Seasons of the Wildebeest Migration Safari

Calving Season (January to March)

The calving season happens in the months of (January to March) in the Southern part of Serengeti. In this region, the wildebeest give birth to around 500,000 calves in a few weeks attracting various predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas.

Western Corridor (April to June)

When the rains start to decrease, the herds starts to transfer to the North West through Serengeti’s western corridor. This part includes river crossings, especially the Grumeti River, where crocodiles lie in wait to catch prey.

Mara River Crossing (July to September)

Perhaps the most dramatic wildebeest sighting occurs at the Mara River, where thousands of animals leap into the water in a frantic rush. The sheer scale, the risk of drowning, and the predators make this one of the most intense natural spectacles on Earth to watch annually.

Return Journey (October to December)

After grazing in the Maasai Mara, the herds slowly head back south to the Serengeti, completing the cycle and starting anew.

Best places to see the Wildebeest Migration

Here are the best places to see the migration, broken down by location and time of year.

Ndutu Region

The Ndutu Region is exceptional for watching the great wildebeest migration. It is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Best Time to Visit is during late January, February to March. You shall watch various herds of wildebeest giving birth to over 500,000 calves born in 2-3 weeks. On these safaris, many predators wait to catch prey and these include; lions, cheetahs and hyenas target the vulnerable newborns. On your tour, view the open plains too.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is ideal for watching the great wildebeest migration. This happens in the Southern and Central part of the park. During this time, calving and early migration stages take place. Best time to watch these is during the months of January to March.

Grumeti Game Reserve

Grumeti Game Reserve is located close to the prominent Serengeti National Park and is known to have many wildlife animals wander around their natural habitat but prominently known to offer the best wildebeest migration experiences. The Best time to watch the great wildebeest migration is during the months of May to June.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Being the most popular safari destination on Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve offers remarkable wildebeest sightings of all time as you watch herds of four hoofed wildlife animals traverse the Mara River annually to get to Serengeti.  The Best time to watch the great wildebeest n=migration here is during the months of July to September.

Northern Serengeti

While on Wildebeest Migration Tour in Tanzania, travelers can watch the great wildebeest migration in the Northern part of Serengeti. The region is so ideal for all travelers and the best time to watch the natural wonder here is during the months of July to October. Watch thrilling Mara River Crossings, Massive herds and predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, etc lying low in the grass waiting to catch prey.

Loliondo and Eastern Serengeti

Loliondo and Eastern Serengeti is awesome to explore while on wildebeest migration tour in Tanzania. This adventure takes place in the Eastern Part of Serengeti where you watch the wildebeest traverse the various Rivers searching for greener pastures. The Best Time to visit to watch the great wildebeest migration in the Eastern part of Serengeti is during the months from November to December. The region is less crowded and more distant offering clients remarkable encounters.

Migration Route Overview (Month-by-Month)