Highlights

Annual Wildebeest Migration

The plains of east Africa are the setting for the world’s finests wildlife spectacle - the 1.4 million animal ungulate migration. From the vast Serengeti plains to the hills of Kenya’s Masai Mara over 1.2 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, tracked by great predators like lions, cheetahs or hyenas, migrate in a clockwise fashion over 2,500 km each year in search of rain ripened grass. I personally have to put in doubth the 1.2 million as the on going bushmeat poaching in Tanzania reduces the wildebeest herds rapidly...

Back to the topic, there is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest's journey. Its an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water right after the birth. An estimated up to 400,000 wildebeest calves are born during a six week period early each year - usually between late January and mid-March.

December, January, Feburary, March: the seemingly vast plains of the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra grazing on rain ripened grass. In the calving season (late January through mid March when most of the wildebeest give birth over a period of a few weeks) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena.

April, May: During these months the depleted plains are unable to sustain the endless herds. The migration, sweeping west and north, moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the long grass plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s western Corridor, almost to Lake Victoria. This period is during the long rains and is considered off season for wildlife viewing in east Africa as roads are often impassable. Ndutu Safari Lodge, Kusini Camp and the Serengeti Serena Lodge are fine for wildlife viewing during this time. So are campsites in the Ndutu/Naabi area.

June: By the end of May the wildebeest have exhausted the Western Corridor’s best pastures and the herds must move further north. Entering the Lamai Wedge and the Mara Triangle.This is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season. Faru Faru River Lodge, Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Sabora Plains Tented Camp, Grumeti River Camp, Migration Camp, and Kirawira Camp are good options for viewing the migration at this time. Seronera and Moru area campsites are best.

July, August, September, October: By July the herds have amassed along the Mara River - a final barrier from the short green grasses of the Masai Mara. Sometimes the crossing place they have chosen is shallow allowing the majority of animals to pass safely. In other areas the waters boil with drowning wildebeest and slashing crocodiles. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year - in years of little rain very few wildebeest cross the Mara River into Kenya. Between July and October the wildebeest reside in the Mara. I recommend Serena Lodge, Governor's Main Camp, Little Governor’s Camp, and Bataluer Camp.

November: The arrival of the short rains call the migration southward. During the short rains of November the wildebeest migration is best viewed from Klein’s Camp. Campsites in the Lobo area are best. As November ends the migration is making its way back to the southern Serengeti and early in the year they once again give birth. The circle of life is complete.