The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most incredible natural phenomena on Earth.
It is often referred to as one of the “Seven New Wonders of the Natural World.” It is a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
This migration, driven by the need for food, water, and breeding opportunities, spans vast areas of East Africa and is not just a movement of wildebeests but includes other species such as zebras, gazelles, and predators who follow the herds in search of food.
In this comprehensive overview, we will explore what the migration is, where it happens, and when it occurs.
If you are interested in booking a safari to witness this incredible sight, we recommend reaching out to Go2Africa who are experts in this field. See here for our review of Go2Africa.
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What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the seasonal movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores.
This migration is primarily driven by the search for food and water, following the availability of fresh grasses in the regions they traverse.
The wildebeests move from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania, where they give birth to their young, to the northern part of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and across the border into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The migration is not a random movement but follows a specific pattern of route and timing dictated by seasonal rainfall.
The animals move in a circular route, following the green grasslands and fresh water sources, making the process not just a journey of survival, but also a remarkable display of natural instincts.
Key species involved in the migration
Wildebeest: The wildebeests are the central species in the migration, making up the largest portion of the migration. These herbivores travel in massive herds, and their movement is guided by the availability of fresh grazing grounds.
Zebras: Zebras migrate alongside the wildebeests, as they share similar grazing habits. While wildebeests prefer short grass, zebras thrive on longer grasses and thus complement each other’s needs. They are also an essential part of the ecosystem.
Thomson’s Gazelles: These agile and fast creatures also migrate alongside the wildebeest and zebra herds. Their smaller size and speed make them vulnerable to predators.
Predators: The migration attracts an array of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, all of whom follow the herds closely, waiting for opportunities to hunt.
Beyond the sheer numbers of animals, the migration is marked by dramatic events like river crossings and predator-prey encounters.
Many a wildlife documentary has covered the Great Migration over the years, but one that will always stick in my mind is this BBC Earth one capturing wildebeest crossing a river with crocodiles waiting to feast on them.
For many, this migration is the ultimate example of the circle of life, showcasing the vulnerability and resilience of the animals involved.
Where does the Great Wildebeest Migration take place?
The Great Wildebeest Migration occurs primarily in two countries: Tanzania and Kenya. The migration route stretches across two major regions in East Africa: the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara ecosystem in Kenya.
The Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
The Serengeti is one of the most famous wildlife conservation areas in the world and is the primary location for the wildebeest migration.
It is here that the wildebeests typically begin their journey, often in the southern part of the Serengeti, where they gather to give birth in January to March.
This area is known as the Seronera region, which has abundant grasslands that provide the ideal conditions for calving.
The Serengeti is divided into several zones, with the southern and central Serengeti being the most significant during the calving season.
As the migration progresses through the Serengeti, it moves through the western and northern Serengeti, where it crosses the Grumeti River and later the Mara River, which marks the northern boundary of the park.
Maasai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
The Maasai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya, is the northernmost part of the wildebeest migration route.
This reserve is known for its spectacular annual river crossings, where the wildebeests face the perilous task of crossing the Mara River, home to dangerous crocodiles.
The Mara River crossing is a dramatic scene where hundreds, even thousands, of wildebeests leap into the water, often at the mercy of predators waiting on the riverbanks.
The Maasai Mara, rich in wildlife and beautiful landscapes, is a key destination for safari-goers looking to witness the migration. The Mara is also home to numerous predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, who are drawn to the abundance of prey.
See here for our wildlife spotting tips. If you want to visit Kenya to see the migration, the cost of your safari will increase dramatically as the Kenya government doubled the park entrance fees during this time from $100 per person to $200 per person.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)
While the majority of the migration occurs in the Serengeti, some parts of the herd also pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is located to the east of the Serengeti.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most biodiverse areas in the region and supports various species, including wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores.
It is an incredible place to go on safari, even without witnessing the migration. Just don’t expect to see any giraffe as they can’t climb down the steep crater walls!
When does the Great Wildebeest Migration take place?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is not a single event but a continuous cycle that follows the rains and the resulting growth of fresh grass.
The timing of the migration can vary slightly from year to year, depending on the weather patterns, but it generally follows the same pattern:
- January to March – Calving Season in the Serengeti:
The migration begins in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeests give birth to their calves. This period is one of the most dramatic times of the migration, as nearly 500,000 calves are born in a span of a few weeks. The abundance of young calves attracts predators, making this time particularly dangerous for the newborns. The calving season is also when the herds are the most concentrated, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife observers. - April to May – The Herds Move West and North:
As the rains move northward, the herds begin their journey toward the western Serengeti, heading for the Grumeti River. This is the time when the wildebeests begin to leave the calving grounds, following the lush, green pastures left by the seasonal rains. Along the way, they cross the Grumeti River, where some of the wildebeests fall prey to crocodiles. - June to July – The Herds Approach the Maasai Mara:
By June and July, the migration has reached the northern Serengeti, and the wildebeests begin moving into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The herds grow larger as more wildebeests join the migration, and the terrain becomes more challenging with the arrival of the dry season. During this time, the animals need to cross the Mara River, a dangerous and dramatic spectacle that draws many tourists. - August to October – River Crossings in the Maasai Mara:
The most famous period of the migration is between August and October, when the wildebeests attempt the perilous Mara River crossing. Here, thousands of wildebeests face the dangers of crocodiles and predators on the banks. The crossing is one of the most incredible moments to witness, with wildebeests leaping into the river and trying to make it to the other side, often amidst chaos and danger. - November to December – Return South to the Serengeti:
By late October and early November, the wildebeests start to move back southward, towards the Serengeti. The herds are now beginning to prepare for the next calving season, and the migration cycle is complete. The herds travel south in search of new grazing grounds, beginning the process again.
Why is the migration important?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is an important event for both ecological and cultural reasons. From an ecological perspective, the migration helps to maintain the health of the grasslands in the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem.
The movement of the animals ensures that the vegetation does not become overgrazed in one area, and it allows for the growth of new grasses.
Additionally, the migration provides a constant food source for the many predators that follow the herds, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
From a cultural and economic perspective, the Great Wildebeest Migration is crucial to the tourism industries of both Kenya and Tanzania.
It draws millions of tourists annually who come to witness the spectacle. Safari operators, hotels, and local communities benefit greatly from the influx of visitors, and the migration is a significant driver of the local economies in both countries.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most remarkable wildlife phenomena in the world.
The migration is a living testament to the forces of nature and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of life in the wild.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair naturalist, the Great Wildebeest Migration is a phenomenon worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
