Great Migration in Africa is a remarkable annual movement of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Accompanying the wildebeest are about 200,000 zebras, 400,000 Thomson’s gazelles, 12,000 elands, and numerous predators ready to prey on the vulnerable animals. Some researchers believe that wildebeest can detect rain from thousands of miles away, guiding their migration.

Considered one of the great natural wonders of the world, the wildebeest migration is often referred to as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The journey spans around 800 kilometers and is particularly treacherous for newborns, the vulnerable, and the weak. Migrating animals face threats from both resident and migrating predators, including crocodiles, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards. Approximately 3,000 lions follow the migrating herds, adding to the peril.

A key highlight of the migration is the river crossings, which occur at the Grumeti (in the Serengeti) and Mara (in both Tanzania and Kenya) rivers. During these crossings, massive crocodiles lie in wait, using their powerful jaws to capture and drag wildebeest to the river’s depths. These crossings provide a spectacular display for wildlife enthusiasts, making the Maasai Mara and Serengeti some of the most visited national parks in Africa.

The sight of vast numbers of wild animals migrating across the expansive savanna plains is indescribable. Both the river crossings and the calving period, when many wildebeest give birth, are unforgettable events. There are no fences separating the two parks, facilitating the migration and forming arguably the greatest wildlife conservation area in the world.

Causes of the Great Migration in East Africa

Researchers continue to explore the exact causes behind the Great Migration in Africa, but it is widely understood that the migration is driven by the instinct to survive. Fossil evidence indicates that wildebeest have inhabited the region for over a million years, with evolution ingraining the instinct to migrate in their DNA. The migration is essential for the survival of wildebeest and other herbivores, as they depend on rainfall to sustain the quality of grass they feed on. Without adequate rain, the grass quality diminishes, leading to potential starvation for the herd. By following the rains, wildebeest ensure access to sufficient water and lush grasslands.

Predators, in turn, are compelled to follow the migrating herds to avoid starvation. The movement of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes in large herds helps them evade predators and increases their chances of survival. Notably, not all wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores participate in the migration; some remain resident in either the Serengeti National Park or the Maasai Mara National Reserve. These resident animals allow tourists to visit these parks year-round, ensuring wildlife sightings even if the migrating animals are elsewhere.

Migration Routes and Timing

The great herds are perpetually on the move, never staying in one place for long. Understanding rainfall patterns can provide insights into the herds’ locations at any given time. However, global warming has made it increasingly difficult to predict the exact movements of the migrating animals with precision. Despite this challenge, the broader patterns of the migration can still be discussed and observed.

By following the rains, the wildebeest and other herbivores undertake a continuous journey to find fresh grazing grounds and water. This natural cycle, driven by the instinct to survive and adapt to changing environmental conditions, is one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on Earth.

November to December – Short Rains

From late November to mid-December, the herds move from Kenya in splinter groups, grazing on the eastern and central plains of the Serengeti. By late December, they can be found around the Ngorongoro Crater and the Ndutu plains. This period offers a prime opportunity to witness the relentless battle between predator and prey. The Serengeti, home to Africa’s largest lion population, becomes a stage for the dramatic encounters between these predators and the migrating wildebeest, zebras, and other antelopes.

In addition to following the migration, tourists can explore the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater. Formed over a million years ago when a massive volcano (larger than Kilimanjaro) collapsed, the crater spans 260 square kilometers and is 610 meters deep. This natural enclosure harbors a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five, in a year-round paradise. The crater’s abundant resources mean that most animals living there do not migrate, providing ample viewing opportunities throughout the year.

January to March – Calving Time

Between January and March, the herds remain in the southern Serengeti plains, where food is plentiful and the soil is rich in nutrients. During this time, females begin to show signs of pregnancy, and calving starts in late January, continuing through mid-March. February is the peak of the calving season, with about 8,000 wildebeest born each day. By the end of this period, over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, replenishing the population after the loss of approximately 250,000 due to exhaustion and thirst during migration.

Tourists interested in witnessing the calving season should visit the southern Serengeti plains in February. The abundance of newborns attracts predators such as hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and lions, who take advantage of the easy prey. However, the sheer number of births ensures that most of the calves survive despite the predator presence. This period is a vital time for the herd, ensuring the continuation of the migration cycle.

April – Long Rains

In April, the Serengeti plains are revitalized by abundant rains, transforming the landscape into a lush green haven teeming with Africa’s iconic mammals. The wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores thrive in this environment, enjoying the plentiful grass. However, towards the end of April, the wildebeest begin to sense a shift as the rains start to dwindle and the quality of the grass declines. This prompts the herds to commence their journey towards the western part of the Serengeti.

April to May – Western Serengeti

From late April to the end of May, the migrating animals form long lines as they move towards the western Serengeti. This migration route is fraught with danger as predators such as hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and lions follow closely, preying on the herbivores as they graze near the Grumeti and Seronera Rivers. The Seronera area, which houses the headquarters of the Serengeti National Park, offers a stunning backdrop of savanna landscapes, endless plains, rocky outcrops, and thorn trees. It is a hotspot for game drives and hot air balloon safaris, attracting many tourists who gather to watch the long lines of migrating animals while enjoying their picnic lunches.

June to July – Crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers into Maasai Mara National Reserve

By June, the various splinter groups of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes converge around the Grumeti area. The herds graze in this region, but eventually, the need to move forward triggers the first animal to initiate the river crossing. The herds first face the Grumeti River in Tanzania, followed by the Mara River, which serves as a natural boundary between Tanzania and Kenya. These river crossings are highly anticipated events for tourists. Watching the animals stampede across the rivers, attempting to evade the jaws of giant crocodiles, is often considered the highlight of any African safari. The wildebeest must choose their crossing points and times carefully to avoid drowning or being swept away by strong river currents. Those who successfully navigate these dangers are rewarded with lush grasses in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

August to October

Between August and October, the migration centers around the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The herds spend these months grazing on the expansive savanna plains, interrupted only by continuous attacks from resident predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards. As October progresses, the quality of the grass in the Mara begins to diminish. Sensing the approaching rains in the Serengeti, the wildebeest prepare to embark on their journey back to Tanzania in search of greener pastures.

The Unpredictability of Migration

It is important to note that the routes and timings of the Great Migration are not always precise and can vary depending on rainfall patterns. Global warming has increasingly affected these annual migrations, causing the herds to sometimes reach certain points earlier or later than expected. Despite these variations, the fundamental pattern of the migration remains, driven by the instinct to follow the rains and seek out the best grazing conditions.

The optimal country for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, Kenya or Tanzania?

Each country offers unique advantages for witnessing the Great Migration. In Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, you’ll experience expansive open plains and have the opportunity to witness the thrilling calving season. Additionally, exploring the renowned Ngorongoro Crater and other nearby national parks, as well as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, enriches your visit to the Serengeti. The Serengeti provides diverse experiences, while the Maasai Mara in Kenya boasts a higher concentration of wildlife due to its smaller size. We highly recommend planning to experience the migration in both countries. It’s important to remember that these two game parks are part of a larger wildlife conservation area, separated only by human borders.

Additional Information on the Great Migration in Africa

Researchers suggest that wildebeest successfully navigate challenges through ‘swarm intelligence’, enabling them to collectively protect against predators and accurately predict rain patterns. Zebras and other herbivores migrate alongside wildebeest because they consume different parts of the same grass types, reducing competition for food and ensuring ample resources for all.

Great Migration Routes and Planning Tips

Predicting exact crossing times at rivers or park entries is challenging. Tourists are advised to book longer safaris to increase chances of witnessing these events. Both reserves offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities year-round, even when the migrating herds move on from certain areas. August and September are considered prime months to witness the migration in Kenya.

Observing the migration can be approached in two ways: staying in fixed camps and awaiting the herds’ arrival, or opting for semi-mobile tents to follow the movements of the migration.

Planning Your Migration Safari

Advance planning is crucial due to high demand for camps and lodges during peak migration periods. Tailor your safari experience based on your preferences and desired wildlife encounters. At Kenlink Tours, we tailor make your safaris in Africa depending on your safari needs and interests.