During the calving season, the great migration makes a small pause. This is the period that the wildebeest, after having feasted on the short green grasses of the southeastern Serengeti and after having giving birth to their offspring, start getting ready for their 800 kilometer long trek. This is the time to you may have the privilege to see one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world: more than a million marching animals in a column up to 40 kilometers long. Web: www.tanzaniatouristboard.go.tz. The herds stay in the central Serengeti in April and May, then slowly move north toward Kenya in search of fresh pasture. From December to March the Serengeti Migration congregates in large herds around Lake Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. And should you be unable to visit the location of the migration during your visit, don’t worry, life still goes on throughout the park, with smaller groups of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles remaining resident in the more fertile areas of the park throughout the year; the lazy or the clever ones? Chances that you will be at the exact spot of the Great Migration herd crossing a river (either at the Grumeti or Mara River) are very slim. Witnessing the Great MIgration in the Serengeti for one of nature’s most spectacular displays. As early as March or April the herd may move again in search of greener pastures. The migration phase lasts between January and March when there is plenty of grass for the over 200,000 zebras, which precede over 1.5 million wildebeests who are then followed by thousands of other plain game like gazelles. This trip starts in the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara before moving to the Serengeti for the thrilling Great Migration river crossings! Without a degree of natural mortality, the wildebeest population could spiral out of control and totally change the balance of this expansive ecosystem in which they perform a lead role. This section of Serengeti National Park is little-visited, so if you are looking to see the migration in relative quietness, this would be the time. Nor is it confined to the un-fenced National Park, and instead seamlessly flows into the surrounding Game Reserves. This area is often called Southern-Serengeti. When the drought comes in May, the herd moves north, to the Masai Mara in Kenya, chomping down the high green grass, quickly followed by the gazelles and zebras. They stay here through January, February, and March. In this period the herd will cross the northern plains and Lobo area. Nature is as nature does and the herd turned around, back into the Masai Mara in Kenya. It really begins in February/March in the southern Serengeti during calving season when thousands of baby wildebeest are born each day (that’s also worth putting on your itinerary if that time of year works into your schedule better). The migration is an ongoing phenomenon that sees upwards of 2 million wildebeest travel in search of food. This is also the time of the annual rut, and start of the gestation period (eight and a half months) of the next year’s calves. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Gradually they spread west across these plains, then around April they start their great migration north. The wildebeest reach the Kenya border roughly around late July, which is when the most renowned part of the Great Migration truly begins: the Mara River crossings, where thousands of hungry crocodiles are waiting. It is important to realize that the decision of when to visit the Serengeti always involves an element of risk. The 800 kilometer trek of the immense wildebeest herd is the largest mammal migration on earth. It spans 12,000 square miles (30,000 square kilometers) giving rise to its name, which is derived from the Maasai language and means “endless plains.” When planning your Serengeti safari you probably want to include seeing the Great Migration. The Great Migration in the Serengeti Plains. The journey start in Southern Serengeti when wildebeest calves are being born. It’s also an event that is primarily driven by the weather – more specifically, rainfall. Towards the end of the month, by the time the light rains have begun, the wildebeest begin to descend south in their second big migration of the year. The great migration by the wildebeests is a natural movement which is determined by the availability of food and water. Seeing the actual migration in this period is more difficult, but chances are that you will encounter very large herds on the move. The long and short of it is that you can’t. Many animals don’t survive the crossing as they are being awaited by the area’s population of oversized crocodiles ready to feast. When water and food become scarce the wildebeest are prompted to start their migration north and west. A year later, in 2014, freak rains in the southern Serengeti caused much of the herd to remain behind and not make the northbound journey towards the Western Corridor up to July. The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania. At this time the herd migrates south to the Southern Plains. This usually happens in October, but sometimes earlier. Amazingly, it’s estimated that 500,000 calves are born here during a tiny 4-6 week window across February-March. For tourists who would like to see the young wildebeest, this is a great time to visit the Serengeti. The herd may congregate on the southern bank of the river and stay there for up to two weeks before crossing the river. After reaching these plains they enjoy the nutritious grass from January through March. The geologic forces that shaped this vast plain created … Herds are broken into splinter herds, moving at a different pace. The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions. © 2018 - 2021. The likelihood is that at the beginning of November, the herds are still lingering in the northern Serengeti regions of Kogatende and Lamai and you can still catch river crossings at this time. By December, the herds trek past Seronera - a small settlement in central Serengeti where the official Serengeti Visitors’ Centre is located - to return to their calving grounds again, and the circle is complete. Read all about Africa's biggest wildlife event on this page. But seeing a group of lions collaborating to hunt down a wildebeest is an unforgettable sight. P.O.Box 2485, Dar es Salaam, The only beginning is the moment of birth and the only ending is death - which can come only too easily in the migration. The annual migration of the wildebeest is one of the most impressive sights in Africa. Still have questions? The wildebeest reach the Kenya border roughly around late July, which is when the most renowned part of the Great Migration truly begins: the Mara River crossings, where thousands of hungry crocodiles are waiting. Wildebeest Migration Cycle ( the great wildebeest migration) is described as the circular movement that wildebeests take across the East African plains of the savannah. Please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soon! February is usually calving season in the Ndutu area and the southeastern plains: the very best time to visit this area. This is the dry season retreat for the wildebeest, at least until the south becomes green again. Tanzania Tourist Board Per Person Prices From For any visitor to the Serengeti, the wildlife spectacle of the migration offers a huge enhancement to what is already an overwhelming sight. Around February, all the big herds come together and go southwards in the Ndutu area. © 2021 Tanzania Tourist Board | The Official Tourism Portal for Tanzania. This is the period that the wildebeest, after having feasted on the short … This is just after the 'short' rainy season, so the grass here is rich and ideal to support the young. So how do you ensure to be there when it happens? We have mentioned earlier that the Serengeti is a year-round destination as it covers a vast area and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. When it reaches the area the herd splits up and spreads out leaving wildebeest herds as far as the eye can see. This 8 Days Serengeti Migration Safari by Kilinge Adventures, is a special African Holiday Package for Witnessing the Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration. As wildebeest, zebra and other ungulates are so many, and give birth to so many calves, the spectacle works as a magnet for predators. Countless wildlife movies have been recorded in the Serengeti, and with good reason: this is the home of the Great Migration and may very well be one of the last true natural wonders on planet earth. Per Person Prices From (Ndutu area-South Serengeti & Ngorongoro Conservation Area (calving season second half of February/March). Other than during the August to October period when the migration is in Kenya, Tanzania is the place to be for this natural wonder. The Western Corridor including the Grumeti Game Reserve and Ikorongo Game Reserve host the majority of the migration through June, offering the Game a chance to build up their strength for the journey ahead. The timing of the migration coincides with greening of nutritious grasses on the short-grass plains during the wet season. May to June: the beginning of the migration. About 1 million wildebeest are constantly on the move following the path of the rains and the new grass. Up to 400,000 calves are born in a synchronized birthing within just two to three weeks of one another! There is neither a start nor finish to their journey; merely a relentless sequence of life and death. During this pause, thousands of baby’s are born each day. It is famous and well known for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 250,000 zebra and for its numerous Nile crocodile and honey badger.That migration is the largest remaining unaltered animal migration. The migration is not without risk: crossing rivers means facing about 3,000 crocodiles, patiently waiting for a kill. However, migration patterns show that about half of the herd stays on the Tanzanian side, in the Mara Serengeti area. For most of the year these rivers are relatively placid and often dry, but come the rains they become violent torrents presenting major obstacles to the progress of the wildebeest. Enjoy a Serengeti East Safari during October and November when the mega herds return from Masai Mara in Kenya to the rich plains of the Serengeti National Park, east of the Grumeti River, passing through Lobo and Western Loliondo and under the majestic Gol … April and May are generally characterised by having a long rainy season, so the massive herds of antelopes have plentiful food at their home in Central Serengeti… In November 2013, the wildebeest already started trekking back to the southern Serengeti short-grass plains when suddenly it started raining north of the Mara River. The “Great Migration” actually refers to a part of a cycle that millions of these animals partake in every year. Standing out as one of the most spectacular wonders of the natural world, the Great Migration is an annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrating clockwise through the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of good water and green pastures. The mass calving season attracts all kinds of predators to the area, all eager to snag th… Wildebeest Migration Cycle. From December until March the herd roams the plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The result is a clockwise movement from the south, west, north, and back to the south. After this crossing the herd flocks to the northwest plains and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Many of the lodges and safari camps are located in great positions for the arrival of the migration in their area and throughout the park numerous luxury mobile camps pop-up in time for the arrival of the herd. Wildebeests were colored with the habit of staying and moving together in monumental groups. Children of any age are welcome. Shortly after this the fertile plains bear a heavy cover of grass drawing the migration westward towards it. From here the migration heads north again, through the park and towards the Kenyan border where it will arrive by July. Also, known as World cup Migration. November – December The Migration herds often split moving south via the eastern, western and central Serengeti.The herds are moving again, down past Grumeti or straight down to the Central Serengeti. Although variations occur from year to year, the Serengeti migration follows a reasonably predictable annual cycle, dictated by local rainfall patterns. A better representation of the cirlcle of life probably cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some go through the Lobo area towards the southern plains. The Great Serengeti Migration. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle of life in an expansive ecosystem ruled by rainfall and the urge for survival amongst the herbivores of the Serengeti plains. You can see the Great Migration in Tanzania year round, whilst the best months to see action in Kenya tend to be September and October. Migration in January, February, and March This called the calving season in southern Serengeti National Park. The precise timing of the migration is entirely dependent upon the rainfall patterns each year. The delightful news is that this section of Serengeti National Park is easily accessible and that in this period the landscape becomes lush. Serengeti.com I All rights reserved I Disclaimer I Sitemap I FAQ & help. December – March The rainy season usually begins in October. The wildebeest will instinctively start heading south again, trekking down through the eastern woodlands and back into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Or maybe you would like some more specific information about the different lodges? It is from this point that the migration takes on one of its most spectacular and deadly advances: - the river crossings; in the Serengeti the Mbalangeti and Grumeti rivers, and in Kenya, the most famous crossing; the Mara river. Once reaching the grasslands of the Masai Mara in August, the wildebeest spend several months feeding and fattening once more, taking advantage of the scattered distribution of green pastures and isolated rainstorms. We don’t wait for the herds to come to us, we take you to them – leaving no trace. The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania is the annual movement of over 2 million wildebeests across the Serengeti and Mara ecosystem and is considered one of the 8 natural wonders of the world.. During the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania, other wildlife species such as gazelles, elands and zebras can also be seen along with the wildebeests. The herds stay in the central Serengeti in April and May, then slowly move north toward Kenya in search of fresh pasture. News and Events › Serengeti Wildebeest Migration – November to June. You are here By May the Serengeti's wildebeest all seem to be moving north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water. After spending some time there and being comfortable, the rutting season follows—lasting from late May to early July—and eventually leads to the start of the Great Migration. The Serengeti National Park is in Northern Tanzania, spanning approximately 30,000 square kilometers of land. The actual starting date may be anytime between late April and early June. Serengeti National Park Migration. May-July. An hour outside of the Lamai Airstrip in the northern part of the Serengeti sits Alex Walker’s Serian Camp, one of four total camps as part of the Serian collection. As mentioned earlier, the timings outlined on this page concern guidelines as exceptions occur frequently. Unsurprisingly, this period presents a veritable feast for any accompanying predators - and the first challenge in the wildebeest’s life - with hundreds of hyenas and lions scattered across this area taking their chances with a potential glut of vulnerable newborns. It offers... October.. October is a good time to see the wildebeest herds move back into the Serengeti. Triggering their move to this area are the short rains in November and December. The best time to visit the western Serengeti is from late May to mid-July, which coincides with the northward wildebeest migration. Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Serengeti, Africa’s leading National Park 2020 - by World Travel Awards, Tanzania, Africa's Best Safari Country 2017 - by SafariBookings, Mt. When the Grumeti River obstacle has been taken, the herd moves further north and starts crossing the next big hurdle, the Mara River, in July or August. Although the timing of the migration changes every year based on the environmental factors, the movement of the wildebeests begins at Ngorongoro Conservation area in So… Utalii House - Laibon street/Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road - Near French Embassy They stay here through January, February and March, with most wildebeest calves born in a short window around February. Lastly, you’ll fly out to the idyllic island of Zanzibar for a few days of blissful beach-time. Email: md@tanzaniatourism.go.tz A favourite season for many of the seasoned Serengeti guides: the air during these months is full of new life and action. Then, with the beginning of the short rains in late October, the migration makes its way back into the Serengeti. Where are the herds in November? The great Migration of the Serengeti is considered one of 'The Ten Wonders of The Natural World’, and one of the best events in Tanzania to witness. The Serengeti Ndutu Kati Kati Tented Camp is a seasonally mobile camp, strategically situated in the south of the Serengeti from December to the end of March to enable guests to witness the start of the phenomenal Great Wildebeest Migration. The great Migration of the Serengeti is considered one of ‘The Ten Wonders of The Natural World’, and one of the best events in Tanzania to witness. It is a matter of choice whether you would like to plan your Serengeti safari around the Great Migration. It is famous and well known for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded (or brindled) wildebeest and 250,000 zebra and for its numerous Nile crocodile and honey badger.That migration is the largest remaining unaltered animal migration. The Mara River crossing is where so many iconic Great Migration photos have been taken. Email: info@tanzaniatourism.go.tz The Great Migration -Serengeti Adventure. The Serengeti National Park is a Tanzanian national park in the Serengeti ecosystem in the Mara and Simiyu regions. A truly awe-inspiring spectacle of life in an expansive ecosystem ruled by rainfall and the urge for survival amongst the herbivores of the Serengeti plains. Much of their journey passes through various parts of the Serengeti … The Wildebeest scatter and spread out again once they reach the open plains having completed a journey of over 500 miles. It accompanied by large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle, eland, and impala. Predators like lions and hyenas are constantly hunting for babies, and thousands and thousands of calves are born within a couple weeks of each other – a feast for the eyes of true wildlife enthusiasts. The northern extension of the ecosystem has the highest rainfall, but the grasses are least nutritious. The journey for the key players in the Great Migration, the roughly two million wildebeest, starts in the south of the Serengeti, with the birth of half a million calves between January and March. The savannah dries up and food becomes scarce in Central Serengeti come July. Between January and March the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve, south-east of the Serengeti offer refuge during what is the short dry season thanks to its numerous rivers and spring grasses, allowing an opportunity for the Wildebeest to rest and give birth. The Serengeti Ndutu Kati Kati Tented Camp is a seasonally mobile camp, strategically situated in the south of the Serengeti from December to the end of March to enable guests to witness the start of the phenomenal Great Wildebeest Migration. North-Mara River The mighty Mara River snakes across the northern tip of the Serengeti National Park on its westward flow into Lake Victoria. Great Migration River Crossing Season & Zanzibar (11n) – Value. It is in this period where birthing takes place. NATIONAL STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 IN THE TOURISM OPERATIONS, Serengeti National Park - UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Thirsty Serengeti wildlife to get new water hole: Lake Victoria. These move in an annual pattern that is fairly predictable. By late October, the first of the short rains fall on the scrawny grass plains to the south of the Serengeti, filling seasonal waterholes and bringing fresh growths of grass. However, if you choose the right part of the Serengeti: the southeast and Ndutu from December through to May, the Western Corridor from May to July, the Serengeti Mara area from July trough to October, and the northern Serengeti and Lobo area in October and November, large herds of wildebeest and their entourage should be easily located. As May comes to an end, so too does the rainy season. Also, the timing of herd movements cannot be guaranteed. 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