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The Wildebeest Migration
A few useful things to know about the Migration.
1. Not just wildebeest!
Water-dependent zebras, eland, and Thomson's gazelles move around as well but only zebras follow more or less the same path as the wildebeest.
2. It is not the only reason to go on safari in East Africa.
Wow, a surprising statement from the Great Wildebeest Migration Company! But the migration is just one aspect of the East African experience. We cannot imagine the migration without the proud Maasai and their bright colors against the vast, dramatic landscape. You may come to see the wildlife, but you will fall in love with the people.
We're a Maasai-owned company and our safari itineraries are designed to encourage interaction with our families, our communities and our people.
It is easy to combine the Migration with other exciting experiences such as Gorillas, Chimpanzees, climbing Kilimanjaro and relaxing at the beach! These destinations are just hours away by air!
3. It is a year-round event
It does not stop, or start! It may slow down or disperse into smaller groups but the herds must move continuously to find new sources of food and water. In all, it is estimated that they travel 2000 km every year!
4. Where and when to see the famous river crossings and crocodiles
The famous images of thousands of wildebeests and zebras swimming across croc-invested rivers are filmed in the Masai Mara in Kenya during August, September and October. The Mara River is deep and fast-flowing - a dangerous obstacle for the herds and many will drown during the crossing stampedes.
Crossings occur several times a month; to be at the right place at the right time is a matter of luck and persistence. We recommend a stay of at least 5 -7 days in the Mara Triangle area to experience a crossing.
The Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti is also home to huge crocodiles but it is not deep enough to be much of an obstacle. In June and July the herds gather in the Western Serengeti but the water levels are often very low due to the lack of rains. They don't have to swim across the river - in many places they can walk across and barely get wet! The biggest action is when the crocodiles ambush the herds when they come to drink. To get the best footage, one often has to wait for hours at the river waiting for the herds to quench their thirst!
In the Northern Serengeti, the Mara River offers yet another opportunity to see wildebeest vs. crocodile but river access is restricted due to the lack of access roads. It takes a fair amount of luck to see a large crossing with crocodile action - late July or early November is recommended. But several smaller crossings occur from August to November!
5. Where and when to see the biggest herds on the open plains
For a few months each year, the plains of the Mara-Serengeti region are dotted with animals as far as the eyes can see.
Our 2nd favorite - From August to October, the big herds can be seen in the Masai Mara in Kenya. The Masai Mara is largely open plains with several ridges and high points from where to witness the herds in all directions. In addition, there are also large herds of buffalo and even more wildebeests coming from areas outside the Mara.
Thanks to controlled burning by park authorities and fresh green growth, large herds of wildebeest will often move back and forth between the Masai Mara and the far northern Serengeti area (near the Mara River). Our clients in the camps near the Mara River continue to report river crossings, large herds and very few other vehicles in this area! During these months we often combine the Masai Mara and the northern Serengeti in a single itinerary!
Our favorite - In February and March, the southern Serengeti and NCA are home to the large herds and thousands of their new-born young. This area is huge and the herds can be spread out over tens of miles. For the predators (large and small) this is a time of plenty and each day brings several exciting interaction between the hunters and the hunted, including the elusive wild dogs in our secret areas!
Our 3rd favorite - In April and May, long lines start to form as the young are strong enough to travel and the food resources on the plains diminish. The herds move NW towards the western Serengeti. Some lines are so long it appears never-ending. Big herds can still be seen but they move quickly - more than 20 miles in a night! The rains make traveling difficult but the rewards are incredible - fewer people and beautiful green landscapes.
6. What about June, July, November, December and January?
During June, July and November the migrating herds generally favor the more woody areas to the west.
The plains have dried up and the herds are looking for water from perennial rivers. Most of these rivers are near Seronera and surroundings and in the western corridor. The animals assemble in smaller herds and can often be found in forest areas where tsetse flies are bothersome and viewing is restricted. The western corridor has limited game routes and the hilly terrain will often obscure the true scope of the migration. A few special places such as the Grumeti Reserves, the areas near Lobo and north near the Mara River are open and with great viewing with no obstructions - timing is everything and we will book you in the right places for optimal viewing during these months.
December and January are hybrid months - if November and December were blessed with good rains the woodlands will have large tsetse concentrations and zebras in particular prefer the safety of the open plains so they will lead the way to the plains where they will reduce the grass much to the liking of the wildebeest and eventually the Tommies. During rainy periods, the herds may well move quickly to the Ndutu area in the south. From there they will move great distances in all directions until they drop their young (have to stay put for a few weeks).
During dry periods in November, December and January (as in 2005/06), the Serengeti plains (with no surface water) will be void of water-dependent wildlife and you will find the herds in smaller groups in the woods in the western areas.
7. In the Serengeti, mobile camps (some are very luxurious) do increase the odds of experiencing the migration at its best
When you book one of our safaris you can rest assured that we will do all that's necessary to get you as close to the action as possible. We monitor the herds, we track their movements and we use a combination of luxury mobile, seasonal and permanent camps & lodges to complete your itinerary.
Our mobile camps will relocate according to herd movements. This way you don't have to worry about booking a specific camp or lodge in a specific location during your time of travel!
8. How do I follow the actual wildebeest movements? Is there a website with real-time maps?
Yes, there are 3 websites that more or less describe the movements of the herds. These are not the work of scientists; it is based on reports from guides in the bush.
These sites are owned by lodges and they obviously have incentives to highlight migration movements near their camps! At times the information is conflicting! And when the guides report a large herd of wildebeest or zebra on the move, it may not be the actual migrating herd! It could just be a resident herd on the move to nearby pastures! Read with care and check with us to hear what our own guides are reporting!
Here are the sites:
3. CCAfrica
