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 Wildebeest
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 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 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.
