Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya – The wildebeest migration takes place annually across Kenya and Tanzania in Africa. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and other antelopes like gazelles and topis migrate in search of better pasture and water. They are closely followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, with crocodiles waiting at the Mara and Grumeti rivers.

The wildebeest migration is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It occurs across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Great columns of wildebeests can even be seen from space, with about 1,000 animals per square kilometer.

The migration repeats year after year, making it one of the greatest animal migrations on Earth. Each animal is said to cover about 800 to 1,000 kilometers during the migration.

Three groups of grazers participate in the migration: the first group consumes the initial vegetation, the second group eats the middle portion, and the last group eats what remains.

About Wildebeests

Wildebeests, also known as gnus, belong to the antelope family and are native to Eastern and Southern Africa.

There are two types of wildebeests: the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest, also known as the white-tailed gnu. The two species are believed to have diverged about one million years ago. Wildebeests typically breed at the end of the rainy season and often graze with zebras.

Wildebeests are greyish-brown, even-toed, and horned. Males are larger than females, with broad muzzles, shaggy manes, Roman noses, and heavy forequarters.

Male black wildebeests stand about 111-120 cm tall and weigh around 180 kg, while male blue wildebeests stand about 150 cm tall and weigh around 250 kg.

Female blue wildebeests can reach up to 135 cm and weigh around 180 kg, while female black wildebeests reach up to 108 cm and weigh up to 155 kg.

The milk of female wildebeests contains lower fat, higher protein, and lower lactose than that of blue wildebeests.

The average lifespan of a wildebeest is about 20 years, though some can live up to 40 years.

Wildebeests do not mate for life; males usually form temporary territories to attract females. Up to 300 territories can be established in one square kilometer.

The gestation period for wildebeests is about 250 to 260 days, with an estrous cycle of 23 days. Calves are born weighing around 21 kg and begin moving with the herd within minutes.

Migration Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

Each year, over 1.3 million wildebeests, 400,000 zebras, 300,000 Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, and 12,000 elands enter the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

The herds begin arriving in the reserve in July, staying until their return in October.

The river crossings are spectacular, although there is no specific timing for when the animals will cross, so spending several days at a lodge near the crossings is recommended.

Migration Safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti

The wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park begins in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, around the Ndutu region and southern plains.

New calves are primarily born between January and March.

The herds then move to the Seronera plains of Serengeti National Park.

By May, all herds start moving further north around Moru Kopjes and Seronera.

By June, the migrating herds reach the southern side of the Grumeti River and congregate in large groups as they prepare to cross.

Migration Routes

The wildebeest migration is not an easy journey, as the animals must cross dangerous rivers where predators like crocodiles await, while other predators, such as lions, follow closely.

The wildebeests generally follow established migration routes.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The wildebeest migration usually starts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, though not exactly at the crater. The migration begins around the Ndutu region, and this period, from January to March, is also the calving season.
• Serengeti Plains: The herds spread throughout the Serengeti National Park plains, heading northward, and arrive near the Grumeti River to prepare for the crossing.
• Masai Mara: By July, the herds begin crossing the Mara River and disperse throughout the Masai Mara National Game Reserve before returning to Serengeti in September.

Best Time to See the Migration

The wildebeest migration takes place every year, and visitors are generally guaranteed to see it. However, viewing depends on the wildebeests’ location at a given time.

Here are some guidelines on the best months to witness the migration and explore other tourist destinations in Tanzania and Kenya.

• Best Time to See Wildebeests in Tanzania: The best time to see wildebeests in Tanzania is from November to June. It is important to note that the migration gradually moves within the park, so it is advisable to book accommodations where the herds are located.
• Best Time to See Wildebeests in Kenya: The best time to witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya is from July to October, with the most spectacular sights occurring when herds are crossing the Mara River.

Migration Seasons

There are no distinct migration seasons for the wildebeest migration, as the wildebeests are constantly moving year-round.

However, we can look at the migration month by month.

January to March

The wildebeest migration usually begins in Tanzania, around the edge of Serengeti National Park, at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Olduvai Gorge.

During this time, most wildebeests are calving, giving tourists many opportunities to see newborn calves.

Approximately 8,000 new calves are born daily during this period.

Predators also take advantage of the calving season, creating daily spectacles as they hunt vulnerable calves.

April to May

At the beginning of May, the wildebeests slowly start moving northwest to the Serengeti plains around Central Serengeti National Park.

As May progresses, the animals gather in small groups and move towards the Moru Kopjes.

This period is also mating season, and it’s common to see male wildebeests battling head-to-head for females.

June to July

By early June, most wildebeests have moved to the western corridor of the Serengeti plains, heading towards the Grumeti River.

The animals gather in huge herds, preparing to cross the Grumeti River.

August to October

Starting in August, the wildebeests begin crossing the Mara River, creating one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to witness.

Survival becomes paramount as thousands of crocodiles patiently wait to feast on the crossing herds.

Some animals remain on the Serengeti side in August. By September, the last groups of wildebeests cross the Mara River, spreading eastward across the Masai Mara plains.

Some animals begin returning to the Serengeti in early October.

November to December

From November to December, the wildebeests are still moving from the Masai Mara, but some herds have settled in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within Serengeti.

Migration Facts

It’s unclear what exactly drives the wildebeests to migrate annually, although it’s believed they move in response to weather patterns.

Some scientists suggest that the migration is triggered by short rains and the growth of new grass, while others theorize that the animals follow lightning and thunderstorms ahead.

Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and various other antelopes participate in the wildebeest migration annually.

The Mara and Grumeti Rivers

Grumeti River

The Grumeti River is located along the western side of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

The first herds of the wildebeest migration reach the Grumeti River by June each year. It is one of the most exciting moments to witness, as the animals cross the river.

Booking accommodations near this area during this season is recommended.

Mara River

The Mara River flows through Masai Mara National Reserve and the northern Serengeti plains.

It is home to some of the world’s largest crocodiles, which prey on the herds as they cross.

The crossings at the Mara River are often more dramatic than those at the Grumeti River.

The crossing can be observed from Serengeti National Park or Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The timing of the wildebeest river crossings is unpredictable, but spending several days at a lodge during crossing seasons increases your chances of witnessing this spectacle.

The herds usually take their time before deciding to plunge into the crocodile-infested waters.

Adding Gorilla Trekking to Your Trip

Mountain gorillas, an endangered species, are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They are closely related to humans, sharing over 90% of our DNA.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

You can trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the western part of the country.

Gorilla permits need to be booked at least three months in advance. Each permit costs $800 per person.

While in Uganda, you can also opt for gorilla habituation, allowing you to spend more time with the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking experience, at $1,500 per person, in Volcanoes National Park.

It is recommended to book permits in advance to avoid disappointment.

The park has several groups of gorillas available for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo provides the most budget-friendly gorilla trekking experience, appealing to budget travelers.

Tourists can fly into Rwanda and drive to Congo to trek mountain gorillas.

While at Virunga National Park in Congo, visitors can also visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the only one of its kind in the world.

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Namanga Border – Namanga is a town located along the border between Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, it is situated in Kajiado County, while in Tanzania, it is found in Longido District.

Namanga is predominantly a Maasai area, but over the years, people from other tribes have also settled here.

The Namanga border offers stunning views of Mount Meru on a clear day and beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, located in Tanzania.

Due to many migrants settling in Namanga for business opportunities, the town has experienced significant growth, and its population has rapidly increased.

Tourists often travel through Namanga by road as an entry and exit point between Tanzania and Kenya.

Namanga is generally safe for tourists to cross and travel through; however, travelers should be cautious, particularly around money changers who may try to convince you to exchange money or offer insurance services, sometimes even providing counterfeit currency.

Tourists traveling between Tanzania and Kenya can return to the other country without needing a return visa, or they can opt for a single-entry visa.

East African citizens traveling through the Namanga border will need a passport or alternative travel documents, such as their national identity cards.

All visas must be up-to-date, and passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Tourists entering Kenya or Tanzania through the Namanga border will need a visa.

A visa can be obtained at the border, or you can apply for an electronic visa online, wait for approval, and print out the visa form to show at the border to cross.

If you are driving a vehicle with a foreign license plate to Kenya or Tanzania, you must fill out a form at the border.

You will then receive a permit for seven days of free driving, after which you will need to pay $20 per month.

The receipt will allow you to drive temporarily within the country.

Certain East African countries—Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda—have an agreement that allows their citizens to move freely to promote trade.

This has been further enhanced with the introduction of a One-Stop Border Post, where documentation can be processed in one of the participating countries.

Travelers using public transportation must fill out exit and entry forms at the border. Yellow fever vaccination documentation is required for all travelers.

East African citizens traveling with their cars must provide a logbook, insurance, and a valid driving permit.

If the car is not yours, a valid power of attorney document from the car owner is required.

When driving a vehicle with foreign plates, ensure that the fire extinguisher is not expired, and have two reflectors and a first aid kit.

This can help avoid issues with the police, who often stop vehicles with foreign plates.

All travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate that is no more than 14 days old.

Kenya and Tanzania are generally considered safe for visitors. However, travelers should exercise caution, particularly in crowded places or towns.

Keep valuables secure and avoid going out alone at night.

If you plan to stay in Namanga, you can book accommodation at one of the many budget-friendly hotels on either side of the Kenya-Tanzania border.

While in Namanga, here are some activities you can enjoy:

• Explore the Namanga Town: While in Namanga, visit the town stalls that sell various arts and crafts, which make for great souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. You can also explore the local markets and sample traditional African cuisine.
• Visit the Maasai: The Maasai are nomadic pastoralists living in Kenya and Tanzania. They have a distinctive culture, traditional dress, and unique customs. The Maasai often live near national parks in both countries, making them widely recognized internationally. You can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their culture and way of life.
• Oldonyio Orok Mountains: The Oldonyio Orok Mountains, also known as the Namanga Hills, straddle Kenya and Tanzania in a triangular shape. The highest peak stands at 2,548 meters above sea level. The Oldonyio Orok Forest Reserve is a designated wildlife area covering 117 square kilometers. It is home to various plant species, primates, birds, and other animals.
• The Prayer Cave: There is a prayer cave within the Namanga Hills where individuals or groups often go to pray overnight or during the day. The cave walls are filled with scriptures, making it an interesting site to visit for those with a religious interest.

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East Africa Safari Activities – East Africa is made up of seven magical countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo.

All these countries have unique and interesting attractions ranging from national parks, lakes and rivers, tall mountains and short sweeping hills, as well as rich culture.

You can visit any of these countries for both adventurous and leisure activities.

The following are some of the things you can do on a safari to East Africa:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

This adventure safari is best done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda, as well as Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks are the oldest conservation areas in Africa, and because of this, they both boast sheltering a wide array of wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas, which are the main attractions, and several other primates.

You will be allowed to spend one hour in the presence of these great apes as you watch them have fun, eat, and communicate if you are trekking, and up to four hours for a gorilla habituation tour.

You may also have a chance to meet other rare primates like golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys among others jumping from one tree to another, and numerous bird species.

Game Drives

Game drives are carried out in savanna national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda, Akagera National Park in Rwanda, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

While on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth, you will be able to look at a variety of wild animals a bit closer, including African elephants, hippopotamus (it has the highest number of hippos), crocodiles, and so much more within its 1,978 square kilometers of land.

You will also take a look at the variety of bird species that normally migrate to this park during their breeding season, and track the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

If you want to look at thousands of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras crossing from Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya at the same time, then a visit to Serengeti National Park won’t disappoint.

This park covers an area of 14,750 square kilometers with diverse flora and fauna, birdlife, and primates, thus being crowned one of the world’s top wildlife sanctuaries.

The park is home to over 400 bird species, which include lovebirds, ostriches, and secretary birds to mention but a few, mammals like elephants, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, among other rare cats.

You can also view the sweeping Serengeti plains from above during a hot air balloon safari; try this and discover the secret and beauty of Serengeti National Park.

Primate Trekking

East Africa is home to 20 primate species, and therefore, primate watching can also be done in most countries; most famously in Kibale National Park of western Uganda.

Here, travelers can spot up to 13 primate species, among others including rare chimpanzees, blue monkeys, endemic grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is another home of rare and endangered chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and so much more.

The presence of golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda has given way to two most important experiences: golden monkey tracking and golden monkey habituation.

Golden monkey tracking is where travelers spend one hour in their presence while habituation takes up to three hours.

Beach Holidays

Tanzania, one of the East African countries, is famous for the best holiday vacations that happen in Zanzibar with a lot of attractions and activities carried out.

Zanzibar was famously known for its spice trade years ago but is now one of the best in the world for its vast beaches and historical sites.

Lots of adventure and leisure experiences happen here, such as swimming, scuba diving, sunbathing on the vast beaches.

There is a small forest here, Jozani-Chwaka Forest, for travelers interested in nature walks and monkey trekking.

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This region is made up of beautiful countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo, and South Sudan. Each of these countries is blessed with beautiful and exciting attractions, including national parks and wildlife reserves, mountains, lakes, culture, and more. Here are ten must-visit destinations in East Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Though Bwindi is dense and challenging to navigate, you can still witness these endangered mountain gorillas communicating, playing, grooming each other, and feeding during the trek.

Bwindi is not only a habitat for mountain gorillas but also hosts other wildlife, including amphibians, chimpanzees, over 120 mammal species, several bird species, and diverse plant life. You can also experience the Batwa culture, as this Indigenous group originally lived in the forest alongside these animals.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

One of Africa’s oldest parks and a top destination for mountain gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers close encounters with mountain gorillas, allowing visitors to spend an hour observing their fascinating behaviors and capturing memorable photos.

The park is also home to rare bird species like the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, and strange weaver, as well as primates like the rare golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, along with other mammals.

Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya

Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, especially during the dry season when water levels drop, leading to a rise in algae that the flamingos feed on. This soda lake’s surface is transformed by a stunning pink carpet of flamingos during this period.

Lake Nakuru is also home to other animals like rhinoceros, lions, and African wild dogs, as well as bird species such as the greater blue-eared starling and grey-crested helmet-shrike. The park supports over 300 bird species.

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

If you want to see the Big Five all in one day, the Masai Mara Reserve is the place to be, with sights of elephants, rhinoceros, buffaloes, leopards, and lions. The reserve is also renowned for the wildebeest migrations from July to November, making it a top African destination.

Watching thousands of animals cross the river is an unforgettable experience, providing an unparalleled safari adventure.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

One of Uganda’s famous savanna parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers expansive green landscapes and diverse wildlife during morning and evening game drives. The Ishasha sector of the park is known for its rare tree-climbing lions.

A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel provides opportunities to observe sunbathing hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species that migrate here during the breeding season.

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

For mountain climbing enthusiasts, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), is a must-visit. It has three peaks: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi, with Kibo being the tallest and providing a thrilling hiking experience.

The climb to the summit takes about 7 to 9 days and is best attempted during the dry season. Those not up to climbing Kilimanjaro can try the nearby Mount Meru.

Zanzibar in Tanzania

Once home to Arab rulers and a major East African slave market, Zanzibar is now a popular vacation destination. This island features the historic Stone Town, the Sultan’s Palace with a clock tower, and numerous mosques.

The island’s beautiful beaches, close to coral reefs, make it an ideal spot for scuba diving and other water activities in the Indian Ocean.

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda

The lush Nyungwe Forest in southern Rwanda is one of East Africa’s top destinations. Considered Africa’s largest mountain forest, Nyungwe hosts diverse biodiversity, including 100 mammal species, over 13 primate species, numerous bird species, and a variety of flora.

Akagera National Park in Rwanda

Located at Rwanda’s border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is ideal for game safaris, featuring animals like lions, baboons, hyenas, giraffes, leopards, zebras, and buffaloes. The park also boasts unique bird species, including the shoebill stork, and hosts crocodiles and hippos in Lake Ihema.

Covered by savanna grasslands, swamps, and woodlands, Akagera is East-Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s only savannah habitat. Named after the Akagera River, the park flows north to Lake Victoria in Uganda.

Tourists can enjoy boat trips on the park’s lakes, experience aquatic wildlife, and engage in fishing. Bird watching, hiking, and community tours are also popular activities here.

Lake Kivu in Rwanda

Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is the third deepest and highest in altitude among them. Located along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, it is a volcanic lake surrounded by misty mountains, scenic hills, and islands with a tropical climate.

Lake Kivu’s freshwater and sandy beaches are breathtakingly beautiful. It is safe for swimming as there are no hippos, crocodiles, or risks of bilharzia, and the water temperature is moderate. Wind surfing, canoeing, sunbathing, and water sports are other popular activities on the lake.

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