The Most Spectacular Sight On The African Plains
It looks like chaos but great migration is shaped by some extraordinary behaviour. They are on the permanent quest for the rain and the fresh green grass that it brings. Since the African plains are always changing and the rains are unpredictable, wildebeest follow the rains in order to find enough food to survive. Herd upon herd they form a mega herd of one and a quarter of million individuals.
No one knows what triggers the migration, there is no discernible signal, it just takes one to sniff the air and decide the time is right to leave. The wildebeests journey is long and arduous one. Even without the attention of predators around 200000 of the weakest wildebeest and zebras will die from starvation and disease and over exertion during the trek.
Although internet is flooded with great migration fancy maps, you should know there is no firm schedule about the movement of wildebeest herds in Serengeti. The path is driven solely by instincts and weather conditions, rainfall, water stand and grazing conditions.
Wildebeest Migration In Tanzania and Kenya – February is Calving Season
In December great migration starts to gather in areas of Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conversation area. Don’t mix it with Ngorongoro crater! Ngorongoro Conversation area is more than 8000 km2 area while Ngorongoro Crater is only a part of it.
Sometime between late January begins calving season and lasts about three weeks. During the calving period more than 400 000 little wildebeest are usually born.
Salei Plains and Southern Ndutu area are the best place to see wildebeest migration during January and March.
Southern Serengeti is one of out of four locations where its possible to go on hot air balloon safari and observe amazing wildebeest migration from the air. It is definitely the perfect timing to book that hot air ballon flight and watch dotted plains full of wildlife.
Follow the most amazing herd on planet! Book Wildebeest Migration safari online!
Where to Stay For Best Wildebeest Safari Experience From January till March
There are many camps and lodges in the area, just to name a few:
- Ndutu Safari Lodge,
- Kusini Camp,
- Angata Camp,
- Lemala Ndutu Camp,
- Nasikia Luxury Mobile Camp
Great Migration Between in April and May
Not Recommended Time to Go on WIldebeest Safari
Great Migration continues their journey in the search for grassland. Herds are moving to west and north plains to the grassier plains and woodland of the Serengeti’s western Corridor In April and May rains in Tanzania are in full swing, roads are muddy or impassable and many safari camps are closed during this season.
Where to Stay In April And May – Wildebeest Great Migration Safari
In case you do decide to give it a try during not so favorable months, you can stay in
There are many camps and lodges in the area, just to name a few:
- Dunia Camp
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Serengeti Sopa Lodge
- Osupuko Tented Lodge
- Seronera Wildlife Loge
- Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp
Crossing of Grumeti and Mara River – Time to Book Wildebeest Safari in Kenya
In June the great migration herds continue the journey towards Grumeti River. Usually by July herds reach Grumeti river which is their first obstacle and for safari goers a spectacular yet dramatic event: many wildebeest will not survive the crossing due to drowning or being attacked by crocodile predators. If they survive lions are preying on the banks of the river.
Commonly from late July to mid October the wildebeest herds will stay in n the northern Serengeti and till late November in Masai Mara Triangle.
After crossing the Grumeti River great migration will head to Masai Mara Triangle and Lamai Wedge. On the way to Masai Mara there is another river to be crossed – Masai Mara River and this is the time to book your wildebeest safari in Kenya.
Where to Stay From June to November – Wildebeest Great Migration Safari
For viewing migration in June, check out these:
- Faru Faru River Lodge,
- Sasakwa Hill Lodge,
- Sabora Plains Tented Camp
- Grumeti River Camp
- Kirawira Camp
For migration viewing during July consider:
- Kichwa Tembo Camp
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Sayari Mara Camp
- Mara Bushtops
- Lamai Camp
When Migration is in Mara plains we suggest the following camps and lodges:
- Governors Camp
- Mara Wildebeest Camp
- Grumeti River Camp
- Kirawira Camp
Great Migration Safari in November and December
Rain starts again in Serengeti plains and herds move from Mara to Southern Serengeti.
Wildebeest Migration Safari Tips
Choose the Right Time and Place for Wildebeest Safari
- Whenever you are planning wildebeest safari in Tanzania, wildebeest will be grazing somewhere in vast Serengeti between the months of late October to late June. However months between April and May are considered off season due to rainy season and many lodges and safari camps are closed.
- If you plan to go on wildebeest safari in summer months between late July to mid October it is better to be on Kenyan side in Masai Mara. Plan safari from Kenya and skip Tanzania. This safari tip is applicable to those safari goers that are after wildebeest migration, but those who have no special desire to witness great wildebeest migration will equally enjoy safaris in Tanzania, just skip Serengeti.
Curious about Masai Mara Migration Safari? Check the Masai Mara Safari options online!;
- In summer is not much to see in Serengeti, you will only loose time and money. Choose rather Ngorongoro and Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Park in case you choose Tanzanian safari.
- Every good safari operator will have up to date information about wildebeest migration, so make sure to double check the area of Serengeti you are travelling is populated with wildebeest herds. You can also check wildebeest migration updates on our site.
Book At Least Two Nights in Serengeti
- Don’t spend one night in Serengeti – try to spend at least two to three nights. If you start safari in Arusha, you will be driving all day to Serengeti. Those starting wildebeest migration safari from Karatu or Ngorongoro will need between 5 to 6 hours of driving on rough roads or maybe more if safari driver stops for short photo sessions on the way.
You have to know entrance fees are charged per 24 hours in Serengeti if you decide to spend a day there you will loose driving time, come there in late afternoon, in the morning you might have an early morning drive but then you will have to proceed back to next destination and all you will see of Serengeti is in the rushing car.
Go on Balloon Safari in Serengeti or Masai Mara
Yes,it comes with a price tag but you will probably be on safari only once in a lifetime! Book balloon safari in Serengeti or Massai Mara during wildebeest migration and you will be awarded with spectacular views of endless Serengeti panorama! Tours usually start early in the morning before sunrise (including with preparations) and end with a group breakfast in savannah.
Expats Get Cheaper Entrance Fees to Tanzanian National Parks
If you are holder Tanzanian resident visa make sure to mention this to safari operator. Expats with resident visa get 50% cheaper entrance fees in Tanzanian national parks. (source: tanapa price list for Tanzanian national parks)So the total cost of safari should be a bit cheaper than for ordinary tourists.
Save on Safari in Kenya in Low Season and Catch the end of Wildebeest Migration
During September and October many properties drop prices up to 20 %. You might not see the best of great migration but still able to catch the herds on the way back to Tanzania.
Also read: What to pack for African Overland Safari
Wow, the hot ait balloon ride is going to need to be added to my bucket list! Sounds incredible.
Hot air balloon safari in Serengeti is also on my bucket list. Hope this year! 🙂
Wow! The wildebeast migration is impressive in photos, I can only imagine in real life! I want to go om Safari, and this sounds like a great add-on!
I have been to safari several times, mostly in Serengeti during great migration time, which is definitely the time i would recommend to each and everybody to go and see it. Words cant describe this spectacle to be honest!
Really nice blog with plenty of information and I plan Safari Trip to Kenia/Tanzania/Zanzibar on September, should be very nice season for animal watching;) I have choice this time local tour operator, I hope its reliable!
September is good for safari if you choose the right parks!
It would be a dream of us to do a hot air balloon safari or any safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Unfortunately the entrance prices are much to high for us. We might have to apply for a residence visa in Tanzania first …
That looks crazy! I’d definitely check out the Southern Serengeti in a hot air baloon! Great info and amazing shots 🙂
Safari to Serengeti is a must!:)
I’ve always wanted to do a safari, but I had no idea a hot air balloon safari was an option! I think that now tops the list for me! The photos you chose are beautiful. Wildbeests wouldn’t have normally been my number one pick for a safari, but thanks to this post I am now highly intrigued and fascinated with them! Thanks for all the helpful information as well! We will reference this when we do finally get to plan a safari!
Well the migration in Serengeti is the spectacle of nature and incredible to see thousands of wildebeest in the vastness of this enormous park.
Isn’t it an amazing spectacle! Thank you for sharing your many tips, it really makes it easy for people thinking of going during that time.
This is a great guide. I had no idea it was a thing to follow the wildabeast as they migrated around. I would love to go during calving season and see all the cute babies with their mothers.
Balloon safari would be a add-on to my bucket list this 2016. Hope so i start my new year experiencing balloon safari in Serengeti.