Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the most significant animal herd migration globally and one of the most captivating natural phenomena to experience on a safari in Tanzania. The migration entails the relocation of about 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras, along with topi, gazelles, and other ungulates, in a perpetual cycle around the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in pursuit of sustenance and hydration. Annually, each wildebeest traverses around 800 to 1,000 kilometers along traditional migration routes in pursuit of verdant grazing grounds and potable water. Simultaneously, voracious predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, and crocodiles guarantee that only the most formidable endure in this natural spectacle celebrated as ‘the greatest show on Earth.’

What to Know About Serengeti National Park

Founded in 1940, Serengeti National Park is an extensive national park located in the northern Simiyu area of Tanzania, extending into the eastern Mara. The park encompasses 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) and safeguards a diverse terrain of open savannah grassland, plains, woodland, and riverine forest, which hosts a multitude of wildlife. The term “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai word “Siringet,” signifying “the place where the land extends indefinitely.”

The Serengeti is not only renowned for hosting one of the most significant animal migrations globally but also for possessing one of the largest populations of predators in Africa, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, honey badgers, black-backed jackals, and striped hyenas, among others. Serengeti National Park hosts a significant number of elephants, buffaloes, African wild dogs, black rhinos, hippos, warthogs, aardwolves, African wildcats, and bat-eared foxes, in addition to various primates, reptiles, and over 500 documented bird species.

Annual Great Migration in serengeti national park

January to March

The event commences in December as the wildebeest gather on the southern Serengeti plains, followed by the calving season in the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Due to the recent conclusion of the brief rainy season, the grass in this area is verdant and ideal for the young. It is estimated that around 500,000 calves are born in this region during a short span of 4 to 6 weeks in February and March. The mass calving season attracts numerous predators to the area, all eager to seize the vulnerable, unsteady calves. This is the premier place to observe the commencement of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

April and May

As the plains desiccate and grass becomes limited in the Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti regions, the herds commence their migration around April in search of superior forage and more dependable water sources. With millions of hooves striking the earth, they advance in a wide circular trajectory into the Central Serengeti plains — Seronera region, forsaking their now-desiccated reproductive habitats. The migratory herds do not travel in a cohesive configuration; rather, they disperse and can be seen across an extensive area of the Serengeti. By May, the herds had dispersed throughout the Central Seronera Valley Area and the Moru Kopjes.

May marks the wildebeest mating season, characterized by intense competition among male wildebeest as they engage in rutting behaviors to attract females and establish territorial boundaries. Nevertheless, the herds do not consistently travel in the same direction. Contingent upon meteorological conditions, certain herds may advance directly into the Northern Plains of the Serengeti, whereas others may diverge to the left, heading towards the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River.

June and July

The arid season commences in June, marked by substantial aggregations of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and next to the southern banks of the Grumeti River. The migrating mammals at the Grumeti River must navigate the challenge of crossing a crocodile-infested river, marking the beginning of several captivating river encounters. With the onset of July, the animals persist in their northward migration along the park’s western boundary towards the Mara River in Serengeti North, a perilous obstacle. For travelers, the Mara River crossings represent some of the most exhilarating animal events of the Great Migration. Tourists may utilize these crossings starting in early July, coinciding with the onset of peak season; although, the schedule is wholly contingent upon meteorological circumstances.

August, September, and October

By August, the herd had surmounted the challenge of traversing the Mara River and are now distributed across the northern Masai Mara, with many surviving in the Kogatende region of the northern Serengeti. During periods of peak river flow, the anxiety and unpredictability at the crossings, coupled with predators and turbulent currents, may lead to the mortality of these mammals. Even in tranquil rivers, predators will continue to exert their influence, poised to ambush any wildebeest that successfully reaches the opposite bank. The creatures must traverse in groups; certain locations have only a few individuals, while others are inundated with a continuous flow of animals for hours.

The significant chaos has abated by September or October, and the migratory groups have gradually moved eastward. Nonetheless, the wildebeest will face the elevated floods of the Mara River again as they ready themselves to cross for the second time on their journey southward.

November and December

Subsequent to the brief rains in East Africa between late October and early November, the animals commence their trek back to the Southern Serengeti, thereby concluding this extraordinary migratory cycle. Simultaneously, another crossing of the Mara River confronts them as they journey back to the Northern Serengeti in pursuit of their reliable calving locations. The wildebeest travel from Kenya to the eastern expanse of the Serengeti, traversing the Namiri Plains, renowned for exceptional cheetah observations. By December, they had extended their reach to the eastern and southern regions. Consequently, the cycle perpetuates annually.

Essential Information About the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park.

While it is commonly believed that the extensive migrations of Serengeti wildebeests are chiefly dictated by climatic conditions, the criteria by which these animals select their pathways remain unclear. These creatures are also thought to possess the ability to detect and react to distant lightning and thunderstorms. Wildebeests are believed to detect rain from almost 50 kilometers away.

The Great Migration occurs as these animals seek regions with burgeoning nutritious grasses, particularly during the wet season. Moreover, these regions function as refuges from predators, allowing animals to maintain visual contact from afar, so rendering the location appropriate for calving. The animals migrate from the south to the west, then to the north, and return in pursuit of more fertile grazing grounds. When the pastures desiccate, they are compelled to migrate to the western corridor and the northern extension of the ecosystem, which experiences the highest precipitation but contains grasses of lower nutrient density. Nevertheless, the site functions as the animals’ most secure refuge throughout the arid season.

Excursions and safaris to Serengeti National Park provide an opportunity to observe a pride of lions together hunting a wildebeest, a memorable and rewarding experience, particularly during the Great Migration.

In addition to observing the great migration, visitors to Serengeti National Park can engage in many safari activities, including game drives, cultural experiences, hot air balloon safaris, bird-watching, and more, all of which can be incorporated into Tanzania safaris to the park

When is the Best Time for Witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park

While Serengeti National Park is accessible year-round and its wildlife provides excellent viewing opportunities at all times, the optimal months to observe the Great Migration are December to February or June to October, when the weather is favorable for a game viewing safari.

Accessing Serengeti National Park

Tourists on safaris in Tanzania can access Serengeti National Park by road or air, with most safaris departing from Arusha. The overland route to Serengeti spans around 325 kilometers and requires an estimated duration of seven hours. The drive is lengthy, although it is beautiful, offering remarkable opportunities to observe the many creatures along the route.

Due to the route traversing the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a prevalent choice is to fly one way and drive the opposite direction, incorporating an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Crater. The distance from the crater to the Seronera sector of the Serengeti is around 140 kilometers, equating to a drive of about three hours.

One can reach the Serengeti by air, flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located around 46 kilometers from Arusha. Alternatively, one may fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), situated outside Dar es Salaam, and subsequently go to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Arusha offers regular operational flights to various airstrips within the park.