eat tougher grass, making way for wildebeest.
Predators during the Migration
During the migration, predators are always on the wait to catch prey. The predators in Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park are lions, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, etc.
Best Places to Witness the Migration
- Ndutu Plains Tanzania Jan–March Calving, predator action
- Seronera (Central Serengeti) Tanzania April–June Herd movements, predator sightings
- Grumeti Reserve Tanzania June–July Grumeti River crossing
- Kogatende / Lamai Tanzania July–Sept Mara River crossing
- Masai Mara Kenya July–October Iconic river crossings, big cat activity
- Northern Corridor Tanzania Nov–Dec Return of the herds
Getting There
You shall reach the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha where you leave from to get to Serengeti National Park. You shall transfer by road or a domestic flight.
In Kenya, you transfer from the jomo Kenyatta International Airport to transfer you to the vast famous Masai Mara National Reserve.