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SERENGETI WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the raw beauty and drama of nature. From the thundering hooves of wildebeest to the stealthy predators that follow, every moment is filled with excitement and wonder. Whether you choose a budget camping trip or a luxury safari, this journey will leave you with memories to cherish forever. Start planning your adventure today and witness "The Greatest Show on Earth" in all its glory!

Your Ultimate Guide to The Great Wildebeest Migration | Serengeti to Masai Mara.

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari is one of the most awespiring natural events on the planet. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a circular journey across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing and water. This phenomenon, often dubbed “The Greatest Show on Earth,” offers visitors a front-row seat to the circle of life, including dramatic predator-prey interactions, river crossings, and the birth of thousands of calves. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a nature lover, this safari promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Highlights of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

Witness the Great Migration: See millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move.
Predator-Prey Drama: Observe lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles in action.
River Crossings: Watch the heart-stopping Mara and Grumeti River crossings.
Calving Season: Experience the birth of over 600,000 wildebeest calves in the southern Serengeti.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Get a bird’s-eye view of the migration and the vast Serengeti plains.
Cultural Encounters: Visit Maasai communities and learn about their traditions.

When and Where to See the Wildebeest Migration

The migration is a year-round event, but the best time to witness specific activities depends on the season and location:

Event	Period	Location
Calving Season	February – March	Southern Serengeti
Mating Season	April – May	Central and Western Serengeti
Grumeti River Crossings	May – June	Western Serengeti
Mara River Crossings	July – October	Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
Return to the South	November – December	Southern Serengeti

January to March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti

Location: Ndutu Plains and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Highlights:
- Over 400,000 calves born in a 2–3 week period.
- High predator activity as big cats hunt vulnerable young.
Best Camps: Olakira, Kimondo, Ubuntu

April to May: Movement to the Central Serengeti

Location: Central Serengeti and Western Corridor
Highlights:
- Mating season begins.
- First river crossings at the Grumeti River.
Best Camps: Dunia Camp, Ubuntu Migration Camp

June to July: Mara River Crossings

Location: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
Highlights:
- Dramatic crossings at the Mara River , where crocodiles lie in ambush.
- Peak dry season offers excellent game viewing.
Best Camps: Sayari Camp, Rekero Camp

August to October: Grazing in the Masai Mara

Location: Masai Mara (Kenya) and Northern Serengeti
Highlights:
- Herds spread out across the fertile plains.
- Multiple daily river crossings.
Best Camps: Mara Expedition Camp, Angama Mara

November to December: Returning South

Location: Eastern and Southern Serengeti
Highlights:
- Herds return to lush grasslands after the short rains.
- Prepare for another calving season.
Best Camps: Namiri Plains, Serian Camp

Animals in the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

The migration is not just about wildebeest; it’s a massive ecosystem movement involving several species:

1. Wildebeest

Over 1.5 million wildebeest participate in the migration.
They are herbivores and follow the rains for fresh grazing.
Approximately 250,000 wildebeest die annually due to exhaustion, predation, and river crossings.

2. Zebras and Antelopes

Around 250,000 Burchell’s zebras join the migration.
Other antelopes include Thomson’s gazelles, impalas, Grant’s gazelles, and elands.

3. Predators

Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles thrive during the migration.
The river crossings are particularly dangerous, with crocodiles preying on wildebeest and zebras.

How the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Works:

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration is driven by seasonal rains and the search for fresh grazing, but it’s far more complex than a simple circular journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the migration works, month by month.

The Science Behind the Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is a continuous, year-round cycle dictated by the availability of food and water. The wildebeest follow the rains, which trigger the growth of fresh grass. This journey is not a straightforward path but a dynamic and ever-changing route influenced by weather patterns, predators, and physical barriers like rivers and hills.

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Cycle: Month by Month

January – March: Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti

Location: Southern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Key Events:
- Over 300,000 to 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within a few weeks.
- The short, nutrient-rich grasses of the southern plains provide ideal conditions for calving.
- Predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are abundant, taking advantage of the vulnerable newborns.
Visitor Experience:
- Witness the birth of thousands of calves.
- Observe predator-prey interactions.
- Stay in mobile camps or lodges like Ndutu Safari Lodge or Mwiba Lodge.

April – May: The Rutting Season and Movement to the West

Location: Central and Western Serengeti.
Key Events:
- The herds begin to move northwest as the grasses in the south are depleted.
- The rutting (mating) season occurs, with intense competition among males for females.
- Heavy rains in April and May make travel challenging, but the western corridor near Lake Victoria offers water and grazing.
Visitor Experience:
- Watch dramatic mating rituals.
- Explore the western Serengeti, known for its lush landscapes and resident wildlife.
- Stay at camps like Serengeti Kati Kati or Kusini Camp.

June: The Grumeti River Crossing

Location: Western Serengeti, near the Grumeti River.
Key Events:
- The herds gather near the Grumeti River, a major obstacle filled with crocodiles.
- Thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempt to cross the river, facing life-threatening challenges.
- Predators like crocodiles and big cats take advantage of the chaos.
Visitor Experience:
- Witness the dramatic river crossings.
- Stay at luxury lodges like Sasakwa Hill Lodge or Grumeti River Camp.

July – October: The Mara River Crossing and Arrival in the Masai Mara

Location: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya).
Key Events:
- The herds move into the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River, one of the most dangerous parts of the migration.
- The Mara River is wider and more treacherous than the Grumeti, with strong currents and hungry crocodiles.
- The wildebeest spend several months in the Masai Mara, grazing on the lush grasses.
Visitor Experience:
- Watch the iconic Mara River crossings.
- Explore the Masai Mara’s rich wildlife.
- Stay at camps like Sayari Camp or Singita Mara River Tented Camp.

November – December: Return to the Southern Serengeti

Location: Southern Serengeti.
Key Events:
- The herds begin their journey back to the southern Serengeti as the rains return.
- The cycle starts anew with the calving season in January.
Visitor Experience:
- Observe the herds as they return to the southern plains.
- Stay at camps like Namiri Plains or Klein’s Camp.

Where to See the Migration: Tanzania or Kenya?

Tanzania (Serengeti)

Best Time: February – November.
Highlights:
- Calving season (February – March).
- Grumeti River crossings (May – June).
- Northern Serengeti river crossings (July – October).
Advantages:
- Longer viewing period (9 months).
- Less crowded than the Masai Mara.

Kenya (Masai Mara)

Best Time: August – October.
Highlights:
- Mara River crossings.
- High concentration of wildlife in a smaller area.
Advantages:
- Easier access to river crossings.
- More lodges and accommodation options.

Cost of Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari

The cost of the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari varies depending on the length of the trip, the level of accommodation, and the time of year. On average, an 8-Day Wildebeest Migration Safari can range from $4,500 to $7,500 per person . Luxury safaris can cost upwards of $10,000 per person .