Many travelers visit Tanzania to witness the breathtaking Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. This incredible spectacle, which involves nearly 2 million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, follows a predictable pattern based on the rainfall, as the animals continuously seek fresh grazing and water. The migration can be observed at any time of the year, as long as you know where to go! For more insights, you might enjoy reading  Facts About the Great Wildebeest Migration. Although weather is beyond our control, the best times to witness this awe-inspiring event are typically from mid-December to March (during the calving season) and from July to October.

The short rains begin around early November, and shortly after, in late November to December, the wildebeest herds arrive on the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu, just north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, they graze on the fresh, nutritious grass. They remain in this region through January, February, and March, with the majority of wildebeest calves being born around February. By April, the herds begin migrating northward.

By May, the wildebeest start moving north, seeking fresh grazing and water. The Moru Kopjes area and the western Serengeti become crowded with huge columns of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, all migrating together.

In June, the migration often slows at the Grumeti River, where some channels act as barriers, creating a bottleneck. Here, the wildebeest build up in dense numbers before crossing. The migration picks up again in July and August, with herds moving northward across the Serengeti, some passing through the Grumeti Reserve, while others head straight to the heart of the park.

By September and early October, the wildebeest have spread out across the northern Serengeti, where the Mara River poses the most dramatic challenge. Crossing the Mara River, which flows from Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve, is one of the most exciting moments of the migration. The sight of wildebeest rushing across the river, often amidst great panic and confusion, is unforgettable.

By late October, the herds begin to turn south again, heading towards western Loliondo and the Lobo area of Serengeti National Park, eventually returning to the short-grass plains of the Southern Serengeti by November, when the rains bring fresh shoots for grazing.

For more detailed information on the Great Migration, visit our blog, and if you’re interested in booking a Tailor-made Tanzania Safari, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Get ready to adventure Experience with Africa Adventure Plus!